WESSON – The Wesson Cobras and Lady Cobras are ready to start their 2013-14-basketball season in a new place after moving up in classification to the Class 3A division.

Wesson debuts Saturday on the road against the St. Andrews Saints and Lady Saints. The junior varsity action at 4 and 5 p.m., followed by the varsity games at 6 and 7:30 p.m..

Lady Cobras 

Head coach Rusty Newman has taken over the girls’ program. He replaces Rusti Magee, who left to coach at Parklane.

Coach Newman will have to rely on four returning starters, Brandi McInnis, Kayla Britt, Jashia Smith and Xzaviah James, to provide leadership. The Lady Cobras lost two starters to graduation: Azaria Smith and Hannah McCormick.

“I am excited about the upcoming season with the girls,” said Newman. “They have been working hard all summer and preseason. The transition to Class 3A and a different style of ball being played will take some time getting used to for the girls, but I think they will do just fine.”

The Lady Cobras finished 15-16 overall last year. They were eliminated from the opening round of the South State 2A playoffs.

Cobras 

The Cobras finished 21-11 overall and 9-1 in district action last year.

Coach Newman is anxious to see what the season may bring for his team in their new division.

“This season will be interesting with us moving up in classification,” he said. “We have a lot of potential and are capable of holding our own. I just hope we can make the adjustment well and play like we are capable of doing.”

Newman lost three to graduation, Terry Brown, Kaleb Skinner and Eddie McCullum. The Cobras have three returning starters back: Farrod Green, Dartavious Dixon and Mack Smith.

Wesson Girls Roster 

Seniors:  Brandi McInnis, Xzaviah James, Gabby Thomas, LaCatherine Hence.

Juniors:  Brandi Wages, Kayla Britt.

Sophomores:  Carnesha Green, Madison Coleman, Jashia Smith.

Freshmen:  Tashay Glasper, Aurianna Vaughn, Mary Allen, Alaysha Vaughn.

 Wesson Boys Roster 

Senior:  Nick Lewis, Tanner Allen, Marquis Lofton.

Juniors:  Farrod Green, Tyler Christmas, Mack Smith, Dartavious Dixon.

Sophomores:  Anthony Jones.

Freshmen:  Tyler Robinson, Jeremy Smith, Will Hulon, Jermaine James, Eric Rhymes.

Wesson Schedule 

November:  9-at St. Andrews, 12-at West Lincoln, 15-Magee, 18-Bogue Chitto, 22-at Magee.

December:  3-Lawrence County, 6-Sumrall, 10-at Bogue Chitto, 13-at Salem, 14-Germantown, 16-at Lawrence County, 20-at McLaurin.

January 2014:  2-4 Dexter Tournament at Dexter, 7-West Lincoln, 10-Jefferson County, 11-Dexter, 14-Puckett, 17-at Hazlehurst, 21-at Franklin County, 24-Crystal Springs, 28-Wilkinson County, 31-at Jefferson County.

February 2014:  4-Hazlehurst, 7-Franklin County, 11-at Crystal Springs, 14-at Wilkinson County, 18-21 Region 7-3A Tournament, 24 – South State 1st Round Girls. 25 – South State 1st Round Boys. 27-28 – South State Tournament.

March 2014: 1- South State Tournament, 7-15-State Championship-Ms Coliseum.