The Coahoma County High School Panthers ended 2021 with a championship, capturing the title of the Delta Valley Conference Tournament at McEvans High School.
Coahoma won all three of its games, led by the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, Cameron Bell. Bell, who scored 23 against tournament host McEvans, joined his teammates in gaining valuable experience for the remainder of the season.
After winning four state championships, seizing the title of a holiday tournament might seem routine. According to Panthers Coach Derrick Moore, it’s especially meaningful to this team. “We have some good young players, but they’re inexperienced.” explained Moore, “Most of these guys were not a part of those championships. They don’t yet know what it’s like to compete and win at the highest level. But they’re working hard and improving.”
That improvement is evident in the Delta Valley Conference Tournament championship. It was also evident in a recent win against arch-rival Clarksdale, one of the best teams in the state of Mississippi. The season began with an inconsistent start, largely based on youth and inexperience. After weathering those early storms, Moore believes that his team has the potential to continue its improvement toward a postseason run.
Coahoma begins the 2022 part of the season with three of five games at home. Then comes a difficult stretch run of four out of five games on the road before one final home game. The four of five road games include clashes at Leland, Leflore, Riverside and Shelby.
For the Panthers, difficult early games like the Delta Valley tournament and against Clarksdale provide priceless big-game experience.
