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May 2010
Berrien Baseball On 11-Game Winning Streak
by Jarrett Luke
by Jarrett Luke
The Berrien High baseball team extended their winning streak to nine games by defeating Deerfield Beach (Florida), Brooks County and Early County. Berrien left off the week before with a 11-0 win over Mitchell County in five innings. B.J. Murray picked up his first win of the season in that game by pitching the last three innings.Against Deerfield Beach, Berrien won by a 12-2 score in five innings. Senior Michael Connell pitched five innings, allowing no earned runs on three hits while striking out three. Michael was 2-for-2 with a homerun and a double at the plate. Larry Greene was 3-for-3 with a double and three RBIs. Kalen Dillingham went 2-for-3 with a homerun and four RBIs, while Cole Stewart was 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI.
Berrien then traveled over to Quitman to battle the No. 9 team in the state with second place in the region on the line. The Rebels were ready to play as they defeated the Trojans 12-7. Kal Simmons pitched six innings to pick up the win while striking out four. Drew Harrelson pitched the last inning for the Rebels. Kalen Dillingham was 4-for-4 with three RBIs, Cole Stewart was 2-for-3 with a homerun, double, walk and three RBIs. Larry Greene had a homerun, two RBIs and scored three runs. Kal Simmons had a hit and a sacrifice while adding three RBIs against Brooks.
The Rebels then hosted Early County in Nashville and won by a 10-0 score in six innings. Senior Tyler Cowart dominated on the mound by pitching a complete game while striking out nine. Tyler pitched a shutout and allowed only one hit. Senior Hunter Hall got the Rebels going with a two-out three-run triple in the second inning to break a scoreless tie. B.J. Murray hit a homerun and scored two runs and Cole Stewart went 3-for-3 with a double and two RBIs. Spencer Johnson was 2-for-2 with two runs scored, and senior Brandon Davis added two more hits for the Rebels against Early.Berrien's head coach Doug Nix said that the Rebels are hitting the ball well and playing as a team; at least 14 players are seeing a lot of playing time for Berrien this season. “We have six hitting over .400 this season, and we have hit 23 homeruns in 18 games this season,” stated Nix.
The Berrien High baseball team extended their winning streak to 11 games last week by defeating both Tift County and Albany. Against the Blue Devils, Berrien trailed early but fought back late to win 11-8 and sweep the season series against 5-A Tift County.
The Berrien High baseball team extended their winning streak to 11 games last week by defeating both Tift County and Albany. Against the Blue Devils, Berrien trailed early but fought back late to win 11-8 and sweep the season series against 5-A Tift County.
Berrien then traveled to Tifton and fell behind 0-6 after the Devils scored six runs in the bottom of the second. Larry Greene cut the Tifton lead in half in the top of the third when he blasted a three-run homerun deep over the center field fence. However, Tift answered in the bottom of the third, adding two more runs to make the score 3-8. Berrien then went to their third pitcher of the day, freshman Dalton McMillan, who came on to pitch his team out of the third-inning jam and continued to pitch two more scoreless innings, picking up his first varsity win. The Rebels entered the top of the sixth inning trailing 3-8, but scored eight runs in the sixth inning to take an 11-8 advantage, heading into the bottom of the sixth inning. The big blow in the inning came off the bat of senior outfielder Hunter Hall, with his towering homerun tying the game 8-8. It was Hunter's first homerun of the season. Coach Nix then brought on senior Tyler Cowart to close out the game. Tyler pitched two scoreless and hitless innings to record the save for the Rebels.Leading the offense for the Rebels against Tifton was Larry Greene, who had a three-run homerun and a double; Hunter Hall had a homerun and a single, B.J. Murray and Spencer Johnson each had two singles in the game. Larry, Hunter and B.J. all scored two runs each against Tifton. Berrien then hosted Albany in a region game, and the Rebels won 23-0 in three innings. Berrien stormed out to a 16-0 advantage at the end of the first inning and then scored seven runs in the bottom of the second to win the game by the three-inning mercy rule over Albany, 23-0. Kal Simmons picked up the win on the mound as he tossed a two hit shutout. He struck out seven of the 12 Albany batters he faced in three innings. Leading the offense for Berrien was Michael Connell, who had two hits, including a long homerun, a double and three RBIs. Larry Greene had two hits, including a triple, Hunter Hall had two hits, including a triple and Kalen Dillingham had a triple and two walks.
When this article was written, Berrien was 15-3 overall and 7-1 in the region, riding an 11-game winning streak since their last loss to Cook. On Tuesday, April 13, Berried traveled to Cook County with first place in the region on the line, but at press time the results of the game were unavailable.
When this article was written, Berrien was 15-3 overall and 7-1 in the region, riding an 11-game winning streak since their last loss to Cook. On Tuesday, April 13, Berried traveled to Cook County with first place in the region on the line, but at press time the results of the game were unavailable.
Berrien Boys Tennis No. 2 Seed In Region
by Jarrett Luke
The Berrien High School boys tennis team defeated Thomasville and Clinch before falling to Telfair, ending their regular season with a 9-9 overall record and a 6-1 region record. Against Thomasville, Berrien won 4-1. Chase Browning won his singles match (7-6, 6-3) and Chris Capers won his singles match (6-1, 6-0) to put Berrien ahead 2-1 after singles action. Berrien then won both doubles matches, with the doubles team of Josh Ott and Grant Lawhorn winning their match (6-3, 6-4), and the doubles team of Eric Exum and Joe Dorsey winning their match (6-2, 6-3) to give Berrien a 4-1 win. In other matches, Craig Robinette and Justin Junkins won their doubles match 8-5.
The Rebels then traveled over to Homerville to face Clinch County, and they won by a 5-0 score. Skyler Morris, Chase Browning and Chris Capers all won their singles matches to put Berrien ahead 3-0. The doubles teams of Josh/Grant and Eric/Joe also won their matches, to give Berrien a 5-0 shutout win.
The Berrien boys took on Telfair County to end their regular season. Berrien battled hard, but fell 2-3. Chris Capers won his singles match and Eric/Joe won their doubles match. However, Berrien was unable to get another win.
This year, the Berrien boys tennis team is being coached by Steven Roberts. The Rebels finish the regular season with a 9-9 overall record and a 6-1 region record. The Rebels finished the regular season as the No. 2 seed in the region and will continue to play in the region tournament on Thursday, April 15.
by Jarrett Luke
The Berrien High School boys tennis team defeated Thomasville and Clinch before falling to Telfair, ending their regular season with a 9-9 overall record and a 6-1 region record. Against Thomasville, Berrien won 4-1. Chase Browning won his singles match (7-6, 6-3) and Chris Capers won his singles match (6-1, 6-0) to put Berrien ahead 2-1 after singles action. Berrien then won both doubles matches, with the doubles team of Josh Ott and Grant Lawhorn winning their match (6-3, 6-4), and the doubles team of Eric Exum and Joe Dorsey winning their match (6-2, 6-3) to give Berrien a 4-1 win. In other matches, Craig Robinette and Justin Junkins won their doubles match 8-5.
The Rebels then traveled over to Homerville to face Clinch County, and they won by a 5-0 score. Skyler Morris, Chase Browning and Chris Capers all won their singles matches to put Berrien ahead 3-0. The doubles teams of Josh/Grant and Eric/Joe also won their matches, to give Berrien a 5-0 shutout win.
The Berrien boys took on Telfair County to end their regular season. Berrien battled hard, but fell 2-3. Chris Capers won his singles match and Eric/Joe won their doubles match. However, Berrien was unable to get another win.
This year, the Berrien boys tennis team is being coached by Steven Roberts. The Rebels finish the regular season with a 9-9 overall record and a 6-1 region record. The Rebels finished the regular season as the No. 2 seed in the region and will continue to play in the region tournament on Thursday, April 15.
Berrien Girls Tennis Team Ends Season, Advances To State
by Jarrett Luke
The Berrien girls tennis team defeated Clinch and Telfair to finish their regular season with a 12-6 overall record and a 6-1 region record. Against Clinch, the Berrien girls won 4-1. Juniors Lauren Ray and Audrey Pafford won their singles matches for Berrien. Lauren won her match 6-2, 6-2 and Audrey won her match 6-0, 6-0. In doubles, junior Erin Proctor and sophomore Maebry Garner won their match 6-0, 6-3 while the doubles team of junior Hillary Hendley and sophomore Catherine McCranie won their match 6-0, 6-0 to give Berrien a 4-1 win.
