MONTICELLO — For the second time in two years, the LawrenceCounty High School Lady Cougar basketball program will be under thedirection of a new head coach.

Vicki Rutland, 30, was hired to replace Jennie Vance; whoreturned home to Philadelphia after one season. Rutland graduatedfrom Jackson’s Forest Hill High School, attended Delta State andthe University of Southern Mississippi; where she obtained B.S. andMasters degrees in social studies education.

“I am very happy to be here,” said Rutland who sports an overallcoaching record of 134-76 in six seasons at Northeast Jones and twoat West Marion. “I am looking forward to rebuilding a good, solidprogram at Lawrence County.”

Rutland’s 2003-04 Northeast Jones team won the Class 4A girlsstate title with a 76-60 win over Bay High. The Tigers upsethigh-touted Jackson Callaway, which boasted three All-Americanplayers in their line-up, in the semifinals.

“We did not have any marquee players, but we played team ball onboth ends of the floor,” said Rutland. “I want to bring that samestyle of play to LCHS.

“We want to be aggressive on both sides of the ball,” continuedRutland. “If we are in good shape and block out, the offense willtake care of itself.”

Rutland, a McComb native, takes over a program that was 4-21during the 2004-05 season. Her husband, Rusty, is from the Ruthcommunity in southeast Lincoln County. He went to school atTopeka-Tilton, where he is now principal. They have three boys,twins John and Lane 7; and Joe Lee 4. The Rutlands attendProvidence Baptist Church in southern Lawrence County.

“This was an opportunity to move closer to home,” added Rutland.”I want to personally thank Superintendent of Education RussellCaudill, principal Daryl Scoggins and athletic director Mike Davisfor this opportunity.”

There are 28 players participating on the varsity, JV and ninthgrade basketball teams.

“We have a good group out so far,” said Rutland. “They areexcited about working to get better.”