Fielder’s Choice

It’s  weeks like the last one that make me realize why I became a community newspaper editor.

At least, I think.

It was hectic, to say the least.

It took me to Benton, Falkner and Marks for basketball games.

I had the opportunity to visit briefly with state treasurer Lynn Fitch, a Holly Springs native.

I got to listen to Justin Hall, executive director of the Marshall County Industrial Development Authority, talk about the positive things happening right here at home.

And I attended meetings of the Holly Springs Main Street Chamber and the Holly Springs/Marshall County United Negro College Fund committee.

I’d never been to Benton before. I was told to take I-55 South about two hours or so and exit toward Yazoo City.

Marshall Academy teams played in the North State Tournament at Benton Academy. I went there Tuesday and Saturday.

Thursday night, I made the short drive to Falkner.

The hospitality there was some of the best I’d ever experienced at ball games. Teams from H.W. Byers and Potts Camp were playing there in the district tourney.

As soon as I drove onto school grounds, a nice young man asked if had a pass of any sort. I told him I was with the newspaper. He told me to drive on up to where a couple of more young men were standing and they would let me through, so I could park near the gym. They did so, after seeing my pass. I had trouble finding a spot, but another kind gentleman walked up and helped me get parked.

Then there were plenty of chairs courtside, for the press, administrators and other school personnel.

I’d been to Marks many times. After picking up photographer Dillon Day at Northwest Community College in Senatobia Friday night, I drove a rural route and dodged several deer along  the way.

There were no cars at the M.S. Palmer High School.

I checked my bracket to make sure the Region 2-3A Tournament, with Holly Springs teams, was indeed being played at Marks.

After driving around and looking a bit, I telephoned Holly High Principal Marcus Autry who helped guide me to a new gymnasium at the middle school where the tourney was being played.

It took about 20 minutes to find a parking place. The gym was packed.

This time, I stood courtside. I particularly enjoyed being beside some Hawk supporters in the second half as our favorite team rallied for a championship.

I didn’t make it to Corinth, where Byhalia teams were playing, but good friend Reece Terry and his folks at The Daily Corinthian helped me out with some photos.

The playoff action continues this week.

Fitch met with some city officials Friday to talk about such things as the college savings program.

Hall’s report on economic development will be included in the upcoming Profile Edition.

The Main Street Chamber is growing, and the UNCF banquet is March 1.

Life is good.