HATTIESBURG, Miss. (THN News) - Pearl River Wildcats showcased a commanding performance on Saturday, securing a 9-1 win over UA Rich Mountain and clinching the series victory. The game highlighted strong pitching and a decisive late-inning rally that left no doubt about the Wildcats’ dominance. This victory not only reflects the team’s skill but also their growing confidence as they advance through the season. Tanner Busby’s Masterful Start Sets the Tone Pearl River needed a solid start to secure the rubber match against UA Rich Mountain, and Tanner Busby delivered exactly that. The right-handed pitcher from Picayune threw six innings, allowing only one run on three hits. He did not walk a single batter and struck out eight, effectively keeping the Bucks off balance throughout his outing. Busby’s performance was a clear example of consistency and control. Head coach Michael Avalon praised his ability to stay within himself and maintain effectiveness, especially on a day when the pressure was high. This kind of pitching is crucial in tight series, and Busby’s outing gave the Wildcats the foundation they needed to build on. Early Offensive Sparks Give Pearl River the Edge The Wildcats wasted no time putting runs on the board. In the bottom of the second inning, Kyler King stepped up and blasted his first home run of the season over the left-field wall. This early lead energized the team and gave Busby a cushion to work with. UA Rich Mountain managed to respond with a solo run in the fourth inning, but Busby quickly regained control. He retired the side in order in both the fifth and sixth innings, striking out four batters during that stretch. This kept the game tied and set the stage for Pearl River’s late surge. Power at the Plate Shines in the Late Innings Pearl River reclaimed the lead in the sixth inning thanks to catcher Coy Clements from Hattiesburg. Clements crushed a hanging pitch 403 feet over the wall, putting the Wildcats ahead 2-1. This home run was a turning point, signaling the team’s readiness to pull away. The Bucks threatened again in the seventh inning by putting two runners on base with no outs, but the Pearl River bullpen stepped up. The relief pitchers shut down the threat, preserving the slim lead and keeping the momentum on the Wildcats’ side. The Seven-Run Eighth Inning Breaks the Game Open The defining moment came in the eighth inning when Pearl River exploded for seven runs. This offensive outburst effectively sealed the game and the series victory. The Wildcats capitalized on every opportunity, showcasing patience at the plate and aggressive baserunning. This inning demonstrated the depth of the team’s lineup and their ability to perform under pressure. The combination of clutch hitting and solid pitching made it impossible for UA Rich Mountain to mount a comeback. What This Win Means for Pearl River Moving Forward With a 12-4 overall record, Pearl River is building momentum. The team’s confidence is growing, and the players are starting to believe in their ability to win close games. Coach Avalon emphasized the importance of maintaining this belief as they move forward in the season. The Wildcats’ performance on Saturday showed that they can rely on both their pitching staff and their offense to carry them through tough matchups. This balance will be key as they face stronger opponents in the coming weeks. Key Takeaways from the Game Strong starting pitching by Tanner Busby set the tone early. Early home runs from Kyler King and Coy Clements provided crucial leads. Bullpen resilience shut down late threats from UA Rich Mountain. A powerful eighth inning broke the game open and secured the series. Team confidence is growing, which is vital for sustained success.

