John Blackledge Sports EditorIn April of 2010, a horrific tornado demolished Yazoo City and the surrounding areas. Last Sunday, a F4 tornado swept through my beloved city of Hattiesburg.
The news really doesn’t show the extent of the damage done to the Hub City. A friend of mine had an up-close and personal account with this tornado. He was shopping at Books-A-Million when the twister came roaring through.
Hattiesburg High School, Oak Grove and Petal High schools baseball fields are in shambles, and from what my friends are telling me, they may have to play this season on the road.    
Thankfully, my family and friends in the “Free State of Jones County” were spared from the storm’s path. One might be asking themselves, what does this have to do with sports. My answer is this: It has a lot to do with sports.        
Just like Yazoo rebuilt its great city, the people of Hattiesburg and the surrounding areas will do the same as well. In sports, teams get beat down, and they get bumbled by opposing teams. Only then will toughness come out in a man or a woman. It shows our real colors.        
When you’re down a few points in the fourth quarter or down by one run in the final inning, how will you respond? Will you let this be a disaster and let it keep you down? Or will you rise above the ashes and compete to win the game? In life, tragedy will happen, but it’s how we overcome the deficit that defines us as a person or a team, or in Hattiesburg’s case, a disaster!
Basketball
Tournaments Galore
Basketball tournaments are in full swing across the state.

Benton and Manchester Academy are playing in their respective tournaments. The Yazoo City Lady Indians fell short in their finale of the season. What a heck of a way to finish the season for the Lady Indians. If you can, be sure to get out and support our local teams the best you can.
A Special Request
Over the past week, my Uncle Joe has been on a ventilator fighting for his life after a blood aneurism busted inside of him. He resides in Honduras, and he was flown to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to get better treatment.
It’s tough to be so far away from family to provide support for them. So, I’m asking that if you could find it in your hearts to take a moment to send up a prayer request for my uncle Joe Gatlin.
All prayers will be much appreciated.