Starkville High School girls basketball coach Kristie Williams always has strived to be a state championship coach.
Williams never dreamed her first title would come in October.
“When (superintendent) Dr. (Eddie) Peasant called, I was really humbled,” Williams said. “I just didn’t think there was a way this could happen. We have always been pushing for that state championship. To now have one is gratifying and humbling.”
Olive Branch beat Starkville 57-54 in the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A State championship game on March 11 in the Mississippi Coliseum. It was the third-straight year Starkville played in Jackson but failed to win the final game.
Earlier this fall, the MHSAA ruled Olive Branch must vacate the state championship after playing with an ineligible player. On Wednesday, the MHSAA made two rulings. One denied the appeal from Olive Branch. The other awarded Starkville the state championship. The MHSAA won’t recognize a runner-up.
It is the first girls basketball state title for the school since 1992. Williams said a trophy presentation and a banner ceremony will be held during a home game later this season.
Starkville will open the 2017-18 season Saturday at the New Hope Jamboree. The home opener is Nov. 16 against West Point.
“We lost one senior (Kelsey Jones at Southern Mississippi),” Williams said. “I think this will be that extra motivation to this team. They will want to go back and win another championship. We know that hard work it takes to get there. I think this championship is that one extra motivation they need.
“It’s a bittersweet award. However, it is a great accomplishment for a special team.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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