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (THN News) - The weekend weather is shaping up to be a mix of wet and dry conditions, with showers and thunderstorms expected early on Saturday, followed by clearing skies and cooler temperatures through Sunday and Monday. If you have outdoor plans or errands, knowing what to expect can help you stay comfortable and safe. This detailed forecast will guide you through the timing and intensity of the rain, wind conditions, and temperature changes so you can plan accordingly. Saturday Morning and Afternoon: Showers and Thunderstorms Likely Saturday starts with a chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon . These early storms may bring brief heavy rain and gusty winds. Between noon and 3 p.m., showers become more likely, with thunderstorms possible. This period could see the most intense weather of the day, so it’s wise to have a plan to stay indoors or seek shelter if you are outside. Rainfall amounts are expected to be between a tenth and a quarter of an inch. Thunderstorms could produce localized heavier rain. Winds will be from the southwest at 5 to 10 mph, shifting to north-northwest in the afternoon. By mid-afternoon, the chance of showers and thunderstorms continues but may start to taper off. The temperature will reach a high near 79 degrees, making it warm and humid enough to fuel these storms. Tips for Saturday Carry an umbrella or rain jacket if you need to be outside in the morning or early afternoon. Avoid outdoor activities during the peak storm window (noon to 3 p.m.). Secure loose outdoor items that could be blown around by gusty winds. Monitor local weather updates for any severe thunderstorm warnings. Saturday Night: Clearing Skies and Cooler Temperatures After 9 p.m., the chance of showers and thunderstorms drops to about 20 percent. The sky will be mostly cloudy early in the evening but will gradually clear overnight. Temperatures will fall to around 41 degrees, a significant drop from the daytime high. Winds will shift to north-northwest at 5 to 15 mph. Gusts could reach as high as 25 mph, so it may feel breezy. The clearing skies will set the stage for a crisp night. This transition to clearer skies and cooler air will bring relief after the wet and humid day. Sunday: Sunny and Cooler with Breezy Winds Sunday will be a day of sunshine and cooler temperatures. The high will reach near 56 degrees, a noticeable drop from Saturday’s warmth. The north-northwest wind will blow steadily around 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph, making it feel cooler than the thermometer reads. Expect clear skies and dry conditions throughout the day. The wind may make outdoor activities feel brisk, so dress in layers. This is a great day for outdoor plans that require dry weather, such as hiking or gardening. Sunday Night: Clear and Cold Sunday night will bring clear skies and a low temperature near 32 degrees, right at the freezing mark. Winds will remain from the north-northwest at around 10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. The cold night means frost is possible in some areas. If you have sensitive plants or outdoor pets, take precautions to protect them. The clear skies will make for good stargazing conditions if you are up late. Monday: Sunny but Still Cool with Windy Conditions Monday continues the trend of sunny skies but remains cool with a high near 51 degrees. Winds will be from the north-northwest at 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching 25 mph. The wind may make it feel colder than the actual temperature. Dress warmly if you plan to spend time outdoors. The dry, sunny weather is ideal for outdoor chores or exercise. Monday Night: Clear and Cold with Light Winds Monday night will be clear with a low around 26 degrees, colder than the previous night. Winds will shift to light north-northeast in the evening, dropping to 5 to 10 mph. This cold night may bring frost or even a light freeze in some areas. It’s a good night to ensure your heating system is ready for colder temperatures. Keep an eye on any outdoor water pipes or irrigation systems to prevent freezing. Preparing for the Weekend Weather With a weekend that starts wet and ends clear but cold, preparation is key. Here are some practical steps to take: Plan outdoor activities for Sunday or Monday when the weather is dry and sunny. Dress in layers to adjust to the temperature swings from warm Saturday to chilly Monday. Stay informed by checking local weather updates, especially if thunderstorms develop. Protect sensitive plants and pets from the cold nights. Secure outdoor furniture and items before Saturday’s windy storms. This weekend’s weather offers a clear example of how quickly conditions can change. By staying aware and prepared, you can enjoy the best parts of the weekend while staying safe during the storms.

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (THN News) - Road closures can disrupt daily routines, causing delays and confusion for drivers and pedestrians alike. Currently, West 7th Street is closed due to ongoing construction work. This closure affects traffic flow and access in the area, but there is a clear detour route available via Grace Avenue to help you navigate around the disruption smoothly. Understanding the details of the closure and the detour options can save time and reduce frustration. West 7th Street closed for construction with clear signage Using Grace Avenue as a Detour Grace Avenue offers a convenient alternative route to bypass the closed section of West 7th Street. Here’s how to use the detour effectively: Turn onto Grace Avenue heading north or south depending on your destination. Grace Ave flows out to Hwy 49 or the Bypass. Follow posted detour signs carefully to avoid confusion. Expect slightly increased traffic on Grace Avenue during peak hours. Grace Avenue is well-maintained and wide enough to handle the additional traffic volume. Local authorities have increased signage and traffic control measures to ensure safety. Tips for Drivers During the Closure Navigating detours can be challenging, especially during busy times. Here are some tips to help drivers: Plan ahead: Check traffic updates before leaving to avoid unexpected delays. Allow extra travel time: Detours often add a few minutes to your trip. Follow detour signs: They are placed to guide you safely around the construction zone. Drive cautiously: Watch for construction workers, equipment, and pedestrians. Use GPS navigation: Many apps update routes in real time to reflect closures. By staying alert and patient, drivers can minimize stress and maintain safety on the roads.

