For any team to make it to Jackson for the state basketball “elite eight” is a true accomplishment in Mississippi where the level of hoops talent is so high.
So it’s doubly impressive for both the boys and girls teams from a school to do so, as the Eagles and Lady Eagles from East Marion High School did this week.
The boys, unfortunately, ran into an unlucky seeding of having to play the consensus top 1A team in the state in Okolona in the quarterfinals Thursday, even though East was generally considered the No. 2. That was because the games are scheduled based on geography and not on seeding.
Regardless, the Eagles had a great run and should be back next year for another one deep into the playoffs.
Later on Thursday, the Lady Eagles advanced to the final four with a 51-32 win over Biggersville. As head coach Calvin Brown said about his team leading up to the “Elite Eight” appearance, “Every night we can be a little bit better than the previous night. We’re still improving in all areas. The longer we hang around the more dangerous we are.”
That kind of steady improvement throughout the year is what any coach or parent of an athlete wants to see. That’s because it indicates a dedication and work ethic to whatever you’re trying to accomplish.
Having that attitude will benefit student-athletes in their future endeavours, and seeing it displayed in young people is one of the reasons fans love high school sports. n
— Charlie Smith
