In three years as Wesson’s head girls basketball coach, HughWebb has watched his Lady Cobras improve from a struggling club toaDivision 6-2A champion this year.

This year’s Wesson team (26-7) won more games than any LadyCobra teams since the 1980’s. His overall worksheet in 3 years atWesson is 61-29.

For his accomplishments, Webb has been has been named The DAILYLEADER’S Coach of the Year on the 2009 All-Area Girls BasketballTeam.

This is the second time Webb has been honored as Area Coach ofthe Year. Back in 2001, he was Coach of the Year while at CrystalSprings. Webb was also the mayor of Crystal Springs during thattime.

“The first time, it was an honor,” said Webb. “I appreciated it.Its sweeter the second time because of the number of girls I havereturning. We didn’t have any seniors this year.

“I am excited about what this group of girls will accomplishnext year,” continued Webb. “Our expectations will be high. I feelthey will meet the challenge.”

Webb talked about the 2008-09 season.

“We started out with five juniors but had to make some changes.We made some personnel changes for the staring lineup. ChristinaFink and Shauntay Walker worked hard and earned their startingroles with Ann Shelby Davis, Macie Case and Ansley Schimmel.

“Those two girls (Fink and Walker) impacted our level of play.That was the turning point.”

Webb also credited the Lady Cobra bench with great team support.Danielle Tadlock was the one of the top reserves.

Webb appreciates the hard-working attitude of the girls. “It’sgood when parents let you coach,” added Webb. “We had the rightstuff.”

Wesson’s trip to the South State AA playoffs was an eye-openingexperience for his girls, with a lot of bumps and bruisesencountered in four playoff games.

“We found the physicalness and strength of those teams superiorto our girls,” said Webb. “Our challenge is to get physicallystronger and get strength conditioning. We need to beef up our ownschedule.”

According to Webb, Wesson overhauled their schedule bringing inseveral 4A basketball teams (Brookhaven, Lawrence County) as wellas AAA private school teams (Jackson Prep, MRA, PresbyterianChristian).

“I told the girls they have to work a lot harder,” addedWebb.

The community and local business came in and helped support thegirls as their success continued during the season.

“We have a lot to look forward to next season,” added Webb.

Webb’s high school coaching career record is 218-73 in girlsbasketball. When he was coaching the boys, he was 54-17.

Before coming to Wesson, Webb coached 2 Mississippi PrivateSchool Association teams. Hillcrest Christian (15-13) for 2005-2006and Central Private (92-9) from 2002-2005.

Before then, he was at Crystal Springs from 2000-2002 andfinished with a 46-22 record. His Lady Tigers were runners- up inthe 3A state basketball playoffs to champion Raymond.

Webb teaches health and physical education. He and his wifeDebbie have been married for 39 years. Their daughter, Jill,teaches at Crystal Springs Elementary. They have a granddaughter,McGee Elaine Honda.