Looking ahead to the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star FootballClassic in Mobile, Ala., June 4. Followers of Brookhaven footballshould consider chartering a bus for the Saturday night event inLadd-Peeples Stadium because four of the Ole Brook Panthers will beplaying for the Mississippi team.

The quartet includes quarterback Jimmy Johns, wide receiver BudChatman, center Grant McDonnieal and defensive tackle JessieBowman. McDonnieal was the latest addition to the dream team,replacing Collins center Josh McNeil who withdrew. McNeil (6-4,285) has signed with Tennessee.

Mississippi folks hope South Panola coach Ricky Woods can leadthe Magnolia Staters to victory. Mississippi has endured a lot offrustration over the years. Alabama leads the series 12-5.

Football fans from Southaven to Pascagoula will be celebratingif Mississippi brings home a victory. Alabama has reeled off sixstraight wins. Those folks like to rub it in, too.

Johns, who has signed with the Alabama Crimson Tide, is eager toplay in the game. He’s staying in shape this spring by running thehurdles in track, helping out with the relays and throwing thediscus. He was a state champion last year in the hurdles and thediscus.

Bowman throws the shot put and the discus. The Mississippi Statesignee helped the Panthers bring home the Class 4A state footballchampionship last December.

Chatman is fresh from a strong showing on the basketball court.He’s also running track this spring.

McDonnieal, a par-buster in golf, also stars on Ole Brook’sbaseball team. He plays first base and catcher.

McDonnieal was a key player in Brookhaven’s march to the 4Astate baseball championship last May.

Another Ole Brook two-sport star, linebacker Darius Perkins,will play for the South team in the Bernard Blackwell All-StarFootball Game which will be played July 15, at Madison Central.Perkins also is a standout pitcher and outfielder for thePanthers.

Also on the South squad from this area are wide receivers DamoynCarroll of Hazlehurst and Jasper O’Quinn of Franklin County,defensive back Justin (J.P.) Lewis of Lawrence County andlinebacker John Thompson of McComb.

Kenny Robinson of Mize is serving as head coach for the Southsquad.

Two Lady Bears on 1A all-state team

Congratulations to West Lincoln’s Alicia Kennedy and LaurenSmith on their selection to the Class 1A All-State TournamentBasketball Team. They were instrumental in leading Coach LaneYoung’s Lady Bears to the state semifinals where they lost toMize.

Mize had grand dreams of winning its first state basketballtitle since 1944 but Falkner’s Lady Eagles had a different idea.Falkner whipped Mize 69-54 in the championship game and the LadyBulldogs committed a whopping 30 turnovers. Credit Falkner’s toughdefense.

In case you missed it, Durant won the Class 1A boys state title.Class 2A titles went to the the Newton girls and Coahoma Countyboys. Class 3A went to Choctaw Central’s girls and the HollySprings boys. Class 4A crows were claimed by the Bay St. Louisgirls and the Lanier boys. 5A crowns went to the Harrison Centralgirls and the Murrah boys.

Congratulations to Franklin County’s Jonathan Brooks, DeandreCameron and Marcus Tillman for making the 3A All-State Tournamentteam. The Bulldogs made it all the way to the finals under headcoach Chris Jordan.

Brown leads Lady Rebels to NCAA test

Franklin County product Carletta Brown will work at guard Sundayas the Ole Miss Lady Rebels tackle George Washington in ChapelHill, N.C., in the opening round of the NCAA Division I Women’sBasketball Tournament. Brown has been a 4-year starter for the LadyRebels.

Ole Miss (19-10) is seeded No. 8 and George Washington (22-8) isNo. 9 in the Tempe Regional. A Sunday victory would send the LadyRebels against the winner of the North Carolina-Coppin State gameTuesday night.

Meanwhile, in Dallas Saturday night, Brookhaven product StephanySmith sends her Middle Tennessee State University Lady Raidersagainst North Carolina State. MTSU (23-8) is a No. 12 seed. N.C.State (21-7) is a No. 5 seed in the Philadelphia regional.

It’s a long road to the Final Four in Indianapolis. Goodluck.

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