The South Panola baseball team is in the district playoffs for the first time since 1998.

The Mississippi High School Activities Association extended the number of teams which qualify for the playoffs from two to three this year. The first round will be a three-team double elimination tournament.
In the past, the top two teams in each subdivision of the districts are the only ones to qualify for postseason play.

South Panola is third in Division 1, District 2 and will play second place Olive Branch next Thursday, April 20 at Madison Central at 4 p.m. Madison Central won the Division 3, District 6 and gets to host the first round of playoffs.

The winner of the South Panola/Olive Branch game will play Madison Central Thursday night at 7 p.m.

The loser of the first game will play the loser of the second game on Friday at 4 p.m.

The second and third rounds of playoff will be a home and home best two of three series.

The Tigers played Madison Central Tuesday in non-district action and lost 7-2.

Barrett Johnson took the loss for the Tigers.

The Tigers hosted Olive Branch last night in the final game of the regular season but the result was not available at press time.

The Tigers recognized its seven seniors Bud Barthold, Josh Boren, Kyle Crofford, Jonathon Flint, Lance Hendrix, Barrett Johnson and Jameson Rodgers.

?These seven young men have helped South Panola reach the playoffs for the first time in several years and we want to congratulate them on all they have accomplished on the field and off throughout their high school careers," said head coach Patrick Robey.

Southaven was the winner in District 1, Division 2 and will host the first round of the playoffs.
 

South Oakes placed second in the 275-pound division and Cameron Wagner placed third in the 308-pound division.

Senior Oakes lifted a total of 1,550 pounds while sophomore Wagner lifted 1,365 pounds.

In the squat, Oakes lifted 590 pounds. He bench pressed 360 pounds and deadlifted 600 pounds.

Wagner squatted 600 pounds, benched 295 pounds and deadlifted 470 pounds.
 

In Jr. High track news, Rob Maddux placed fifth in the district in the discus throw. The mile relay team placed fifth at district. Team members include Carson Bailey, Corbin Baker, Geri Lamm and Thomas Womble.
 

This will also be the rules meeting for all teams. You must have a representative at this meeting.
 

Eighty-seven games are scheduled for the first week of the season Monday through Saturday, April 17-22.

This year J.P. Hudson will field 60 teams, 40 baseball and 20 softball.

There are 385 children signed up to play baseball and 223 for softball for a total of 608 players.

Saturday, April 22, will be the opening weekend of play and all teams will play on Saturday.

Games begin at 5:30 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. on Saturday.
 

The Green Waves recognized the six seniors on the team in between games Hunter Darby, Pittman Harrison, Matthew Locke, Dustin Maples, Chris Pike and Bryce Raddatz.
 

The South Panola girls and boys track teams participated in the district meet held at Columbus Wednesday.

The girls placed third overall and the boys finished second overall.

The top four teams or members qualified for regional to be held April 22 at Columbus at 9 a.m.

Qualifying for the girls and their times and distances are listed.

The 400 meter relay team placed first with a time of 52.6 seconds. Team members include Marquita Frison, Pelaure Chapman, Tyunna Diggs and Tamara Poole.

Placing second was Sherika Harris in the discus throw with a distance of 84’6". Saraka Chapman was second in the 400 meter dash with a time of 1:08 minutes. Also, the 800 meter relay (4X200 meter) team of Frison, Pelaure Chapman, Diggs and Poole placed second with a time of 1:54.0.

In third place shot put was Sad’e Wallace with a 34’2" distance. Poole was third in the 100 meter dash with a time of 13.1 seconds and third in the 200 meter dash with a time of 27.6 seconds.

In the discus throw, Wallace was fourth with a 76’3" distance and Racquel Burdette was fourth in the shot put with a 31’4" distance.

The boys placed first in four events.

Justin Harris won the discus throw with a throw of 121’4". In shot put, Chris Strong was first with a 46’4" throw.

Defending state champion in the 110 meter hurdles, Rodney Gray, was one step closer to defending his title. He won the 110 meter hurdles with a 14.3 seconds time and the 300 meter hudles with a 39.3 seconds time.

Demetrius Dunn placed second in the 200 meter dash with a time of 22.8 seconds.

The 400 meter (4×100) and the 800 meter relay (4×200) teams both placed second.

The 400 meter relay team of Jeramie Griffin, Demetrius Dunn, Leroy Diggs and Rodney Gray had a time of 43.7 seconds.

The 800 meter relay team had a time of 1:32.7 minutes run by Darius Barksdale, David Conner, Quenterius Wright and Demetrius Dunn.

Placing third was Justin Harris in the shot put with a 45’0" distance.

Finishing fourth was Javon Robertson in the discus throw with a 108’1" distance. Demetrius Dunn finished fourth in the long jump with a distance of 19’8". Travius Butler finished fourth in the 300 meter hurdles with a time of 43.1 seconds.

Also placing fourth was the 1600 meter relay (4x400m) team with a time of 3:59 minutes. Team members include Tristan Gleeton, David Conner, Travius Butler and Quenterius Wright.