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (THN NEWS) - Students attending Delta State University and students attending Kennesaw State University earned special honors this week for recognition of their academic success, representing their hometown very well. Trenton Barney of Hattiesburg, who is majoring in finance, has been named to Kennesaw State University's Fall 2025 Dean's List in recognition of academic achievement. Delta State University congratulates students named to the fall 2025 President's List. These students achieved a 3.80 or better GPA, based on a 4.0 scale, while completing at least 12 semester hours of coursework with no incomplete grades or grades lower than a C. The following local students have achieved President's List Honors: Meghan Baylis, of Hattiesburg a Flight Operations major Aiden Mann, of Hattiesburg a Flight Operations major Jackson Touchstone, of Hattiesburg a Flight Operations major Each semester, undergraduate students who have earned at least 12 credits and a grade point average of 3.50-3.79 are recognized on the Dean's List. The following students from your area are Dean's List scholars: Cade Mattison of Hattiesburg (39402) James Tutor of Hattiesburg (39401)

MERIDIAN, Miss.  (THN News) — No. 2 Pearl River baseball split a two-game round robin tournament Saturday, homering four times as it defeated Northwest 7-3 before it fell 7-1 against Meridian.  "You have got to separate the games," head coach Michael Avalon said. "I don't think we played great in the first game, but we played well enough to win. We've got to do a better job of scoring runners in scoring position. We also have to do a better job of making big pitches and getting out of jams." GAME ONE  Both Pearl River (10-3 overall) and Northwest (5-3) put a runner on in the first inning but failed to score. The Rangers struck first in the top of the second with an RBI single. The Wildcats responded in the bottom of the third. Jackson Beddoe  (Sulphur, La.) was hit by a pitch and Gatlin Pitts  (Fairhope, Ala., Bayside Academy) reached on a bunt single, setting the stage for Jackson Hood  (Madison, Germantown) to launch a three-run home run and give Pearl River the lead. Pearl River added to its advantage in the third inning. Chap Cook  (Canton, Canton Academy) doubled on a fly ball to right field before Coy Clements  (Hattiesburg, Oak Grove) followed with his third home run of the season, extending the lead to 5-1. Tyrese Johnson  (West Point) worked three innings, allowing one run on two hits to earn the win. Gabe Hodges (Flowood, Northwest Rankin) relieved Johnson in the fourth and immediately retired the Rangers in order. In the bottom half of the inning, Pitts provided insurance with his first home run of the season, pushing the lead to 6-1. Northwest answered in the fifth with a two-run homer to cut the deficit to three. Pearl River responded in the sixth, drawing a walk before back-to-back singles from Clements and Jackson Estes  (Madison, Germantown) plated another run, making it 7-3. Dalton Graham  (Conehatta, Newton County) was a standout out of the bullpen, tossing 2.2 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out four. GAME TWO  Meridian (7-1) wasted no time in the nightcap, scoring three runs in the first inning. Pearl River answered in the second when Clements belted a solo home run over the right fielder's head to make it 3-1. Meridian added an RBI single in the third to extend the lead to 4-1. The Eagles continued to control the game, adding runs in the fourth and fifth while limiting the Wildcats to walks and scattered hits. Pearl River managed to get its leadoff batter on base with a walk, but failed to bring them in as the Wildcats fell against Meridian 7-1.  NEXT UP  Pearl River heads back home to take on UA Rich Mountain in a three-game series. The Wildcats will play twice on Saturday at 2 and 5 p.m. before playing game three of the series on Sunday at 1 p.m. TICKETS Season and single-game tickets are on sale now at PRCCAthletics.com/Tickets . Season tickets are $120. Single-game tickets are $9 if purchased in advance or $11 if purchased on game day. TUNE IN All home Pearl River baseball games are livestreamed for free at PRCCMedia.com/Gold . Fans with Roku, Amazon Fire or Apple TV devices can also watch the Wildcat broadcasts by downloading the "Pearl River CC" channel from their app stores. Games will also be available over the air in Pearl River County by tuning into 1320-AM and 106.9 FM. The radio broadcast is also available at WRJWRadio.com  and by downloading the WRJW app.