Berrien then traveled to McRae and defeated Telfair County with a singles sweep and a 3-2 score. Senior Karlie Griner won her singles match 6-1, 6-3 while junior Lauren Ray won her singles match 6-1, 6-2. With the score tied 2-2, it was up to junior Audrey Pafford. Audrey found herself trailing 5-6 in the first set, but her refuse-to-lose attitude saw her tie up the first set and then win in a tiebreaker by a 7-5 score, winning the first set 7-6. Audrey had the momentum and dominated the second set 6-0 to win her singles match and give Berrien a 3-2 win. “The young Rebelette tennis team has really come on strong to finish the regular season,” stated head coach Jarrett Luke.
The Rebelettes traveled over to Thomasville to play in the girls Region 1-AA tournament. Berrien entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed and faced rival Cook County, the No. 3 seed, in the region semifinals (a team they defeated 4-1 earlier in the year). Berrien came out strong as senior Karlie Griner won her No. 1 singles match (6-0, 6-0) to give Berrien an early 1-0 advantage. The Rebelettes turned the No. 1 doubles match around this time as junior Erin Proctor and sophomore Maebry Garner won their match (6-3, 6-3) to give Berrien a 2-0 advantage. Berrien's No. 2 doubles team of junior Hillary Hendley and sophomore Catherine McCranie clinched the match for Berrien as they won by a 6-2, 6-4 score. Junior Lauren Ray was winning her No. 2 singles match and junior Audrey Pafford was winning her No. 3 singles match when they both were pulled. With the 3-0 shut-out win over Cook County, the Berrien girls team has now won the last 25 matches in a row against Cook.
Berrien advanced to the region championship for the 13th straight year. The Rebelettes faced the No. 1 seed in the region, the Thomasville Lady Bulldogs, on their home courts. Thomasville had defeated Berrien 0-5 earlier in the year; however, Berrien came ready to defend their region title from the year before. The young Rebelettes fought hard but eventually fell to Thomasville by a 2-3 score in the region championship match. Thomasville held a 2-1 advantage in singles play as Berrien's junior Audrey Pafford won the No. 3 singles match (7-5, 3-6, 10-6). The two teams split the doubles match as Berrien's No. 2 doubles team Hillary/Catherine won their match by a 6-7(6), 7-5, 10-5 score. With the 2-3 loss, Berrien finished as Region 1-AA Runner-up. They will be the No. 2 seed from the region, hosting Region 4, No. 3 seed in the first round of the state playoffs.
Head Coach Jarrett Luke was very proud of his team’s effort. “We turned around three matches in the region tournament that we had lost earlier in the year. You can tell that we have really improved as the season has went along. We lost four seniors from last year’s region championship team, but despite our youth this year we have continued to get better with each match. We are really looking forward to the state playoffs and excited that we will get to host the first round of the state playoffs in Nashville. This team has really been a pleasure to coach,” stated Luke.
At press time the Rebelettes were 13-7 overall and 7-2 in the region.
by Jarrett Luke
The Berrien girls tennis team defeated Clinch and Telfair to finish their regular season with a 12-6 overall record and a 6-1 region record. Against Clinch, the Berrien girls won 4-1. Juniors Lauren Ray and Audrey Pafford won their singles matches for Berrien. Lauren won her match 6-2, 6-2 and Audrey won her match 6-0, 6-0. In doubles, junior Erin Proctor and sophomore Maebry Garner won their match 6-0, 6-3 while the doubles team of junior Hillary Hendley and sophomore Catherine McCranie won their match 6-0, 6-0 to give Berrien a 4-1 win.Berrien then traveled to McRae and defeated Telfair County with a singles sweep and a 3-2 score. Senior Karlie Griner won her singles match 6-1, 6-3 while junior Lauren Ray won her singles match 6-1, 6-2. With the score tied 2-2, it was up to junior Audrey Pafford. Audrey found herself trailing 5-6 in the first set, but her refuse-to-lose attitude saw her tie up the first set and then win in a tiebreaker by a 7-5 score, winning the first set 7-6. Audrey had the momentum and dominated the second set 6-0 to win her singles match and give Berrien a 3-2 win. “The young Rebelette tennis team has really come on strong to finish the regular season,” stated head coach Jarrett Luke.
The Rebelettes traveled over to Thomasville to play in the girls Region 1-AA tournament. Berrien entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed and faced rival Cook County, the No. 3 seed, in the region semifinals (a team they defeated 4-1 earlier in the year). Berrien came out strong as senior Karlie Griner won her No. 1 singles match (6-0, 6-0) to give Berrien an early 1-0 advantage. The Rebelettes turned the No. 1 doubles match around this time as junior Erin Proctor and sophomore Maebry Garner won their match (6-3, 6-3) to give Berrien a 2-0 advantage. Berrien's No. 2 doubles team of junior Hillary Hendley and sophomore Catherine McCranie clinched the match for Berrien as they won by a 6-2, 6-4 score. Junior Lauren Ray was winning her No. 2 singles match and junior Audrey Pafford was winning her No. 3 singles match when they both were pulled. With the 3-0 shut-out win over Cook County, the Berrien girls team has now won the last 25 matches in a row against Cook.
Berrien advanced to the region championship for the 13th straight year. The Rebelettes faced the No. 1 seed in the region, the Thomasville Lady Bulldogs, on their home courts. Thomasville had defeated Berrien 0-5 earlier in the year; however, Berrien came ready to defend their region title from the year before. The young Rebelettes fought hard but eventually fell to Thomasville by a 2-3 score in the region championship match. Thomasville held a 2-1 advantage in singles play as Berrien's junior Audrey Pafford won the No. 3 singles match (7-5, 3-6, 10-6). The two teams split the doubles match as Berrien's No. 2 doubles team Hillary/Catherine won their match by a 6-7(6), 7-5, 10-5 score. With the 2-3 loss, Berrien finished as Region 1-AA Runner-up. They will be the No. 2 seed from the region, hosting Region 4, No. 3 seed in the first round of the state playoffs. Head Coach Jarrett Luke was very proud of his team’s effort. “We turned around three matches in the region tournament that we had lost earlier in the year. You can tell that we have really improved as the season has went along. We lost four seniors from last year’s region championship team, but despite our youth this year we have continued to get better with each match. We are really looking forward to the state playoffs and excited that we will get to host the first round of the state playoffs in Nashville. This team has really been a pleasure to coach,” stated Luke.
At press time the Rebelettes were 13-7 overall and 7-2 in the region.
April 2010
Boys Tennis Shuts Out Competition
by Jarrett Luke • photography courtesy of Mike Williams, Owens Studio/Herff Jones
Defeating Turner 5-0, Skyler Morris, Chase Browning and Jarrett Dean all won their singles matches. One of Berrien’s doubles duos, Chris Capers and Josh Ott, won their match, followed by another doubles win from Eric Exum and Joe Dorsey. The Rebels then traveled to Camilla to shut out Mitchell County with a final score of 5-0. Chase, Jarrett and Craig won their singles matches there as well, and the doubles teams of Chris/Josh and Eric/Joe both brought home wins to boot.
After crushing rival Cook County 4-1 in tennis action, Berrien is now 2-0 in the region. The boys jumped out to an early 1-0 advantage as Skyler easily won his singles match (6-1, 6-0) and Chase came back after dropping his first set to win his singles match (3-6, 6-2, 6-3), giving Berrien a 2-0 advantage. Josh and Chris then clinched the doubles match for Berrien as they won 6-1, 7-6(4) to give Berrien a commanding 3-0 advantage. The final two matches were close and both saw split sets. Cook won the last singles match in three sets, but Eric and Joe won their match 6-4, 6-7(5), 1-0 (match tiebreaker 10-8) to give Berrien the 4-1 win. In other matches, Jarret Dean and Justin Junkins won 8-6.
by Jarrett Luke • photography courtesy of Mike Williams, Owens Studio/Herff Jones
Defeating Turner 5-0, Skyler Morris, Chase Browning and Jarrett Dean all won their singles matches. One of Berrien’s doubles duos, Chris Capers and Josh Ott, won their match, followed by another doubles win from Eric Exum and Joe Dorsey. The Rebels then traveled to Camilla to shut out Mitchell County with a final score of 5-0. Chase, Jarrett and Craig won their singles matches there as well, and the doubles teams of Chris/Josh and Eric/Joe both brought home wins to boot.
