To say the least, Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s men’sbasketball team exceeded expectations this season. The Wolfpack hadbeen in a mediocre mode for a few seasons while their counterparts,Co-Lin’s Lady Wolves, were basking in the spotlight.

That role was reversed this season. Basketball fans flocked toMullen Gymnasium to see the Wolves run the floor, shoot the treyand hustle on defense. They won the demanding South Division raceand the right to host the MACJC State Tournament last week.

Battling an impressive Northwest Community College squad, theWolves came within a field goal by winning the state title, falling71-70 in Mullen gym. Co-Lin coach Dennis Sims went with afour-guard lineup most of the time.

Co-Lin didn’t have a true power center who could dominate thebackboards and devour rebounds, but the Wolves often shot thelights out, compensating for their lack of height. Players likesophomore Ledell Eackles and freshman Joe Holliday could fill it upon any given night.

Eackles and Holliday are both from Louisiana. Local interestsoared because of cat-quick, talented guards Brandon Caston andDexter Middleton, both from Brookhaven. Freshman center/forwardLamar Hall of Brookhaven could shoot from the perimeter, too.

The Wolves got some inside scoring from Cedric Walker, anoffensive-minded sharpshooter from Memphis. But they stillstruggled on the backboards.

When Hinds, Pearl River and Northwest matched up against Co-Linon the inside, it looked like men versus boys. Northwest looks likea national tournament team, meaning the Rangers are big and quick,strong and deep.

After the 2003-04 season, Sims declared that he was going torecruit athletes who could run the floor and shoot the basketball.Holliday, an outstanding shooter from 3-point range, will joinHall, Ivory Dishmon, Felton Walker, Tremaine Enoch, Jermaine Culverand Arvel Keys as returnees for next season.

Keys, from Mendenhall, began asserting himself with his 6-foot-5strength and shooting touch late in the season. He scored acareer-high 16 points in Wednesday’s loss to Southern University ofShreveport in the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament semifinals.

Personally, we have wished aloud several times that Loyd Starstandout guard Jared Britt would have remained on scholarship atCo-Lin. However, Britt didn’t feel comfortable playing at a higherlevel, despite his shooting expertise.

So Sims is on the recruiting trail, again, after a rewarding20-8 campaign. His Wolves played poorly against Southern-Shreveportbut there is hope for the future. His reserves outplayed hisstarting quintet.

On the top of Sims’ wish list is a powerful post player and a3-point shooting marksman who can handle the ball, too. Obviously,this recruiting business can make or break a college coachingcareer.

Co-Lin women’s coach Gwyn Young also is in the hunt foroutstanding players. His Lady Wolves were unpredictable at bestmost of the season and finished 15-10 overall and 8-6 in the South.They were absent from the state and regional tournaments,

Young must replace post player Crystal Brown, plus forwardsTravalyn Smith and Loretta Williams. Also graduating are guardsGloria Lewis, Jessica Melton and Dana King.

On the bright side, post players Kristin McCray and Anna Autman,both of Brookhaven, are returning. So is shooting guard AshleyMurphy.

The Co-Lin recruiting district isn’t loaded with talent thisyear but there are a few outstanding players available. Hopefully,they will cast their lot with the Wolves and Lady Wolves.

Stephany Smith’s team in NCAA dance

Lady Blue Raider fans were dancing in the streets ofMurfreesboro late Tuesday night after Middle Tennessee StateUniversity won the Sun Belt Conference Tournament and guaranteeditself a return trip to the NCAA’s Big Dance. Coached by Brookhavennative Stephany Smith, the Lady Raiders defeated LSU-Lafayette67-52 in the title game which was held on the North Texas Statecampus in Denton.

Last year, Smith’s team upset North Carolina in the openinground of the NCAA. The Lady Raiders (23-8) are led by senior guardPatricia Holmes, the SBC’s Most Valuable Player for a thirdstraight year.

Smith’s team will find out Sunday afternoon who, when and wherethey play their first NCAA tourney game.

Write to sports editor Tom Goetz, c/o The DAILY LEADER, P.O.BOX 551, Brookhaven, MS 39602 or e-mailsports@dailyleader.com