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (THN News) - The William Carey softball team split its midweek doubleheader with Louisiana Christian University on Tuesday afternoon at Joseph & Nancy Fail Field, with the Wildcats taking game one 4–1 before the Lady Crusaders answered with a 4–0 shutout in the nightcap. After two quiet innings from both teams, LCU broke the scoreless tie in the top of the third. The Wildcats pushed across the game's first run when Lexi Broussard beat out an infield single to third, and a throwing error allowed Kaitlyn Roberts to score from second while Broussard advanced all the way to third. Christina Curtis followed with a walk, and Broussard came home on a single to left. Moments later, Isabella Battaglia delivered a two-run single to right-center to stretch the lead to 4–0. WCU generated several scoring opportunities throughout the afternoon, starting in the bottom of the second.  Jayden Sawyer  reached and advanced to third on a passed ball, but LCU's pitching staff navigated out of the threat. The Lady Crusaders threatened again in the fourth, putting runners on second and third with one out after singles by  Albanie Fussell  and  Kinley Hogue , but the Wildcats retired the next two batters to escape the inning. Carey broke through in the sixth. After a leadoff double by  Caroline Lindsey , pinch-runner Little Bittle moved to third on a single from Sawyer. A fielder's choice brought Bittle home to cut the deficit to 4–1, but that would be the lone run Carey managed. WCU mounted one final rally in the seventh, stringing together singles from  Ryanne Hornsby ,  Harper Dupre , and Lindsey. But once again, LCU worked out of trouble, inducing a flyout to center to seal the win. After a quiet opening frame for both sides in game two, WCU produced the decisive swing in the bottom of the second. With two aboard following a walk and a bunt single,  Julia Shaw  ripped a double down the right-field line to score Fussell and Hogue, giving the Lady Crusaders a 2–0 advantage. LCU's only early chance came on a two-out double from Battaglia in the top half of the inning. WCU added to the lead in the fourth. Shaw led off with a single down the left-field line, and Dupre followed with a line drive to center that skipped away, allowing Shaw to score and Dupre to reach third. Moments later,  Anna Grace Shows  laid down a bunt toward third; the throw went to first, and Dupre raced home to make it 4–0. From that point, WCU's pitching took over. Sawyer set the tone in the circle, keeping the Wildcats off the scoreboard while the defense erased the limited threats LCU managed to create. The Wildcats' best chance came in the fourth after a leadoff single and a sacrifice bunt moved the runner to second, but back-to-back strikeouts ended the inning and preserved the cushion. Carey returns to action on Saturday, February 21, hosting Southeastern (Fla.) in a doubleheader at Joseph & Nancy Fail Field. First pitch is set for 12:00 p.m.

UNIVERSITY, Miss. (THN News)- The University of Mississippi announced students named to the Fall 2025 Honor Roll. Kelston Seymour, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A. in Allied Health Studies program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Connor Batson, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.S.E.S. in Exercise Science program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Mary Dumas, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A. in Biological Science program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Chandlar Havard, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.S. in Dietetics and Nutrition program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Jesse Mitchell, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A.J. in Journalism program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. William Watson, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.Accy. in Accountancy program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Anna Chain, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A. in Allied Health Studies program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. John Spencer, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A. in Psychology program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Marina Trejo, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A.Ed. in Elementary Education program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Macy Ruff, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.S.Ch .E. in Chemical Engineering program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Lane Greer, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A. in Economics program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Ava Gretzinger, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.B.A. in Marketing program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Barron Vance, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.Accy. in Accountancy program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Evan McBeth, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.S.C.J. in Criminal Justice program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Samantha Alliston, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.S.E.S. in Exercise Science program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Bracey Koenenn, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Sydney Chambliss, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A. in Political Science program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Shreya Madhav, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.S.E.S. in Exercise Science program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Sophie Pitts, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.Accy. in Accountancy program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Abigail Thomas, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.F.A. in Theatre Arts program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Carsyn Caillet, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.B.A. in Marketing program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Lillian Montgomery, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.Accy. in Accountancy program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Natalie Thieling, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.S.E.S. in Exercise Science program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Madison Nobles, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A. in Allied Health Studies program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Molly Phillips, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.S. in Communication Sciences & Disorders program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Sawyer Speights, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A. in Allied Health Studies program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Ella Segraves, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A. in Economics program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Jon Weathers, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A. in Biological Science program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Kayla Smith, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.S. in Public Health program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. June Guin, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A. in Chinese program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Tiana Hough, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A. in Psychology program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Yiohanny Zermeno, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.F.A. in Creative Writing program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Madison