After crushing rival Cook County 4-1 in tennis action, Berrien is now 2-0 in the region. The boys jumped out to an early 1-0 advantage as Skyler easily won his singles match (6-1, 6-0) and Chase came back after dropping his first set to win his singles match (3-6, 6-2, 6-3), giving Berrien a 2-0 advantage. Josh and Chris then clinched the doubles match for Berrien as they won 6-1, 7-6(4) to give Berrien a commanding 3-0 advantage. The final two matches were close and both saw split sets. Cook won the last singles match in three sets, but Eric and Joe won their match 6-4, 6-7(5), 1-0 (match tiebreaker 10-8) to give Berrien the 4-1 win. In other matches, Jarret Dean and Justin Junkins won 8-6.
Tennis Rebelettes Begin Strong
by Jarrett Luke • photography courtesy of Mike Williams, Owens Studio/Herff Jones
Against Turner, Karlie Griner won her singles match (6-3, 6-1), Lauren Ray won her singles match (6-1, 6-0), and Audrey Pafford won her singles match (6-0, 6-0). Erin Proctor and Maebry Garner won their doubles match (6-1, 7-5), and Hillary Hendley and Catherine McCranie won their doubles match (6-1, 6-3). Against Mitchell, Karlie, Lauren and Audrey all won their singles matches 6-0, 6-0. Erin/Maebry, as well as Hillary/Catherine, won both doubles matches by 6-0, 6-0 scores. Leigh Hancock and Kristin Kent won their doubles match by a 6-0, 6-1 score. Summer Robinette won her singles match 5-2.
As defending region champions, the Berrien girls tennis team is 2-0 in the region after the 4-1 win against rival Cook County, a hard-fought match that went down to the wire. The Rebelettes have now defeated the Lady Hornets 24 consecutive times. Berrien jumped out to an early 2-0 advantage as junior Lauren won her singles match 6-3, 6-1, and fellow junior Audrey won her singles match 6-1, 6-0. Cook then won the first doubles match to cut the advantage to 2-1. Down to the final two matches, Karlie came from behind to win her singles match (5-7, 6-2, 7-5), and simultaneously Hillary and Catherine won their doubles match (6-4, 7-6(5)) to give Berrien the 4-1 win. Karlie's match lasted three hours, as she was the first on and last one off the court. In other matches, Leigh Hancock and Kristin Kent won their doubles match 8-4.
At press time, the Rebelettes were preparing to host Fitzgerald on March 16, the team that Berrien defeated in the region championship match last year.
by Jarrett Luke • photography courtesy of Mike Williams, Owens Studio/Herff Jones
Against Turner, Karlie Griner won her singles match (6-3, 6-1), Lauren Ray won her singles match (6-1, 6-0), and Audrey Pafford won her singles match (6-0, 6-0). Erin Proctor and Maebry Garner won their doubles match (6-1, 7-5), and Hillary Hendley and Catherine McCranie won their doubles match (6-1, 6-3). Against Mitchell, Karlie, Lauren and Audrey all won their singles matches 6-0, 6-0. Erin/Maebry, as well as Hillary/Catherine, won both doubles matches by 6-0, 6-0 scores. Leigh Hancock and Kristin Kent won their doubles match by a 6-0, 6-1 score. Summer Robinette won her singles match 5-2.
As defending region champions, the Berrien girls tennis team is 2-0 in the region after the 4-1 win against rival Cook County, a hard-fought match that went down to the wire. The Rebelettes have now defeated the Lady Hornets 24 consecutive times. Berrien jumped out to an early 2-0 advantage as junior Lauren won her singles match 6-3, 6-1, and fellow junior Audrey won her singles match 6-1, 6-0. Cook then won the first doubles match to cut the advantage to 2-1. Down to the final two matches, Karlie came from behind to win her singles match (5-7, 6-2, 7-5), and simultaneously Hillary and Catherine won their doubles match (6-4, 7-6(5)) to give Berrien the 4-1 win. Karlie's match lasted three hours, as she was the first on and last one off the court. In other matches, Leigh Hancock and Kristin Kent won their doubles match 8-4.
At press time, the Rebelettes were preparing to host Fitzgerald on March 16, the team that Berrien defeated in the region championship match last year.
Baseball Team Wins Home Opener
by Jarrett Luke • photography courtesy of Mike Williams, Owens Studio/Herff Jones
Berrien then hosted and defeated Wilcox County 10-0 in five innings. Tyler Cowart picked up the win from the mound as he shut out Wilcox. Larry Greene added two homeruns, and Brandon Davis hit a homerun as well. Berrien then traveled to Worth County and defeated them with a 13-10 win. After jumping out to an 11-4 advantage in the bottom of the fifth, Kal came on to record the final two outs in the seventh inning. B.J. Murray went five for five during the game.
The Rebels are now 4-2 on the year, having won their last four games.
by Jarrett Luke • photography courtesy of Mike Williams, Owens Studio/Herff Jones
Berrien then hosted and defeated Wilcox County 10-0 in five innings. Tyler Cowart picked up the win from the mound as he shut out Wilcox. Larry Greene added two homeruns, and Brandon Davis hit a homerun as well. Berrien then traveled to Worth County and defeated them with a 13-10 win. After jumping out to an 11-4 advantage in the bottom of the fifth, Kal came on to record the final two outs in the seventh inning. B.J. Murray went five for five during the game.
The Rebels are now 4-2 on the year, having won their last four games.
Track Teams Are Ready
by Jarrett Luke • photography courtesy of Mike Williams, Owens Studio/Herff Jones
The boys track team has six upperclassmen: seniors Kirby Riley and Treshaad Williams, and juniors Jordan Browning, Nicholas Budd, Wendell Clark and Curtis Newsome. The nine sophomore runners are Erik Blackmon, Vaskie Copeland, Reshae Jennings, JB Jilcott, Marquis Johnson, Ben Mitchell, Johnathan Perez, Brett Stephen and Dennis Whitehead. Rounding out the team are freshmen Mckay Barfield, Jermaine Camon, Chris Kegley, Hunter Lanier, Quincey Payne, Kiante Scruggs, Dakota Sirmans and Chase Turner. The girls track team has only three seniors: Jennifer Cumbus, Jenore Mathews and Kitra Rainey. Also on the team are juniors Chantae Payne and Shay Thomas, sophomores Brittany Puckett and Sadie Thomas, and freshmen Kayleigh Hall and Katerra Jones.
by Jarrett Luke • photography courtesy of Mike Williams, Owens Studio/Herff Jones
The boys track team has six upperclassmen: seniors Kirby Riley and Treshaad Williams, and juniors Jordan Browning, Nicholas Budd, Wendell Clark and Curtis Newsome. The nine sophomore runners are Erik Blackmon, Vaskie Copeland, Reshae Jennings, JB Jilcott, Marquis Johnson, Ben Mitchell, Johnathan Perez, Brett Stephen and Dennis Whitehead. Rounding out the team are freshmen Mckay Barfield, Jermaine Camon, Chris Kegley, Hunter Lanier, Quincey Payne, Kiante Scruggs, Dakota Sirmans and Chase Turner. The girls track team has only three seniors: Jennifer Cumbus, Jenore Mathews and Kitra Rainey. Also on the team are juniors Chantae Payne and Shay Thomas, sophomores Brittany Puckett and Sadie Thomas, and freshmen Kayleigh Hall and Katerra Jones.
February 2010
Rebels Finish Strong In 2009
by Jarrett Luke
The Berrien County boys’ basketball team won two games and lost one game at the Lanier County Christmas Tournament over the holiday break, finishing in third place.
The Berrien boys won the opening game of the tournament by defeating South Effingham 61-32. Berrien had a 16-10 advantage at the end of the first quarter and a 31-16 advantage at halftime. Berrien continued to lead at the end of the third quarter by a 46-20 score, and the Rebels would go on to win the game. Leading the Berrien offense was Asa Adkins with 15 points, Jemiah Miller scored 14 points, and Gervonne Bellamy added nine points. In all, there were 10 Berrien players that scored in the game.
In the second game of the tournament, the Rebels fell to Washington County by a 79-42 score. Berrien trailed 18-6 at the end of the first quarter before a big second quarter by Washington County gave them a 46-20 advantage at halftime. Washington County would go on to lead by a 71-35 score entering the fourth quarter. Leading the Rebels offense was Asa Adkins with 14 points, Gervonne Bellamy added nine points, and Jemiah Miller scored seven points. 
