Wow!

Whenever Terah Winborne dribbled the basketball, raced down thefloor and made a break for the basket, many opponents and fans wereamazed by her quickness and courage. The 5-foot-4 BrookhavenAcademy junior guard appeared too fragile to challenge taller andstronger defenders but she had no fear driving the lane and beingknocked to the floor by opponents.

Winborne broke full-court presses with her speed and passingskills, surprised defenders with her field goal accuracy from longrange and rattled opponents with her defensive skills. She averaged15.7 points, 5 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 3 assists per game,directing BA’s Lady Cougars to the MAIS Overall Tournamentchampionship and a 31-4 record.

That kind of performance has earned Winborne the title of MissBasketball and Most Valuable Player on The DAILY LEADER’s 2011All-Lincoln County Girls Basketball Team. She’s the first MVP fromBA since Lauren Smith and Kelli Byrd shared that honor in2005.

Joining Winborne on this year’s Dream Team are Josie Porter andAneisha Dillon of Bogue Chitto, Anna Katelyn Mangold and Laura BethWright of Brookhaven Academy, Tyrisha Patterson of Loyd Star andTiakara Kelly of Brookhaven. The team was selected by the DL sportsstaff, with input provided by area high school and collegecoaches.

Winborne is an all-around athlete. The 17-year-old daughter of Stanand Sandy Winborne plays tennis and softball for her school. Shealso runs track, participating in the relays and distance runs:1600 and 3200-meter distances. She plays second base in fastpitchsoftball and outfielder/pitcher in slowpitch.

Asked about her basketball team’s campaign, Winborne said, “We wereall really close. Our mentality was to have each other’s back. Wewanted to fight for each other and our coach.”

She said playing for Coach Barry Gray has been a rewardingexperience. “Coach Gray is a lot of fun and he really cares aboutus. He teaches us a lot. He’s tough but you have to be tough to bea coach.”

Gray’s girls were runners-up to Leake Academy in the Class AA StateTournament, losing a close decision to the Rebelettes in thefinals. His team was determined to bounce back in the Overall andthey defeated three straight Class AAA opponents, beating JacksonAcademy 54-44 in the championship game.

“We had very high goals this season,” said Winborne. “After a toughloss in state, we were able to win Overall.”

Winborne got off to a rocky start in Overall when she left her gameuniform at home. Instead, she wore Callie Cole’s uniform and playedan outstanding game against MRA, wearing jersey No. 12. Cole hasremained an important member of the squad ever since she waspartially paralyzed in a 2009 auto accident. Cole’s No. 12 jerseyand uniform occupied a special place on the bench at each game lastseason and this season.

Winborne and her family are devoted fans of Mississippi state. Herfavorite NBA team is Boston and her favorite player in Celticssharpshooter Ray Allen.

Asked about her favorite food, Winborne said she favored seafood.Chocolate cake is her favorite dessert. Her favorite movie isSecretariat. In school she likes English best.

Josie Porter, a 5-5 senior guard, sparkled atpoint guard for the Lady Cats as they marched to the Class 1A StateTournament at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson. She averaged11.6 points, 7.4 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 3.2 steals pergame.

“Josie gives 110 percent and plays with a lot of heart,” said BCcoach Christi Terrell. “She took charge this year and made thingshappen.”

Tiakara Kelly, a 5-7 junior guard, averaged 16.8points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game for Coach FredaCraft’s Lady Panthers who finished 4-18 overall.

“Tiakara has a good shot and she has good speed,” said Craft.”She’s a good jumper, too. Her confidence is improving.”

Anna Katelyn Mangold, a 6-foot center, was a forceto be reckoned with her senior year. She averaged 15 points, 9.5rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. She scored 12 points in the MAISClass AA-AAA All-Star Game.

“Anna K. has really developed as an offensive player for us,” saidCoach Gray. “She gave us a strong inside presence. She’s a quietleader for us.”

Tyrisha Patterson, a 6-0 junior center, averaged17 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game for the LadyHornets who labored through a major rebuilding campaign andfinished 7-19.

“Tyrisha is a force to deal with whenever she focuses,” said LoydStar coach Billy Vaughn. “She is a strong player inside.”

Laura Beth Wright, a 5-8 junior guard, averaged13.5 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals per game for theLady Cougars.

“Laura Beth is our most versatile player,” said Coach Gray. “Sheplayed point and post for us.”

Aneisha Dillon, a 5-5 senior guard, averaged 13.9points and 2.5 rebounds for the Lady Cats. Her speed and quicknesswere exceptional.

“Aneisha is quick and she hustles,” said Coach Terrell. “She’s beena good shooter since seventh grade.”