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Saturday, February 23, was a historic day for Simpson Academy, and especially for Boys Coach James Crain. Both of the Simpson teams made it to the State Final cruising through opponents in the semi-finals. The girl’s game began at 2:15 as they faced bitter SCA rival Lamar School. The Cougars and Raiders battled with the Cougars creating a small lead in the second quarter. The Lady Cougars, led by Head Coach Linda Dear, rode out that lead and would go on to win with a final score 45-39.
The boy’s team faced the Copiah Colonels for the State Final, which they spilt during the regular season. The Cougars were able to gain a solid lead in the late first quarter. A lead that they would grow and ride out to the end. The boys would go on to defeat Copiah with a final score of 84-60.
After the victory, an emotional Coach Crain shed tears as he was recognized for becoming only the third coach in the state of Mississippi to reach 1000 wins in a career. Coach Crain was surrounded by family and his team as he was honored. Saturday, was an awesome day to be a Simpson Cougar. With a massive student section cheering on both teams and the gym bleachers packed with fans, the gym at Simpson was rocking. Following their wins, eight Cougars made the All-Tournament Team. Joseph Berry, Bowen Kelly, Thomas Pepper, Hunter Cline, Morgan Griffith, Alexis Sullivan, Allysa Brewer, and T.K. Catchings all were selected to be apart of the team.
With the State Tournament in the rearview mirror, focus now turns to the Overall State Tournament to be played at Mississippi College in Clinton. The girls will play Tuesday at 12:30 against Claiborne Academy and the boys will follow playing Union Christian at 2:00. Make the drive to Clinton and support the Cougars, they just might make history again!
