Saluqi Athletics scores big in spring competition

Saluqi softball and basketball teams had a great start to the spring season. Read more about their impressive wins below. Congratulations to our Saluqi athletes for delivering outstanding performances on the field and the hardwood!

Mattie King

Mattie King

Lady Saluqis Softball

Southwest’s Lady Saluqis softball team opened the 2019 season Feb. 4 at St. Benedict at Auburndale High School, sweeping Mississippi Delta Community College by scores of 9-1 and 15-7. Several Lady Saluqis had big days at the plate, led by freshmen MaKayla Pugh and Jennie Bryant, who hit their first collegiate home runs. Bryant had six hits and drove in six runs while Pugh reached base five times (three hits and two walks) and drove in two runs.

Sophomore Hannah Finley hit a home run in the second game of the doubleheader and was the winning pitcher in the first game. Freshman shortstop and leadoff hitter Blakeleigh Garrison hit three singles, a double, scored four runs, drove in three and stole four bases. Sophomore Mattie King was the winning pitcher in the second game while freshman Destiny Upton relieved in both games, allowing no hits in four innings.

 
Takya Bennett

Takya Bennett

Lady Saluqis Basketball

The Lady Saluqis, currently 10-8 overall and in third place in the Tennessee Community College Athletic Association (TCCAA) with a 6-5 record, are led by sophomore forward Takya Bennett, who is among the conference leaders in several statistical categories. Bennett is the TCCAA's third leading scorer with a 16.9 average and also ranks high in rebounds, field goal percentage, free throw percentage and steals. Also with double-figure scoring averages this season are freshman guard Tia Bland (13.6) and sophomore forward Tamia Curry (13.5).

 
Cedric Henderson Jr.

Cedric Henderson Jr.

Saluqis Basketball

The men’s basketball team also is 10-8 overall, and in fourth place in the TCCAA with a 7-5 record. Freshman forward Cedric Henderson Jr. leads the team with an 18.1 scoring average, which ranks fourth in the TCCAA. Sophomore forward Anthony Yarbrough adds 12.5 points per game and is among the conference leaders in several categories including rebounds (8.1/4th) and field goal percentage (60.0). Also scoring at least ten points per game are sophomore guard J'Sebian Brown (13.5) and freshman guard Christian Jones (10.5).

Congratulations to our Saluqi athletes for bringing home impressive wins and delivering outstanding performances on the field and the hardwood!