2012

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Porter, ECCC Women learning on the run

By Austin Bishop Special To Tt: S

DECATUR- Although Crandal Porter has a winning pedigree, he is smart enough to know he has a lot to learn. The first-year East Central Community College head women's bas– ketball coach, who led Newton High School to a trio of MHSAA state championships, said he has done his share oflearning over the last couple of months. "The biggest thing for me has been getting acclimated to the dif· terence between college and high school," be said. "Most of it has been off the court stuff, with the paperwork, financial aid and cur· fews. But there are some on the court things too. There is the time clock, the length of the games, when to use your timeouts and when to substitute. It's all a little different." And Porter bas been busy doing his homework. "I have been calling a lot of people, just to get their views on things," he said. "Of course I will make my own final decisions, but I just wanted to talk to some people who have some experience." Porter hopes to play a high-energy up-empo style when the War– riors kick off their season today at 6 p.m. in Clarksdale at Coahoma Community College. But, he will be putting a somewhat wounded team on the court. 11 We had 15 players, then one transferred and a couple others decided not to play," he said. "We got down to 10 players dressed out and now three of them are hurt. They are going to be OK, we just don't know when we will get them all back." Porter is inheriting a strong foundation from former ECCC coach Bill Smith, who retired in the summer after eight seasons coaching the women. The Warriors began the season at ()..lllast year, but fin· ished strong, posting an 8-15 record and 7-5 mark in MACJC South Division play. Among those returning are a pair of strong wing players in Xzandra Dowd and Jainah Matthew. Big contributors on the inside will be 6-fool·l Jakela]ohnson and 5-foot-11 Reneisha Evans, a Newton County High School product. "So far they have done a really good job," he said. ''The have wei- ~t: corned the freshmen in and have helped me out a lot with the transi– tion." Among the freshmen Porter will be counting on heavily is Lawrence County High School point guard Taylor Brister. "She has played in some high caliber games and she is no stranger to competition," he said. ''This is going to be a different level, but she will be able to handle it." t' Tyneisa Mickens of Noxubee County will be the first player off \~-:- the bench and will provide great depth at the wings. Also being counted on to help will by Tyler Hern, Niya Hughes. Chelsea Camp– bell, and Nakia Miller.

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APPEARED IN:

CARTHAGINIAN ---------------- NEWTON COUNTYAPPEAL

NESHOBA·DEMOCRAT --- --- SCOTT COUNTY TIMES ------ WINSTON COUNTY JOURNAL --- CLARION.. LI;DGER ---------------

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SPIRIT'OF MORTON

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