STARKVILLE — As the calendar inches toward February, the Starkville High School girls basketball team find itself in familiar territory.
The Lady Jackets (15-3) have won 11-straight games and are two wins shy of another undefeated run through Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A, Region 3 play.
“Coming into the season, we knew we had some key players to replace,” Starkville coach Kristie Williams said. “We had some aches and pains along the way. However, the last month and a half, we have seen a lot of growth in the players. We have played some really good basketball.”
This past week, Starkville beat West Point and Northwest Rankin before knocking off Ripley on Saturday in the Robertson’s Sportswear Challenge.
Against Ripley, All-State guard Jalisa Outlaw led the way with 29 points. Against Northwest Rankin, Outlaw had 21 points.
For her accomplishments, Outlaw is The Dispatch’s Prep Player of the Week.
“Jalisa never disappoints,” Williams said. “We moved her up after her ninth-grade season because we knew she was a great player in the making. She has exceeded every expectation we had. She has worked on becoming a great shooter from inside and out. Her mid-range game has developed. Her 3-point shot has gotten better.
“Much like in the win over Ripley, she picked the team up and carried them on her shoulders. Her work ethic has driven her to become a great player.”
After winning back-to-back state championships, Outlaw knew the expectations would be high for her and her senior classmates to earn a return trip to Jackson.
“Each season, the goal is to win the state championship,” Outlaw said. “We knew it would be a little time, but if we kept working hard, we had a chance. The senior class is tight. We have tried to show some of the younger players what it takes to be successful.”
Starkville has four of its six seniors in the starting lineup. Sophomore Amaya Ford joins the seniors in the starting lineup.
“The group of seniors have tasted success on the highest level,” Williams said. “If you are in the senior class, you don’t want to be the team that doesn’t get to Jackson. After the second loss to Columbus (on Dec. 8), this team has really been on a mission. The seniors know the expectations of our program. They give us leadership. They also have a great bond with one another. They have embraced the challenge of leading the younger players and leaving their own mark on the program.”
Starkville dropped the season opener to Pontotoc and then lost to Columbus in two hard-fought rivalry games.
“We just learned to keep going,” Outlaw said. “As long as we guard and rebound, we feel like we can compete with anybody in the state.”
That mind-set has helped Starkville get off to a 4-0 start in region play. The region slate features Madison Central and Murrah one more time apiece. The region tournament will be at Madison Central. A region championship would put the squad one win away from a return trip to Jackson.
“This team doesn’t get down on themselves,” Williams said. “That’s the best compliment that can be said about them. After having success the last couple of years, the seniors want to keep it going. From the start of the season to now, there has been a lot of growth. Coming down to the end of the regular season, we are playing well as a team. That’s a good sign.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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