BOGUE CHITTO — First-year head coach Scott Leggett didn’t beataround the bush when he first met with his Bogue Chitto Lady ‘Catslast summer. He told the softball team what he expected and heexpected a lot.

“I knew what kind of talent was there,” said Leggett. “I toldthem we had high expectations for them.

“We were hoping for a very productive season,” Leggett admitted.”We hoped to go and play for it all.”

The Lady ‘Cats exceeded expectations and did play for it all.After beating defending state champion Union for the SouthMississippi title, they battled Ingomar for the Class 1A statechampionship in Jackson but lost two close games.

For his accomplishments, Leggett has been selected The DAILYLEADER’s Slowpitch Softball Co-Coach of the Year, sharing the honorwith Lisa Covington of Brookhaven.

Leggett, 29, a BC graduate, said he wished to share the honorwith his wife, Denise. “She was a great asset and very supportive.She did a lot for the team. She was a good mama for them..”

Leggett said his four senior starters were instrumental in theteam’s march to the state finals. That quartet includesleft-centerfielder Candace Braxton, third baseman Brynna Wallace,first baseman Kayla Smith and rightfielder Haley Roberts.

“Our seniors will be missed,” said Leggett. “They set thestandard for their teammates to follow.”

Bogue Chitto provided a balanced attack. “At some point in theseason, each one of them stepped up, from the top of the battingorder to the bottom.”

West Lincoln was the heavy favorite to reach the state finalsand the Lady Bears beat Bogue Chitto in the division race. However,the playoffs began a new season and the Lady ‘Cats surprised WestLincoln in the South state semifinals.

“The big hurdle was West Lincoln,” said Leggett, recalling thestrong playoff run. “Bogue Chitto has always had a winningtradition. This honor wouldn’t be possible without them. They playwith a lot of heart.”

Slowpitch softball is a popular item in this area of theMagnolia State. “The level of competition is very strong in ourarea,” said Leggett.

A graduate of Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Leggett attendedLSU and graduated from Southern Miss. He teaches eighth grade U.S.History and ninth grade Mississippi History at Bogue Chitto.

Leggett said the Bogue Chitto community and principal JerryMeador were very supportive. “I really appreciate the parents andcommunity for their support. They have treated our team to a lot ofpregame meals.”

After taking a break for the Christmas holidays, Leggett willbegin preparing the Lady ‘Cats for the fastpitch softball season.That’s another winning tradition which continues to grow at BogueChitto.