Cameron-Abercrombie, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A. in Allied Health Studies program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Brody Creel, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.Accy. in Accountancy program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Kinley Cucullu, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.B.A. in Business Analytics & Info Systems program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Mary King, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A. in Public Policy Leadership program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Alice Pennebaker, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the Freshman Studies program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Preston Sackler, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.B.A. in Finance program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. JoAnna Watson, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A. in International Studies program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Macy Messer, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A.Ed. in Elementary Education program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Dana Felder, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A. in Allied Health Studies program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Aaron Marcev, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.S.M.E. in Mechanical Engineering program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Andrew Marcev, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A. in Biological Science program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Margaret Middleton, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.Accy. in Accountancy program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Logan Owen, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A. in Biochemistry program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Eli Bullock, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A. in Biological Science program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Amarie Moffett, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A. in Political Science program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Zachary Rifkin, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A. in International Studies program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Kadin Collier, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A. in International Studies program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Stephen Jackson, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.B.A. in General Business program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. John McQueen, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.B.A. in Finance program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Rebecca Harris, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.S. in Communication Sciences & Disorders program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Lillian Brinkley, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A. in Biological Science program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Ann Parrish, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the Freshman Studies program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Chrimson Brumfield, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A. in Allied Health Studies program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Samantha Bruce, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the Freshman Studies program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Jane Middleton, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.A. in Political Science program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Caleb Morgan, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.B.A. in Entrepreneurship program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. William Griffith, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.B.A. in Marketing program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Danny Sun, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Nadya Dzugan, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.S. in Biological Science program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Aiyana Li, of Hattiesburg, MS, in the B.S. in Chemistry program, is on the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. "We are very proud of the students earning the Chancellor's Honor Roll designation," Chancellor Glenn Boyce said. "This recognition reflects their academic excellence and achievements and exemplifies the hard work, commitment and dedication that define our university community." To be eligible for honor roll designation, a student must have completed at least 12 graded hours for the semester and may not be on academic probation during the semester. The University of Mississippi, affectionately known as Ole Miss, is the state's flagship university. Included in the elite group of R1: Doctoral Universities - Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business. Its 16 academic divisions include a major medical school, nationally recognized schools of accountancy, law and pharmacy, and an Honors College acclaimed for a blend of academic rigor, experiential learning and opportunities for community action. Recognized among the nation's most beautiful, Ole Miss' main campus is in Oxford, which is routinely acknowledged as one of the country's best college towns.

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (THN News) - William Carey men's basketball came out blazing and never took its foot off the gas, defeating Mobile 94–72 in a high-energy conference showdown Saturday afternoon. The fireworks started immediately.  Randarius Hughes  drilled a smooth mid-range jumper on the opening possession, and the Crusaders were off to the races.  Javeon Gordon  buried a three at the 17:14 mark, and  Jamar Jenkins  followed with back-to-back power finishes in the lane to push the early lead to 11–4 and force Mobile onto its heels. Carey kept piling on the pressure.  Malik Franklin  splashed a wing three with 14:14 left, and less than a minute later,  Arzika Seibou  stepped into a deep ball to stretch the margin to 17–7. Mobile's turnover woes only fueled the fire as the Crusaders repeatedly turned steals into easy transition points. Then came the spark that blew the game open.  Troy Dunn  ignited the Crusader offense with back-to-back threes, powering a 14–2 explosion that ballooned the lead to 27–12. Mobile briefly trimmed the margin to 32–22 entering the final stretch of the half, but Carey slammed the door again. A quick 6–0 burst—capped by another Franklin dagger from long range—sent the Crusaders into the break with a commanding 43–27 advantage. Carey wasted zero time reigniting the momentum. Hughes got the second half rolling with a jumper just 16 seconds in, followed by an aggressive driving finish from  Anthony Robinson  that stretched the lead to 47-27. Moments later, Jenkins caught fire from downtown, drilling consecutive threes to blow the game wide open at 55–29. Dunn wasn't finished either, knocking down another triple at the 15:43 mark. A deep ball from  Makeem Roberts  pushed the Crusaders past 65 points with more than 13 minutes left, and Seibou added yet another long-range strike shortly after. From there, Carey cruised. Late threes from  Bennet Wippersteg  and Seibou capped a dominant performance, sealing a 94–72 victory. Six Crusaders scored in double figures, led by Hughes, Jenkins, and Dunn with 13 points each. Roberts, Franklin, and Seibou added 11 apiece to round out a balanced scoring effort. Carey returns to action on Thursday, February 19, when they host UT-Southern at Clinton Gym. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.

