Forgive boys basketball coaches Ron Kessler of Wesson and Gene(Moochie) Britt of Loyd Star for breaking out in song andperforming a happy dance across their respective gymnasium floors.They are rejoicing, they are grinning, they are savoring themoment.

Their outmanned teams suddenly have a chance to win the Division6-2A Tournament championship next week at St. Andrew’s inRidgeland. That’s because Piney Woods has been placed on probationby the Mississippi High School Activities Association.

Piney Woods, the private boarding school located just offHighway 49 south of Jackson, was ruled ineligible for the stateplayoffs which begin next week. Illegal recruiting of big-timeathletes was the main violation. These athletes came from theJackson area and beyond.

Last year, when Piney Woods was runner-up to Coahoma County inthe Class 2A state championship game, the Tornados boasted aninternational team. Tall and talented players listed Cameroon,Africa; Los Angeles, New York and other places as theirhometowns.

Certainly, PW head coach Wayne Brent had constructed a talentedteam at the small school known around the world for assistingdisadvantaged youth. By coincidence, some of the youth were able toconsistently shoot the lights out from downtown with a 3-pointfield goal barrage, while others were as quick as greased lightningand able to jump through the gymnasium roof.

Naturally, a loud howl of pain arose among the division coachesfrom Wesson, Loyd Star, Hinds AHS, McLaurin and St. Andrew’s. “It’stotally unfair,” proclaimed one coach.

“All we have are a bunch of country kids who like to playbasketball,” the coach continued. “How can they compete against aninternational team?”

Coach was right. Watching Piney Woods play the game was aneye-opener. Matched against other division teams, it was like menversus boys.

In a game with Loyd Star last season, the PW Tornadoesfull-court pressed the Hornets the entire game and won 101-39. Somuch for sportsmanship.

Kessler was honest about his reaction when informed that PineyWoods was on probation. “We were very thrilled when we heard thenews. Good things come to those who wait.”

Obviously, Kessler is looking forward to next week’s tournament.Hinds AHS is the heavyweight favorite, but the Bulldogs aren’tinvincible.

“Now this tournament is a winable tournament for any team,” saidKessler. “We played Hinds within nine points.”

A gym rat from Philadelphia, Pa., Kessler knows his basketballinside and out. He is a graduate of Liberty University where heplayed baseball.

Earlier in the season, in a game at Piney Woods, Kessler went toa delay game in the second half. His players formed a small,shoulder-to-shoulder circle and passed the ball around for six anda half minutes.

The Tornados had no choice but to foul if they wanted thebasketball. The PW fans went bonkers.

Kessler recalled his pregame philosophy. “We had nothing tolose. There was no pressure on us. We were going to play a reallytough team so we made it like practice; just try to getbetter.”

Realistically, Piney Woods should play in the MHSAA’s largerClass 5A group. Better yet, the Tornados should play an independentschedule, travel to adjacent states and face the strongestcompetition possible.

Exactly one year ago, this column reported the situation to ourreaders.

To his credit, Kessler has compassion for the Piney Woodsplayers who must now watch the state playoffs from the bleacherseats

“I feel bad for the kids at Piney Woods,” said Kessler. “Theyare great athletes.”

Piney Woods was created to help children with special needs. Itis a noble cause. Teachers have a great responsibility and so dothe coaches.

Wesson high school principal and athletic director Ronald Greerserves on the MHSAA legislative council. The District 7representative from this area on the MHSAA executive committee isRoy Garcia of Natchez Cathedral.

Citing the numerous violations committed by Piney Woods, Greersaid, “They got caught with their hand in the cookie jar.”

The MHSAA is aware of other violations committed by thebasketball program which haven’t been publicized

Sometimes, when a school is placed on probation, a parent willseek a court injunction against the MHSAA, allowing the team tocompete. For sure, Piney Woods won’t win an appeal. A more severepenalty could be permanent expulsion from the MHSAA.

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