In the final game of 2009, and of the tournament, the Rebels defeated Portal by a 61-52 score. Portal jumped out to an early 17-9 lead at the end of the first quarter before Berrien fought back in the second quarter to take a slim 31-30 advantage. Gervonne Bellamy hit a three-pointer at the halftime buzzer to give Berrien the one-point lead at halftime. Berrien had a big third quarter to take a 50-40 advantage heading into the fourth quarter, as Asa Adkins scored 13 of his game-high 17 points in the third quarter. Berrien then played a good fourth quarter as they went on to win the third-place game over Portal. Leading the offense for Berrien was Asa Adkins with 17 points, Jemiah Miller added 14 points, and Gervonne Bellamy scored 12 points. Asa Adkins was named to the All-Tournament team.
The Berrien boys, coached by head coach Patrick McClure and assistant coach Steven Green, are now 8-4 on the year and they have won five of their last six games to end 2009. The Rebels won both games to finish in first place in the Cook Hornet Invitational and they won two out of three games to finish in third place in the Lanier County Bulldog Invitational.
Rebelettes Basketball Close Out 2009
by Jarrett Luke
The Berrien County girls’ basketball team won one game and lost two games at the Thomasville Christmas Tournament over the holiday break.
Berrien lost the opening game of the tournament to Pelham by a 62-58 score. Pelham had a 14-9 advantage at the end of the first quarter and a 30-24 advantage at halftime. Pelham continued to lead at the end of the third quarter by a 44-36 score. The Rebelettes would have a big fourth quarter by scoring 22 points, but the Rebelettes would come up short at the end. Leading the Rebelettes offense was Audrianna Bennett with 19 points, Nyjha Harris scored 13 points, and Bree Wesley added 10 points.
In the second game of the tournament, the Rebelettes responded by defeating Baker County by a 63-34 score. Berrien led 12-10 at the end of the first quarter before a big second quarter gave the Rebelettes a 31-15 advantage at halftime. Berrien would outscore Baker 13-11 in the third quarter to take a 44-26 advantage heading into the fourth. The Rebelettes would have another big quarter in the fourth, as
they once again scored 19 points in a quarter, easily defeating Baker. Leading the Rebelettes offense was Audrianna Bennett with 15 points, Chante Payne added 12 points, Bree Wesley scored 11 points, and Nyjha Harris had 10 points.
In the final game of 2009, and of the tournament, the Rebelettes lost to Brooks County by a 55-17 score. Brooks jumped out to an early 20-2 lead at the end of the first quarter and held a 30-8 halftime advantage. Brooks had a big third quarter to take a 52-14 advantage heading into the fourth quarter before both teams scored three points each in the final quarter. Leading the offense for Berrien were Nyjha Harris and Morgan Pearson with five points each, Chiquita Clark added four points, and Amanda Mathis scored three points.
The Berrien girls are being coached this year by head coach Tim Hathcock and Monita Harris.
by Jarrett Luke
The Berrien County girls’ basketball team won one game and lost two games at the Thomasville Christmas Tournament over the holiday break. Berrien lost the opening game of the tournament to Pelham by a 62-58 score. Pelham had a 14-9 advantage at the end of the first quarter and a 30-24 advantage at halftime. Pelham continued to lead at the end of the third quarter by a 44-36 score. The Rebelettes would have a big fourth quarter by scoring 22 points, but the Rebelettes would come up short at the end. Leading the Rebelettes offense was Audrianna Bennett with 19 points, Nyjha Harris scored 13 points, and Bree Wesley added 10 points.
In the second game of the tournament, the Rebelettes responded by defeating Baker County by a 63-34 score. Berrien led 12-10 at the end of the first quarter before a big second quarter gave the Rebelettes a 31-15 advantage at halftime. Berrien would outscore Baker 13-11 in the third quarter to take a 44-26 advantage heading into the fourth. The Rebelettes would have another big quarter in the fourth, as
they once again scored 19 points in a quarter, easily defeating Baker. Leading the Rebelettes offense was Audrianna Bennett with 15 points, Chante Payne added 12 points, Bree Wesley scored 11 points, and Nyjha Harris had 10 points. In the final game of 2009, and of the tournament, the Rebelettes lost to Brooks County by a 55-17 score. Brooks jumped out to an early 20-2 lead at the end of the first quarter and held a 30-8 halftime advantage. Brooks had a big third quarter to take a 52-14 advantage heading into the fourth quarter before both teams scored three points each in the final quarter. Leading the offense for Berrien were Nyjha Harris and Morgan Pearson with five points each, Chiquita Clark added four points, and Amanda Mathis scored three points.
The Berrien girls are being coached this year by head coach Tim Hathcock and Monita Harris.
January 2010
Rebels Basketball Team Wins Home And Region Openers
by Jarrett Luke • photography by Jarrett Luke
The Berrien boys’ basketball team won their home opener over Atkinson by a 65-62 score. Berrien and Atkinson were tied 18-18 at the end of the first, but the Berrien boys would outscore Atkinson by 10 points in the second quarter to take a 36-26 halftime advantage. Atkinson would make a game out of it in the third as Berrien took a two-point lead (49-47) into the final quarter. However, Berrien would hold on down the stretch to win the game. Leading the Rebels offense was Vito Bellamy with 22 points, Asa Adkins scored 18 points, and Tre Williams added eight points, six rebounds and six steals on the night.
The Berrien boys then won their region opener by defeating Early County in Nashville by a 77-60 score. Berrien came out on fire as they jumped out to an early 28-16 advantage
at the end of the first quarter. Berrien did not let up and led 43-30 at halftime. Berrien would put the game away as they took a 62-43 advantage at the end of the third and Berrien would win the game by a 77-60 score. Leading the Rebels in offense was Asa Adkins with 20 points and five rebounds, Tae Greene had 13 points and nine rebounds, Jamiah Miller scored 12 points, and Vito Bellamy had nine points and seven rebounds.
The Rebels are now 2-1 on the season and 1-0 in the region. We need all the Rebel Nation to show up to support Berrien basketball. The Rebels are coached by head coach Patrick McClure and assistant coach Steve Green.
Rebelettes Win Home Opener
by Jarrett Luke • photography by Jarrett Luke
The Berrien High girls’ basketball team won their home opener by defeating Atkinson County, 59-52. Berrien jumped out to an early 10-0 lead and would take a 33-24 advantage into the halftime locker room. Atkinson would cut into that lead in the third quarter as Berrien led 40-38 heading into the fourth quarter. However, Berrien would outscore Atkinson 19-14 in the last quarter to win the game.
Leading the Berrien offense was Nyjha Harris with 19 points, Bree Wesley had 11 points, Morgan Pearson and Chante Payne each added seven points, Chiquata Clark and Audrianna Bennett each scored five points, Lindsey Young scored five points and Amanda Mathis added one point.
The Rebelettes are now 1-2 on the season and 0-1 in the region. The Berrien girls are being coached this year by head coach Tim Hathcock and assistant coach Monita Harris.
by Jarrett Luke • photography by Jarrett Luke
The Berrien High girls’ basketball team won their home opener by defeating Atkinson County, 59-52. Berrien jumped out to an early 10-0 lead and would take a 33-24 advantage into the halftime locker room. Atkinson would cut into that lead in the third quarter as Berrien led 40-38 heading into the fourth quarter. However, Berrien would outscore Atkinson 19-14 in the last quarter to win the game.Leading the Berrien offense was Nyjha Harris with 19 points, Bree Wesley had 11 points, Morgan Pearson and Chante Payne each added seven points, Chiquata Clark and Audrianna Bennett each scored five points, Lindsey Young scored five points and Amanda Mathis added one point.
The Rebelettes are now 1-2 on the season and 0-1 in the region. The Berrien girls are being coached this year by head coach Tim Hathcock and assistant coach Monita Harris.
Rebelettes Softball Players Receive Postseason Awards
by Jarrett Luke
The Berrien Rebelette softball team finished the 2009 season with a 32-8 record and a final state ranking of No.7. Due to the success of the team, many of the players have received postseason awards.
Berrien had most of its starters named to one of the All-Region 1-AA teams. The All-Region team is voted on by all the head coaches in Region 1-AA. Berrien's sophomore ace Kristin Morris was named Region 1-AA Pitcher of the Year, which placed her on the All-Region First Team. Joining Morris on the All-Region First Team were junior shortstop Lindsey Young and junior Bobbi Jo Royals, who made it as an All-Utility player. Sophomore second baseman Halee Hiers and freshman third baseman Abbey Trella were also named First Team All-Region players. Senior center fielder Cassie Nix was selected to the All-Region Second Team. Junior Kasey Flesher, sophomores Claire Carter and Tabatha Harpe, and freshman Melvesha Wright were Honorable Mention All-Region selections. Berrien won the regular season Region 1-AA championship but finished second in the Region 1-AA tournament.
