Local Sports

Freeze says Mississippi freshmen will contribute

Mississippi’s celebrated freshman class won’t be standing on the sidelines for long.

Second-year coach Hugh Freeze said the team’s most highly rated recruits – like defensive end Robert Nkemdiche, receiver Laquon Treadwell and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil – have played well during the first two weeks of preseason camp and will contribute immediately when the Rebels open the season against Vanderbilt on Aug. 29.

The trio of five-star prospects will be surrounded by other young faces. Freeze expects around 10 freshmen to make their debut against the Commodores.

Freeze said it’s “certainly a challenge” to make sure all the freshmen are ready to contribute. He said the coaching staff is trying to make sure it doesn’t ask the young players to do too much. […]

Local Sports

Ole Miss QB feels healthy as practice begins

Donte Moncrief isn’t concerned about Mississippi quarterback Bo Wallace’s surgically repaired right shoulder.

Thrilled might be the better term.

“I see an arm that’s gotten stronger,” said Moncrief, who led the Rebels in catches and receiving yards last season. “The fade routes look good. The dig routes look good. He’s got more power with his arm and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do with it in games.” […]

Local Sports

George 'Boomer' Scott, All-Star 1B, dies at 69

George “Boomer” Scott, a three-time All-Star first baseman who hit 271 homers in a 14-year major-league career and is a member of the Red Sox hall of fame, died Sunday, July 28. He was 69.

Washington County coroner Methel Johnson confirmed Scott died in Greenville, his hometown.

A three-time All-Star, Scott spent most of his career with the Boston Red Sox and Milwaukee Brewers. He hit 27 homers with 90 RBIs during his rookie season in 1966 – second for a Red Sox rookie only to Ted Williams – and had his best year with the Brewers in 1975, when he hit 36 homers and had 109 RBIs. […]

Local Sports

Former Jackson State football coach ’Judge’ Hughes dies

Former Jackson State football coach, Robert “Judge” Hughes died Wednesday, July 31, at the age of 68.

Jackson State says in a news release Hughes died Wednesday from complications of diabetes. Services are pending.

Hughes, who has been in and out of the hospital over the last several months, will be remembered by JSU fans as one of the great football players and coaches in the history of Tigers football, Jackson State said in a release. […]