Wesson girls basketball coach Rusti Magee had a chance to work closer to home, so she seized the opportunity. Magee has been hired to direct the girls basketball program at McComb Parklane Academy.

“I’m very excited,” said Magee. “It will be much closer to home. My kids are involved in youth leagues in McComb. I live in Bogue Chitto.

“This is an answer to a prayer,” added Magee. “My kids will have more time at home in the afternoons.”

Magee had been transporting her children to Wesson every school day.

Randy Martin, Parklane athletic director, said he was happy to have Magee on staff. She replaces Ricky Gray, who coached the Parklane girls for one season. Gray had coached the Parklane boys prior to last season.

“Coach Magee comes highly recommended,” said Martin. “She is highly energetic. We have a good young bunch of players coming up. This is a good time for her to come into our program.”

Chris Weaver coaches the Parklane boys.

“Everyone I’ve met is real supportive,” said Magee. “I look forward to coaching at Parklane.”

Magee is in her fourth year at Wesson and her third as head varsity coach. She compiled a 44-32 worksheet.

The Lady Cobras were 18-12 last season, competing in a strong Region 7-2A division. They were eliminated by Scott Central in the state playoffs. Scott Central. led by All-American Victoria Vivens, won the Class 2A state championship in March.

Magee, 32, also coached the junior high basketball program at Wesson. She teaches seventh and 10th grade history classes.

She is a 1999 West Lincoln graduate. She played basketball at Copiah-Lincoln Community College and Mississippi College.

She is married to Johnny Magee. They have three children: Fayth Marie, 8, and 6-year-old twins Neeli and Noah.

Magee said Wesson High School principal Marilyn Phillips and athletic director/football coach Ronald Greer provided her with plenty of administrative support.

“First of all, I want to thank Coach Greer and Mrs. Phillips for helping me,” said Magee. “My girls worked hard and they never quit.”

Greer said he already had begun receiving inquires about the coaching vacancy “but we haven’t set up a timetable just yet.”

He said Magee did an exceptional job directing the girls basketball program.

“We are tickled with the job that Coach Magee did here at Wesson,” said Greer. “She took them to the state playoffs three straight years. We wish her nothing but the best.”

Both the Wesson boys and girls advanced to the state playoffs last season. Rusty Newman coaches the Wesson boys.