Berrien defeated Howard by sweeping them in the first round of state and then traveled to Pierce County and swept the Region 2 champions at their home field. The young Berrien team, which started only one senior, then qualified for the Elite Eight tournament in Columbus. The success in the state tournament paid off as Berrien placed five players on the All-State teams. The All-State teams are voted on by the eight region championship head coaches. Berrien had one player selected for First Team All-State: sophomore pitcher Kristin Morris. Morris won 27 games this year, pitched 195 innings, allowed only 84 hits, and walked 51 batters while striking out 320. Her ERA was an outstanding 0.61. Berrien had two juniors selected for Second Team All-State: Elite 80 players Lindsey Young and Bobbi Jo Royals.
Young made it as a shortstop; she batted .402, scored 35 runs and batted in 23 RBIs. Royals made it as a catcher; she batted .299, scored 40 runs and batted in 13 RBIs. Berrien had two more players selected for All-State Honorable Mention: sophomore Halee Hiers and freshman Abbey Trella. Hiers made it as a second baseman; she batted .398, scored 30 runs, and batted in 23 RBIs. Trella made it as a third baseman; she batted .350, scored 33 runs, and batted in 18 RBIs with 13 doubles.
December 2009
Berrien Cheerleaders Finish As Region Runner-Up
by Jarrett Luke
The Berrien competition cheerleaders finished as Region 1-AA runner-up as they finished in second place to Fitzgerald. Thomasville finished third behind Berrien. Both Fitzgerald and Thomasville competed last year, but this was Berrien's first year competing and they did a great job. All the hard work done by the Rebelette cheerleaders and coaches paid off and they are not done yet. They have now qualified for the state sectionals in Columbus. The Berrien cheerleaders have traveled to Tifton every Tuesday night to practice at a cheer gym as well as practicing after school to get ready for region and state competition.
The Berrien cheerleaders are coached by Trey Giddens and Mallory O'Brien. The squad consists of Karlie Griner, Ansleigh White, Perrin Williams, Leigh Hancock, Audrey Copeland, Mary Vanlandingham, Jessica Pope, Maebry Garner, Talia Riley, Marlee Mathis, Giovonna Allen, Courtney Wright, Brittany Puckett, Brittany McDonough, Lauren Dillingham, and Amanda Lawhorn.
Berrien will compete again November 13 in Columbus at 9:00 a.m. Eight region championship teams have already advanced to the state finals, but eight more teams will advance on Friday and Berrien wants to be one of them. The top 16 teams will compete on Saturday, November 14 in Columbus at 9:00 a.m. for the AA state championship.
by Jarrett Luke
The Berrien competition cheerleaders finished as Region 1-AA runner-up as they finished in second place to Fitzgerald. Thomasville finished third behind Berrien. Both Fitzgerald and Thomasville competed last year, but this was Berrien's first year competing and they did a great job. All the hard work done by the Rebelette cheerleaders and coaches paid off and they are not done yet. They have now qualified for the state sectionals in Columbus. The Berrien cheerleaders have traveled to Tifton every Tuesday night to practice at a cheer gym as well as practicing after school to get ready for region and state competition.The Berrien cheerleaders are coached by Trey Giddens and Mallory O'Brien. The squad consists of Karlie Griner, Ansleigh White, Perrin Williams, Leigh Hancock, Audrey Copeland, Mary Vanlandingham, Jessica Pope, Maebry Garner, Talia Riley, Marlee Mathis, Giovonna Allen, Courtney Wright, Brittany Puckett, Brittany McDonough, Lauren Dillingham, and Amanda Lawhorn.
Berrien will compete again November 13 in Columbus at 9:00 a.m. Eight region championship teams have already advanced to the state finals, but eight more teams will advance on Friday and Berrien wants to be one of them. The top 16 teams will compete on Saturday, November 14 in Columbus at 9:00 a.m. for the AA state championship.
Rebels Dominate Eagles To Finish At 5-5
by Jarrett Luke
The Berrien Rebels football team dominated the Mitchell County Eagles with a 48-18 score in the last football game of the 2009 season. The win was a big one for the Berrien football program as it gave them a 5-5 season and their first winning season in 14 years. The last time Berrien won five games in a season was 1995, when the Rebels had a 5-4-1 record. The win shows the progress that Coach Branch and his staff have made in their two years at Berrien.
After a scoreless first quarter, Mitchell scored first and went ahead 6-0 early in the second quarter. However, Berrien and its seniors were not going to be denied on this night. Behind great senior leadership and great coaching adjustments, Berrien exploded on this chilly night in Camilla.
Berrien scored the next 48 points to take a 48-6 lead late in the fourth quarter before Mitchell scored two meaningless touchdowns to make the final score 48-18 in favor of the Rebels.
Berrien scored two touchdowns in the second quarter to make the halftime score 13-6. The third quarter saw Berrien receive the ball and drive it down the field to take a 21-6 lead after the Rebels scored and made the two-point conversion play. The Berrien defense, led by defensive coordinator Clifford Fedd, would limit the Eagles attack by forcing three interceptions and recovering a fumble to keep giving the ball back to the Rebels offense. Quamane Jones, Asa Adkins, and Devonte Bass all had an interception on the night for the Rebel defense. Also, the coaches made a great call and the Berrien special teams recovered an onside kick to keep the momentum going for the Rebel offense.
The Rebel offense, led by offensive coordinator Sean Calhoun, went to its ground game to take control. After scoring three touchdowns in the third quarter, Berrien led 34-6 heading into the fourth quarter and Calhoun's Calvary scored two more touchdowns. Senior running back T.J. Miller carried the ball 30 times for 294 yards and scored five rushing touchdowns, tying a school record. Senior receivers Asa Adkins and Kirby Riley caught two long touchdown passes from Vidal Adkins as the Berrien offense and its seniors would score a total of seven touchdowns. The first team Berrien defense allowed only one touchdown, as it dominated as much as the Berrien offense did on this night.
It was a great way for the season to end as the Rebel Nation really enjoyed themselves. The cheerleaders and the Rebel Regiment band once again did a great job supporting their football team.
by Jarrett Luke
The Berrien Rebels football team dominated the Mitchell County Eagles with a 48-18 score in the last football game of the 2009 season. The win was a big one for the Berrien football program as it gave them a 5-5 season and their first winning season in 14 years. The last time Berrien won five games in a season was 1995, when the Rebels had a 5-4-1 record. The win shows the progress that Coach Branch and his staff have made in their two years at Berrien.After a scoreless first quarter, Mitchell scored first and went ahead 6-0 early in the second quarter. However, Berrien and its seniors were not going to be denied on this night. Behind great senior leadership and great coaching adjustments, Berrien exploded on this chilly night in Camilla.
Berrien scored the next 48 points to take a 48-6 lead late in the fourth quarter before Mitchell scored two meaningless touchdowns to make the final score 48-18 in favor of the Rebels.
Berrien scored two touchdowns in the second quarter to make the halftime score 13-6. The third quarter saw Berrien receive the ball and drive it down the field to take a 21-6 lead after the Rebels scored and made the two-point conversion play. The Berrien defense, led by defensive coordinator Clifford Fedd, would limit the Eagles attack by forcing three interceptions and recovering a fumble to keep giving the ball back to the Rebels offense. Quamane Jones, Asa Adkins, and Devonte Bass all had an interception on the night for the Rebel defense. Also, the coaches made a great call and the Berrien special teams recovered an onside kick to keep the momentum going for the Rebel offense.The Rebel offense, led by offensive coordinator Sean Calhoun, went to its ground game to take control. After scoring three touchdowns in the third quarter, Berrien led 34-6 heading into the fourth quarter and Calhoun's Calvary scored two more touchdowns. Senior running back T.J. Miller carried the ball 30 times for 294 yards and scored five rushing touchdowns, tying a school record. Senior receivers Asa Adkins and Kirby Riley caught two long touchdown passes from Vidal Adkins as the Berrien offense and its seniors would score a total of seven touchdowns. The first team Berrien defense allowed only one touchdown, as it dominated as much as the Berrien offense did on this night.
It was a great way for the season to end as the Rebel Nation really enjoyed themselves. The cheerleaders and the Rebel Regiment band once again did a great job supporting their football team.
November 2009
Berrien Softball Shuts Out Cook And Thomasville
by Jarrett Luke • photography by Jarrett Luke
The No.5-ranked Berrien Rebelette softball team became the regular season Region 1-AA Champions by shutting out and defeating Cook High last week 3-0 in Adel. Berrien then came home and shut out Thomasville in a doubleheader by scores of 8-0 in six innings and 12-0 in four innings to finish its regular season schedule with a 25-4 overall record. The Rebelettes are riding a 14-game winning streak heading into the region playoffs. Berrien will host the Region 1-AA tournament.