EUNICE, La. (THN News) — The No. 7 Pearl River softball team hit the road Sunday for a top-15 showdown with No. 13 LSU Eunice. The Wildcats dropped a hard-fought opener, 3-2 in extra innings, before responding with an emphatic 8-4 win in the nightcap to earn the split. "This is the first time we've been on the road and had to play someone at their house," head coach Christie Meeks said. "It was a great learning experience against a really good team fighting on its home field, and I'm proud of how we responded after an emotional game." GAME ONE A pitcher's duel defined the opening three innings as Teegan DeWitt (Pass Christian; Hancock) matched the LSU Eunice (10-3 overall) pitcher pitch for pitch. Pearl River (8-2) struck first in the fourth inning after Addy Grace Alexander (Poplarville) led off the frame with a single and later scored on a Shania Fondren (Batesville; South Panola) RBI single. Eunice responded immediately in the bottom of the inning with an RBI single to tie the game, 1-1. Both teams put runners on in the fifth but were turned away by stellar pitching. Pearl River regained the lead in the sixth as Zion Seals (Shannon; Nettleton) singled with two outs and advanced to second on a fielding error by the Bengal left fielder. Taylor Foster (Petal) followed with an RBI single to left-center field to make it 2-1. The Bengals answered quickly, retying the game within the first two batters of the bottom half of the inning. Both teams went quietly in the seventh, sending the game to extra innings with Pearl River hitting first in the top of the eighth. Despite placing two runners in scoring position, the Wildcats were unable to break through. LSUE then loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the inning before walking off with a 3-2 win. GAME TWO Pearl River wasted no time jumping out to an early lead in game two. Alexander singled to open the first inning and scored on a two-run home run by Fondren to make it 2-0. Sophomore Ana Grace Garcia (Baton Rouge, La.; St. Joseph's) earned the start and worked around an error to keep the Bengals off the scoreboard in the opening frame. The Wildcats added another run in the second as Seals led off with a single and moved to second on another Bengal defensive miscue. Kai Goodman (New Orleans, La.; John Curtis) drove her in with an RBI single to center field, extending the lead to 3-0. The offensive surge continued in the third when Fondren launched her second home run of the game to make it 4-0. Jaycee Holifield (Laurel; Stringer Attendance Center) followed with a solo shot to left field, pushing the lead to 5-0. Eunice answered with three runs in the bottom of the inning, but Garcia limited the damage to keep Pearl River ahead, 5-3. The fourth and fifth innings passed quietly with neither team generating offense. Pearl River plated two insurance runs in the sixth on an RBI single from Anastasia Acree (Mobile, Ala.; Alma Bryant) and a pinch-hit RBI single by Caroline Woodward (Gulfport), extending the lead to 7-3. The Bengals responded with a run of their own in the bottom half, trimming the deficit to 7-4. The Wildcats added their final run in the top of the seventh. Laila Bullen (Wiggins; Stone County) entered as a courtesy runner after Maeli Ben (Conehatta; Newton County) was hit by a pitch. Bullen advanced to second and third following a Holifield single and a deep flyout by Erin Meadows (Greene County). Holifield then drew a throw while stealing second, allowing Bullen to steal home and make it 8-4. Eunice threatened in the bottom of the seventh, but a clutch double play ended the rally and secured the 8-4 win and a doubleheader split for Pearl River. LEADING THE WAY Seals finished the day with two hits and scored three runs. She also drew two walks. Holifield was 5-for-8 with an RBI and a run scored. Goodman and Fondren each had three hits while Fondren led the team with four RBIs. DeWitt tossed seven innings in her start, allowing two earned runs and striking out eight batters. Garcia threw a complete game, allowing two earned and striking out three. NEXT UP Pearl River returns to the field Tuesday, February 23, traveling to Wallace State - Hanceville.

