Moving from the bustling, bumper-to-bumper urban lifestyle ofNashville, Tenn., to the quiet countryside of Wesson has been agiant step for Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s All-Americanguard Tiania Burns. Usually quiet and soft-spoken Burns has earnedthe love and adoration of the Co-Lin family during her two yearswith the Lady Wolves.

Burns has helped raise Co-Lin to a lofty No. 3 ranking in theNJCAA National Basketball Poll. Her shooting, dribbling and passingskills have made her the main object of attention when opponentsplay the Lady Wolves. Blessed with quickness and speed, she cangrab a rebound and fly to the other end of the floor for an easylayup. She also can step beyond the arc and launch a velvet 3-pointfield goal attempt while weaing a dark blue protective mouthpiece.

Co-Lin women’s coach Gwyn Young has coached many outstandingplayers during his 28 years at the helm. Burns ranks among thebest.

“Tiania is a top five player and probably No. 1,” said Young.”She works hard in practice to improve her skills. She has reallyimproved on defense.”

Burns was recruited by Mississippi State University andobviously would have been an important part of the Lady Bulldogs’march to Top Ten ranking. Her ACT score kept her from arriving onthe Starkville campus two years ago.

Obviously, Burns has worked hard to improve her academics. Shewants to become a social worker after her basketball career hasbeen completed.

“Coach Young really has helped me improve my defense,” saidBurns. “I bought into his system.”

Last summer, after leading Co-Lin to the national tournament inSalina, Kan., Burns spent much of her time playing pickup games atVanderbilt University. That kind of practice against strong collegeplayers improved her overall game.

Co-Lin teammates recognize Burns for her ability. Point guardAyme Beeson says there is a special communication link betweenthem. “We can communicate. We know what the other is thinking.”

Forward Nikki Blakely has played basketball with Burns for twoyears and acknowledges her skills. “Tiania is very good. She canget the job done.”

Forward Lindsay Altman agrees. “Tiania is awesome. She can do itall,” and average 28 points per game.

Mississippi State assistant coach Sharon Allen recruited Burnsand has known her since her junior year at Pearl Colin High School.Allen said Co-Lin was the place to be for Burns.

“I wanted Tiania in the right situation,” said Allen. “Heracademics and the right basketball program were important.

“Co-Lin has been like a hand in glove for her,” Allen added.”Tiania has grown so much in maturity since she’s been atCo-Lin.”

MSU loses two starting guards to graduation. Burns will easilyfill one of those vacancies next season. Co-Lin’s loss will beState’s gain.

Fresh from winning the American Southwest Conference Men’sTournament, the Mississippi College Choctaws are hunting for biggertrophies as the NCAA Division III Tournament tips off. They are atMaryville (Tenn.) College tonight for an opening round game.

“Obviously, it seems like we are playing our best basketballright now,” said MC first-year head coach Don Lofton. “We have won13 out of our last 14 and seven of the last eight. The one we lostwas in overtime.”

Lofton, a Brookhaven native, said Lincoln County products ChadSmith and B.J. Black, both junior transfers from Co-Lin, have madea positive impact on this season’s team. “We had a good group ofjunior college players coming in. It took a while for them to blendin but I believe they are all coming together.

“B.J. Black is playing better for us. His knee flared up acouple of weeks ago. He’s doing the best he can with the kneeproblems. He does a good job guarding and rebounding for us. Hemakes a big impact for us on defense.”

This is the sixth straight year for MC to make the NCAAplayoffs. Lofton wants to climb the playoff ladder. “I told ourguys at practice, ‘We have been knocking at the door for six years.We want to knock the door down this time.'”

Maryville is 21-5. Lofton said the Fighting Scots are a lot likeMC. “They have a very good basketball program. They have been inthe playoffs several times. They will be a difficult opponent forus and they are very well-coached. We match up with them in size onpaper.”

Smith scored 20 of his 22 points in the ASC semifinals, sparkingMC to a comeback 77-65 win over Sul Ross State. “We were down by 16at halftime,” Lofton recalled. “Chad really had a lot to do with uscoming back.”

Smith was named to the ASC All-Tournament Team. “What Chad hasdone for us lately, is penetrating and finishing shots around thebasket.

“I’m really proud of Chad,” said Lofton. “He has been reallysolid and very consistent. He’s probably our best defender on theteam. We hope to get his brother (Craig) at MC, too.”

The Chocs arrived Tuesday night in Maryville and enjoyed anextra day of rest. The NCAA will fly them home if they win. Avictory would send them to Hanover (Ind.) College, in the secondround.