Against rival Cook, Berrien scored two runs in the top of the first inning. Halee Hiers and Lindsey Young hit back-to-back doubles and both scored to give Berrien an early 2-0 lead. It would stay that way until the top of the fifth when Halee Hiers again scored on an RBI single to left field by Lindsey Young to give Berrien a 3-0 lead. That would be all the Rebelettes would need as sophomore pitcher Kristen Morris picked up her 19th win of the year by pitching seven strong innings, striking out eight, and allowing no runs on only two hits. The Rebelette defense committed no errors. Halee Hiers and Lindsey Young led the Rebelette offense with two hits each, and Bobbie Jo Royals and Tabatha Harpe contributed one hit for the Berrien offense.
Berrien continued its dominant pitching and defense last week by shutting out Thomasville in a doubleheader. In game one, Morris picked up her 20th win of the season by pitching five innings of no-hit ball while striking out 10 Thomasville batters. Sophomore Tabatha Harpe pitched one strong inning allowing one hit while striking out two. Morris also had a big night at the plate by going two for three. She had a triple and two RBI's. Also getting two hits for the Rebelettes were Bobbie Jo Royals, Halee Hiers, and Melvesha Wright. Lindsey Young, Tabatha Harpe and Kacie Flesher all had a hit for Berrien in game one as the Rebelettes won 8-0 in six innings. In game two, freshman pitcher Stacie Hough pitched a no-hitter for the Rebelettes as Berrien won 12-0 in four innings. Hough pitched four strong innings, striking out three, and allowing no runs on no hits. Hough picked up her second varsity win of the year. Hough also led Berrien at the plate as she was two for two with two doubles, two runs scored and an RBI. Also getting two hits for the Rebelettes were Bobbie Jo Royals, Halee Hiers, and Abbey Trella. Hiers has had at least two hits for the Rebelettes in five straight games and has an eight game hitting streak. Lindsey Young and Cassie Nix added one hit for Berrien. Lindsey Young has a six game hitting streak going for the Rebelettes.
Berrien Softball Shuts Out Cook And Thomasville
by Jarrett Luke • photography by Jarrett Luke
The No.5-ranked Berrien Rebelette softball team became the regular season Region 1-AA Champions by shutting out and defeating Cook High last week 3-0 in Adel. Berrien then came home and shut out Thomasville in a doubleheader by scores of 8-0 in six innings and 12-0 in four innings to finish its regular season schedule with a 25-4 overall record. The Rebelettes are riding a 14-game winning streak heading into the region playoffs. Berrien will host the Region 1-AA tournament.
Against rival Cook, Berrien scored two runs in the top of the first inning. Halee Hiers and Lindsey Young hit back-to-back doubles and both scored to give Berrien an early 2-0 lead. It would stay that way until the top of the fifth when Halee Hiers again scored on an RBI single to left field by Lindsey Young to give Berrien a 3-0 lead. That would be all the Rebelettes would need as sophomore pitcher Kristen Morris picked up her 19th win of the year by pitching seven strong innings, striking out eight, and allowing no runs on only two hits. The Rebelette defense committed no errors. Halee Hiers and Lindsey Young led the Rebelette offense with two hits each, and Bobbie Jo Royals and Tabatha Harpe contributed one hit for the Berrien offense.
Berrien continued its dominant pitching and defense last week by shutting out Thomasville in a doubleheader. In game one, Morris picked up her 20th win of the season by pitching five innings of no-hit ball while striking out 10 Thomasville batters. Sophomore Tabatha Harpe pitched one strong inning allowing one hit while striking out two. Morris also had a big night at the plate by going two for three. She had a triple and two RBI's. Also getting two hits for the Rebelettes were Bobbie Jo Royals, Halee Hiers, and Melvesha Wright. Lindsey Young, Tabatha Harpe and Kacie Flesher all had a hit for Berrien in game one as the Rebelettes won 8-0 in six innings. In game two, freshman pitcher Stacie Hough pitched a no-hitter for the Rebelettes as Berrien won 12-0 in four innings. Hough pitched four strong innings, striking out three, and allowing no runs on no hits. Hough picked up her second varsity win of the year. Hough also led Berrien at the plate as she was two for two with two doubles, two runs scored and an RBI. Also getting two hits for the Rebelettes were Bobbie Jo Royals, Halee Hiers, and Abbey Trella. Hiers has had at least two hits for the Rebelettes in five straight games and has an eight game hitting streak. Lindsey Young and Cassie Nix added one hit for Berrien. Lindsey Young has a six game hitting streak going for the Rebelettes.
by Jarrett Luke • photography by Jarrett Luke
The No.5-ranked Berrien Rebelette softball team became the regular season Region 1-AA Champions by shutting out and defeating Cook High last week 3-0 in Adel. Berrien then came home and shut out Thomasville in a doubleheader by scores of 8-0 in six innings and 12-0 in four innings to finish its regular season schedule with a 25-4 overall record. The Rebelettes are riding a 14-game winning streak heading into the region playoffs. Berrien will host the Region 1-AA tournament.Against rival Cook, Berrien scored two runs in the top of the first inning. Halee Hiers and Lindsey Young hit back-to-back doubles and both scored to give Berrien an early 2-0 lead. It would stay that way until the top of the fifth when Halee Hiers again scored on an RBI single to left field by Lindsey Young to give Berrien a 3-0 lead. That would be all the Rebelettes would need as sophomore pitcher Kristen Morris picked up her 19th win of the year by pitching seven strong innings, striking out eight, and allowing no runs on only two hits. The Rebelette defense committed no errors. Halee Hiers and Lindsey Young led the Rebelette offense with two hits each, and Bobbie Jo Royals and Tabatha Harpe contributed one hit for the Berrien offense.
Berrien continued its dominant pitching and defense last week by shutting out Thomasville in a doubleheader. In game one, Morris picked up her 20th win of the season by pitching five innings of no-hit ball while striking out 10 Thomasville batters. Sophomore Tabatha Harpe pitched one strong inning allowing one hit while striking out two. Morris also had a big night at the plate by going two for three. She had a triple and two RBI's. Also getting two hits for the Rebelettes were Bobbie Jo Royals, Halee Hiers, and Melvesha Wright. Lindsey Young, Tabatha Harpe and Kacie Flesher all had a hit for Berrien in game one as the Rebelettes won 8-0 in six innings. In game two, freshman pitcher Stacie Hough pitched a no-hitter for the Rebelettes as Berrien won 12-0 in four innings. Hough pitched four strong innings, striking out three, and allowing no runs on no hits. Hough picked up her second varsity win of the year. Hough also led Berrien at the plate as she was two for two with two doubles, two runs scored and an RBI. Also getting two hits for the Rebelettes were Bobbie Jo Royals, Halee Hiers, and Abbey Trella. Hiers has had at least two hits for the Rebelettes in five straight games and has an eight game hitting streak. Lindsey Young and Cassie Nix added one hit for Berrien. Lindsey Young has a six game hitting streak going for the Rebelettes.Berrien Competition Cheerleaders Working Hard
by Jarrett Luke • photography by Jarrett Luke
The Berrien competition cheerleaders finished in second place in their second-ever cheerleading competition. They competed at Lowndes High School in the Southern Spirit Cheer Competition. They finished runner-up to Fitzgerald in their division. In all, around 12 schools competed in various divisions. The defending National Champions VSU Blazers also performed in front of the huge crowd at Lowndes High School.The Berrien cheerleaders are coached by Trey Giddens and Mallory O'Brien. The squad consists of Karlie Griner, Ansleigh White, Perrin Williams, Leigh Hancock, Audrey Copeland, Mary Vanlandingham, Jessica Pope, Maebry Garner, Talia Riley, Marlee Mathis, Giovonna Allen, Courtney Wright, Brittany Puckett, Brittany McDonough, Lauren Dillingham, Amanda Lawhorn, and Cameron Vance.
The Rebelette cheerleaders have been hard at work over the past several months as they have traveled to Tifton every Tuesday night to practice at a cheer gym as well as practicing every day after school. They put on a very exciting show for the crowd to see. The Berrien Nation really showed up and supported our cheerleaders at Lowndes High School.