MISSISSIPPI STATE, MS (02/16/2026)-- Nearly 1,400 students are on the fall 2025 Graduation List at Mississippi State University. Recent graduates include: Tobias Adams, of Hattiesburg, MS. Adams received the Bachelor of Science from MSU's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Erin Blanchard, of Hattiesburg, MS. Blanchard received the Bachelor of Science Summa Cum Laude from MSU's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Blanchard received the Bachelor of Science Summa Cum Laude from MSU's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Christian Blythe, of Hattiesburg, MS. Blythe received the Bachelor of Business Adm Summa Cum Laude from MSU's College of Business. Ijerius Brown, of Hattiesburg, MS. Brown received the Bachelor of Science from MSU's Bagley College of Engineering. Abigail Farris, of Hattiesburg, MS. Farris received the Bachelor of Science Cum Laude from MSU's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Hari Giri, of Hattiesburg, MS. Giri received the Doctor of Philosophy from MSU's College of Arts and Sciences. Andrew Harper, of Hattiesburg, MS. Harper received the Master of Business Adm from MSU's College of Business. Colin Hughes, of Hattiesburg, MS. Hughes received the Master of Engineering from MSU's Bagley College of Engineering. Haley Hughes, of Hattiesburg, MS. Hughes received the Master of Science from MSU's College of Forest Resources. Denise Kelley, of Hattiesburg, MS. Kelley received the Bachelor of Science from MSU's College of Arts and Sciences. Keller Kratz, of Hattiesburg, MS. Kratz received the Master of Engineering from MSU's Bagley College of Engineering. Ira Martin, of Hattiesburg, MS. Martin received the Bachelor of Science from MSU's Bagley College of Engineering. Jade Mcbride, of Hattiesburg, MS. Mcbride received the Bachelor of Science from MSU's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Savannah Porcello, of Hattiesburg, MS. Porcello received the Bachelor of Science from MSU's College of Arts and Sciences. Christopher Puckett, of Hattiesburg, MS. Puckett received the Bachelor of Science from MSU's Bagley College of Engineering. Briggs Sumrall, of Hattiesburg, MS. Sumrall received the Bachelor of Business Adm Cum Laude from MSU's College of Business. Weston Surber, of Hattiesburg, MS. Surber received the Bachelor of Science from MSU's Bagley College of Engineering. Surber received the Bachelor of Business Adm from MSU's College of Business. MSU President Mark E. Keenum congratulated graduates as the December ceremony's keynote speaker, emphasizing the world-class education they received and the core MSU values it reflects-integrity, hard work and respect for others. "I want you to be known as the person who people can always trust and count on because of your impeccable integrity; I want you to be known as the person who always excels and does their very best because of your strong work ethic; and I want you to be known as being the person other people enjoy being around because you're nice, kind, thoughtful and considerate of others," he said. "You're about to receive a diploma that says 'Mississippi State' on it. People will see that name and know you are part of a wonderful family. That's why your diploma is so valued-because of who we are."