The Berrien High cheerleaders then competed in the Tift County High School Blue Devil Cheer Classic. It was Berrien's third cheer competition, and the Rebelette cheerleaders performed great. Cheerleaders from Irwin, Turner, Brantley, Early, Jeff Davis, Putnam, Crisp, Monroe, Thomas Co. Central, Camden, Northside, Valdosta, Lowndes, and Tift all competed in various divisions in the Blue Devil Cheer Classic. The Berrien cheerleaders put on a great show for the crowd to see as once again the Berrien Nation showed up in full force.
October 2009
Rebel Regiment Ready to Perform in 2009
by Jarrett Luke
Mr. Rae Denison, band director, and Mrs. Deree Nix, Auxiliary director, along with the 87-member Rebel Regiment marching band present the 2009 football halftime show. They will blast you back to the past with their Rockin’ Rebel Regiment theme. The show will feature songs from Motley Crue, Aerosmith, AC/DC and Bon Jovi.
This exciting show features instrumental solos, expert choreography, as well as an upbeat tempo. The Rebel Regiment has received Superior ratings at their marching festivals for the past 13 years. They will be competing this year at the Hawkinsville Band Festival on Saturday, September 26 and at the Battle of the Border Contest in Valdosta on Saturday, October 24. The Rebel Regiment will represent Berrien High in the Sweet Potato Festival Parade in Ocilla on October 31 and in the Alapaha Station Celebration on November 14. The band has been invited to perform in Orlando at Disney on November 19-22. They will wrap up their 2009 season by participating in the Nashville and Enigma Christmas Parade.
This exciting show features instrumental solos, expert choreography, as well as an upbeat tempo. The Rebel Regiment has received Superior ratings at their marching festivals for the past 13 years. They will be competing this year at the Hawkinsville Band Festival on Saturday, September 26 and at the Battle of the Border Contest in Valdosta on Saturday, October 24. The Rebel Regiment will represent Berrien High in the Sweet Potato Festival Parade in Ocilla on October 31 and in the Alapaha Station Celebration on November 14. The band has been invited to perform in Orlando at Disney on November 19-22. They will wrap up their 2009 season by participating in the Nashville and Enigma Christmas Parade.
Rebels Still Undefeated After Thrilling Win
by Jarrett Luke • photography by Jarrett Luke
With Irwin driving, Quamane Jones recovered an Irwin fumble at the Rebel 17 with 4:03 left in the game. On 3rd and 7 from the 20, Kal Simmons found Tre Harris for a 25-yard pass play that placed the ball at the 45 with 3:00 left in the game. However, an Irwin sack caused a fumble and Irwin had the ball back again. Irwin then drove down and scored with 1:04 left on the clock to take a 25-19 lead. Jones broke through the line to block the extra point and keep the score at 25-19. After the kickoff, the Rebels had the ball at the 15 with 58 seconds left and no timeouts.
Then what happened next, I am not sure even Ripley would believe. A sophomore quarterback starting his third-ever varsity game led his team on what will go down in Berrien football history as THE DRIVE. Berrien was stopped for no gain on the first play as the Berrien receivers had to hurry back to the line of scrimmage as the clock ran. Then a 15-yard penalty occurred on Irwin as they yanked the helmet off of Simmons on a face mask call. Still Berrien had 70 yards to go with little time left. Then “Calhoun’s Calvary” came charging down the field. Simmons found Tre Harris for a 48 yard swing pass. Harris was brought down at the 17 with 11 seconds left. A penalty placed the ball on the 22 with 7 seconds left. The Rebels had one play left. The play was not Buck Belue to Lindsey Scott or Big Ben to Santonio Holmes. It was Kal Simmons to Quamane Jones as Simmons felt pressure up the middle rolled out to his right and lofted the ball deep into the right corner of the end zone as Jones made a great catch with no time left on the clock. The Rebels tied the game 25-25 with no time remaining. The Rebels then went for their first lead of the night and the win as Luis Gomez booted the ball through the center of the goal post as the Rebels won a thriller over Irwin 26-25.
Head coach Ryan Branch called the win unbelievable and was very proud of the effort given by his players and assistant coaches. He called it a big win for the program and he wanted to thank the fans for their support. At press time, the Rebels are undefeated at 3-0.
Berrien Softball Ranked #7 In The State
by Jarrett Luke • photography by Jarrett Luke
The Berrien Rebelette softball team won three region games recently to improve their overall record to 19-4 and 3-0 in the region. Berrien defeated Early County 9-1 in six innings and then shut out Mitchell County 15-0 in three innings. Against Early, sophomore pitcher Kristen Morris picked up her 13th win of the year by striking out 12 batters in six innings. She allowed only one hit and one unearned run. Morris, Bobbie Jo Royals, and Cassie Nix all led the Berrien offense with two hits during the game. Lindsey Young and Abbey Trella each added a hit for the Rebelettes.Against Mitchell, Morris picked up her 14th win of the season by pitching a three inning no-hitter. All nine outs were recorded on strike outs. Mitchell's only base runners came on two walks, a hit batsman, and a fielder choice. After a scoreless first inning, Berrien scored seven runs in the second inning and then added eight more runs in the third inning to win the game by a three inning 15-run mercy rule.
Leading the Berrien offense was freshman Abbey Trella who was 3-3 with a RBI double and two runs scored. Lindsey Young added a three run inside-the-park homerun. Morris, Bobbie Jo Royals, Cassie Nix, Tabitha Harpe, and Savannah Carter all added a hit for the Rebelettes. Savannah Carter was 1-1 with a double, two RBI's and a run scored. The Berrien softball team is now ranked #7 in the state and they have won their last six games. Berrien defeated Brooks 12-1 in five innings and 16-0 in three innings last week in Quitman. In game one, sophomore pitcher Kristen Morris raised her record to 15-3-1 by pitching four strong innings. She struck out nine while allowing only one hit and one unearned run. Freshman Stacie Hough pitched one scoreless inning, allowing only one hit and striking out two. Sophomores Halee Hiers and Claire Carter led the Rebelette offense with a hit and two RBI's for the Rebelettes. Morris also added a hit for Berrien. Berrien took a 2-0 lead in the top of the second and it remained that way until the Rebelettes scored nine runs in the top of the fourth. Brooks scored their only unearned run in the bottom of the fourth before Berrien rounded out the scoring with a run in the top of the fifth to place the five-inning mercy rule into effect.
In game two, freshman pitcher Stacie Hough picked up her first varsity win by combining with Morris for a three-inning perfect game. Hough pitched two strong innings allowing no hits and striking out three. Morris pitched an innings allowing no hits and striking out two. No ball left the infield as the Rebelette pitching and defense was dominant. Once again the Rebelette offense was led by sophomores Halee Hiers and Claire Carter who both had a hit and scored two runs. Hiers had a double as well as freshman Abbey Trella who also doubled, scored two runs and had two RBI's. This time the Rebelettes wasted no time as they scored 13 runs in the top of the first. Berrien then added three more runs in the top of the third to place the three-inning mercy rule into effect.
Head coach Michelle Jones and assistant coaches Jarrett Luke and Wayne Jones are very proud of the hard work shown by this Rebelette team and they encourage you to come out and support Rebelette softball.
Berrien Cheerleaders Win First Competition
by Jarrett Luke • photography by Jarrett Luke
The Berrien cheerleaders made history recently as they participated in their first-ever competition at Crisp County High School. The Rebelette cheerleaders have been hard at work over the past several months as they have traveled to Tifton every Tuesday night to practice at a cheer gym and they have been hard at work with two-a-day practices to get ready for their competition.All their hard work paid off as they proved that they were ready. They put on a great performance to win their division at the Cougar Cheer Classic. They were 6 divisions at the Cougar Cheer Classic and 10 teams competed: Taylor Co, Berrien Co, Columbus, Perry, Ware, Northside, Lowndes, Valdosta, Warner Robins, and Westover.
The Berrien cheerleaders are coached by Trey Giddens and Mallory O'Brien. The squad consists of Karlie Griner, Ansleigh White, Perrin Williams, Leigh Hancock, Audrey Copeland, Mary Vanlandingham, Jessica Pope, Maebry Garner, Talia Riley, Marlee Mathis, Giovonna Allen, Courtney Wright, Brittany Puckett, Brittany McDonough, Lauren Dillingham, and Amanda Lawhorn.
“The girls have really worked hard and displayed great attitudes. We were very proud of them,” stated Giddens and O'Brien. The Berrien Nation really showed up and supported our cheerleaders and the Berrien cheerleaders did not disappoint as they took home first place. At press time, the squad was looking forward to competing again on Saturday, September 26 at Lowndes High School.