MERIDIAN, Miss. (THN NEWS) — The Pearl River men's basketball team couldn't fend off a second-half surge at Meridian Monday night, falling to the Eagles 70-69. Pearl River (14-11 overall; 6-4 MACCC) controlled the tempo early but couldn't hold off a late surge from Meridian (10-17; 2-9), falling in a hard-fought contest after leading most of the night. The Wildcats opened the game on a 6-0 run, setting the tone from the opening tip. Austin Fortune (Atlanta, Ga.; Dutchtown) scored first with a finish in the paint, and Daijon Leatherman (Slidell, La.; Legacy School of Sports and Sciences) followed by ripping down an offensive rebound and converting. Reece Garrison (Olive Branch) capped the run with a strong drive to the basket. Pearl River soon pushed the advantage to double figures at 14-4. Christian Gilliland (Memphis, Tenn.; ABC Prep) knocked down a pair of free throws and added a layup to fuel the surge. The Wildcats again stretched the margin to 10 later in the half as Gilliland drew contact, connected on a floater, and completed the three-point play. The Siena signee added another basket moments later to make it 21-11. The Wildcats built their largest lead of the first half at 14 points, 34-20. Gilliland scored on a second-chance opportunity, while Leatherman finished through contact and completed an and-one. The 6-foot-9 freshman added another bucket before Kelan Rich (Pascagoula) jumped a passing lane and went coast-to-coast for a layup. Gilliland drilled a 3-pointer just before the buzzer, sending Pearl River into the break with a 37-24 advantage. Pearl River matched Meridian's energy to start the second half, leaning on Gilliland's scoring touch to stay in front. The freshman poured in seven points to keep the Wildcats ahead by double digits at 51-37. Meridian, however, began chipping away at the deficit, eventually erasing the lead and taking a 55-54 advantage with 7:32 remaining. The Wildcats briefly regained the lead twice down the stretch and tied the game at 60-60 on a pair of clutch free throws from Garrison. Trailing 70-69 with 11 seconds left, Pearl River had a final chance. Gilliland pushed the ball up the floor, attacked the lane, and lofted a floater that rolled around the rim before falling out. NEXT UP Pearl River hosts rival Jones College Thursday night for a 7:30 p.m. tipoff. TICKETS Tickets are available at PRCCAthletics.com/Tickets . Tickets purchased in advance are $9, while tickets purchased on game day are $11. TUNE IN  All home Pearl River basketball games are livestreamed for free at  PRCCMedia.com/Gold . Fans who have Roku, Amazon Fire , or Apple TV devices can also watch the Wildcat broadcasts by downloading the "Pearl River CC" channel from their app stores.  Games will also be available over the air in Pearl River County by tuning into 1320-AM and 106.9 FM. The radio broadcast is also available at  WRJWRadio.com  and by downloading the WRJW app.

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – William Carey used a dominant second half to pull away from Thomas University, earning a 91–75 victory Thursday night at Clinton Gymnasium. "I thought we played well against a very athletic team," said Head Coach  Steve Knight . "We made big shots when needed, especially from behind the arc. Defensively, we had 9 steals in the second half that led to some transition buckets. Overall, a quality win."  Thomas came out firing, fueled by a scorching start from Shane Payne, who buried three early triples to stun the Crusaders and build a 14–7 Night Hawk lead. But the spark only woke Carey up.  Anthony Robinson  answered with a deep three,  Troy Dunn  converted a transition layup seconds later, and Dunn's smooth mid-range jumper tied the game at 14 as momentum began shifting. From there, the Crusaders ignited.  Makeem Roberts  drilled a three to give Carey its first lead, and a relentless 7–0 burst pushed the advantage to 24–16. The Crusaders maintained control for much of the half, stretching the margin to 36–27 with seven minutes left. Thomas rallied to close within 41–37, but Carey closed the period strong and took a 46–39 advantage into the break after two free throws from  Malik Franklin . The Crusaders carried that momentum into the second half. Roberts opened the scoring from the line, and then the fireworks began.  Javeon Gordon  caught fire, knocking down two threes during an 11-6 run to push the advantage to 57–45. Five minutes later, Gordon struck again from deep, pushing the margin to 17 and bringing the Clinton Gym crowd to its feet.  Thomas momentarily halted the avalanche behind Ryan Williams, who sparked a run with two threes and a tough layup to trim the deficit to 11. But Carey slammed the door. A powerful 7–0 run—capped by a three-point play from an attacking  Rashad Stevenson —reestablished control at 84–68. From there, the Crusaders controlled the tempo, sealing the win with steady free-throw shooting and efficient scoring inside. Franklin led five Crusaders in double figures with 16 points.  Randarius Hughes  posted a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Roberts added 11. Dunn and Jenkins also reached double figures with 10 points each. The Crusaders return to action on Saturday, February 7, hosting Abraham Baldwin at Clinton Gym. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.