September 2009
Cheerleaders Prepare For Season
by Jarrett Luke • photography by Jarrett Luke
There will be a new look to cheerleading at Berrien High this upcoming season. Berrien has added a competition squad to go along with the spirit squad. This will be the first competition squad at Berrien High School and it will be directed by two new coaches: Trey Giddens and Mallory O’Brien. There will also be two co-captains leading the squad this year and they are seniors Ansleigh White and Karlie Griner. The other seniors on the squad are Perrin Williams and Vonna Allen. The two juniors on the squad are Mary Vanlandingham and Audrey Copeland. Sophomores are Jessica Pope, Maebry Garner, Talia Riley, Marlee Mathis, Courtney Wright, Brittany McDonough, Amanda Lawhorn, and Brittany Puckett. Two freshmen made the squad and they are Lauren Dillingham, and Cameron Vance. Senior Kathleen Graham will be the mascot for the cheer squad this year.The competition squad will still cheer at football and basketball games, but will compete on Saturdays this fall.
The cheerleaders and their coaches have been hard at work preparing for this new challenge. Every Tuesday night, the cheerleaders travel to Tifton to practice their tumbling skills at Southern Pride. Also, they have been at camp practicing their new routines and cheers as well as painting signs and getting ready to cheer on the Rebels on Friday nights this fall.“Both squads have been working hard to make this year the best yet. We are excited to have the opportunity to compete this year and hope to see everyone on Friday nights and at Saturday Invitationals,” stated coach Mallory O’Brien.
Community Pep Rally A Big Success
by Jarrett Luke
On the first Thursday night of August, many Rebel supports showed up in downtown Nashville to fire up their Rebels. The evening started off with a parade to honor the Berrien County Recreation Department region and state championship teams. Recreation Department Director King Bridges introduced the baseball teams and assistant director Joe Barkman introduced the softball teams. The big crowd gave one last ‘thank you’ to the recreation department for the banner year it enjoyed, as two of its teams won the state championship and many others added district championships as well.
Then, the Berrien High School fall teams were introduced. The Berrien cheerleaders, who will be competing this upcoming year for the first time, were introduced by head coach Trey Giddens. The award-winning Berrien Rebel Regiment band was introduced by director Rae Denison. The Berrien Rebel football team was next to be recognized as Athletic Director and head football coach Ryan Branch fired up the crowd by introducing the team. The final team to be recognized was the five-time defending region championship softball team. Head coach Michelle Jones recognized each team member to the crowd.
The event was a big success as the teams really appreciate all the support shown by the REBEL NATION.
Then, the Berrien High School fall teams were introduced. The Berrien cheerleaders, who will be competing this upcoming year for the first time, were introduced by head coach Trey Giddens. The award-winning Berrien Rebel Regiment band was introduced by director Rae Denison. The Berrien Rebel football team was next to be recognized as Athletic Director and head football coach Ryan Branch fired up the crowd by introducing the team. The final team to be recognized was the five-time defending region championship softball team. Head coach Michelle Jones recognized each team member to the crowd.
The event was a big success as the teams really appreciate all the support shown by the REBEL NATION.
Rebel Regiment Ready to Perform
photography courtesy of Mike Williams/Herff Jones
Mr. Rae Denison, band director, and Mrs. Deree Nix, Auxiliary director, along with the award-winning members of the marching band present the 2009 football halftime show. We will blast you back to the past with a rockin’ show featuring songs from Motley Crue, Aerosmith, AC/DC and Bon Jovi.
This exciting show features instrumental solos, expert choreography, as well as an upbeat tempo. Band students have been preparing for the upcoming season at band camp for the last two weeks of the summer and will continue practice throughout the season. Be sure to support Berrien High School marching band's halftime show! Visit our website at rebelregiment.com for more information.
Berrien Represented In Elite 80 Softball Showcase
This exciting show features instrumental solos, expert choreography, as well as an upbeat tempo. Band students have been preparing for the upcoming season at band camp for the last two weeks of the summer and will continue practice throughout the season. Be sure to support Berrien High School marching band's halftime show! Visit our website at rebelregiment.com for more information.
Berrien Represented In Elite 80 Softball Showcase
Berrien had two of their athletes make the top 80 and they were juniors Bobbie Jo Royals and Lindsey Young. Royals played catcher and shortstop in the Elite 80 game, and Young played third base, shortstop, and outfield in the Elite 80 game. Also selected to coach one of thesix teams was Berrien's coach Jarrett Luke. Luke stated that is was an honor to be chosen to coach in the game and that he enjoyed being around such great athletes. “We have some really great softball talent in this state. I was really impressed with the girls’ ability and how much enthusiasm they showed during the showcase. You can really tell that they love the game,” Luke stated.
Rebelettes Prepare For Upcoming Season
photography courtesy of Mike Williams/Herff Jones
The Berrien County softball team is busy at work preparing for their upcoming season. The Rebelettes won the last five Region 1-AA championships and one of their goals is to make it six in a row. However, if that streak is going to continue, they will have to do it with a very young team. Berrien has only four starters returning from last season and no two-year varsity starters. Berrien will open up the season with only one senior starter and two or three junior starters. Senior Cassie Nix will start in centerfield for the Rebelettes. Junior Bobbie Jo Royals will move from second base to catcher and junior Lindsey Young will start at shortstop for Berrien. Royals and Young both were selected to the GACA Elite 80 team this summer.
Sophomore pitcher Kristen Morris will be on the mound. She shared the pitching responsibilities as a freshman, but this year she will be the Rebelettes ace. She does have a lot of experience as she plays for a top ASA travel team out of Atlanta and she led her recreation team to a state title. Many sophomores and freshmen will see playing time for Berrien this season. Despite being young, Berrien has a lot of talent − just not a lot of varsity experience.
Berrien does have experience on the coaching side as Michelle Jones returns for another season as the Rebelettes head coach. She has won 424 games, two state championships and twelve region championships. She coached on the GACA South All Star team two seasons ago when the Rebelettes last played in the state championship game. Her assistant coaches are Jarrett Luke, who recently coached in the GACA Elite 80 All Star game, and her husband, Wayne Jones.
Football Wrap-Up and Introduction
The 2008 football season saw Berrien County get off to one of its best starts in a long time. After the first four games of the season, the Rebels were sitting at 3-0-1. Second year head coach Ryan Branch said, “The community, schools, kids, parents, and the players were so excited and fired up after we had started off so good. It is a shame we could not keep that momentum going for the rest of the season.” The Rebels would go on to lose the next six games and two of those games were decided by less than a touchdown. Branch added, “We needed just a couple of breaks to go our way here or there and we would have ended with a winning record.”The offense gained a total of 2,317 yards and averaged 232 yards a game and was led by senior Cameron Jones, who accounted for 1,665 yards of total offense and 18 touchdowns. This year will bring about a new signal caller and it is a battle between sophomore Kal Simmons and freshman Shawn Witt. The receiving core will be led by senior and 2008 All-Region 2nd Team Asa Adkins, who hauled in 23 receptions for 245 yards and 5 touchdowns last season. He will have plenty of help beside him with the likes of returning seniors Tre Harris, 2008 All-Region Honorable Mention Jamiah Miller, and Quamane Jones. With the additions of freshmen Devonte Bass and Tavarus Joiner, the future is looking bright. The offensive line will have experience returning with seniors, led by 2008 All-Region Honorable Mention Dustin Vickers, Eric Exum, and Skylar Morris, Kevin Skinner. The running backs will benefit from such an offensive line. They are led by returning senior and 2008 All-Region Honorable Mention T.J. Miller, senior Tanner Tennison and sophomores Vaskie Copeland and Javon Manning.
The defense will be under new management as Clifford Fedd takes over as the new defensive coordinator. With the hiring of linebackers coach Brian Simmons and with Tony Long as the defensive line and strength and conditioning coach, Coach Fedd is very excited. Fedd said, “We have put together a great staff that is ready to coach and get these kids ready to play every day.” The defense will have to replace some key players that graduated, 2008 All-Region 1st Team Kedron West and 2nd Team Quaz Harris and Rossi Davis. Fresh faces Jeffrey O’Berry, Johnathan Perez, and transfer Tre Garner will be seeing the field this year. The defensive will have a different scheme but will still have the same motto: “Fly to the football!”The Rebels have five home games this year and play Albany High School for homecoming and Cook County for senior night. Coach Branch stated, “This is the toughest region in all of 2A football and we have to come ready to play every night and give our very best effort. We love the support we get from the community and the county and we hope that continues to grow.”
All photograpgy submitted by Berrien High School
January 2012
Robert Preston Jr. 
Micki K Photography 
