Jackson Free Press

For the first time ever basketball fans statewide can watch all ten state high school championship games as the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) and Mississippi Educational Broadcasting (MEB) team up in March to air the games live on the state*s television network.

"This feature programming is based on a shared vision between Mississippi Educational Broadcasting and the Mississippi High School Activities Association to showcase our state*s talented high school athletes," said Ennis Proctor, executive director of the MHSAA. "Excitement is high and we expect hometown audiences and true basketball fans across the state to tune in to see the more than 30 schools that come to Jackson to compete in the girl*s and boy*s championship games."

The airing of the tournament is made possible through funding provided by The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi.

"We support the healthy lifestyle promoted by athletics and encourage Mississippi*s youth to participate in school activities," said Sharon Garrison, public relations manager for The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi. "We view this as a tremendous opportunity for us to team with Mississippi Educational Broadcasting and the High School Activities Association to share with statewide audiences the dedication, talent and high level of performance demonstrated by Mississippi*s youth."

"After a year of collaboration and coordination, we are extremely pleased to be able to bring this massive production to life," Marie Antoon, MEB executive director said. "We believe this is yet another way we can use our networks to serve our mission to entertain, educate, inform and inspire the citizens of Mississippi. Now those who can*t make it to the tournament in person won*t miss any of the action because they can tune in to see the incredible talent from across the state.

"We appreciate the support from the Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi as they continue to promote healthy activities for our youth. They are also making it possible for MEB to televise the state football championship games this fall."

-more-

ADD ONE/HIGH SCHOOL HOOPS

The schedule for this year*s tournament will feature both girl*s and boy*s games from all levels of high school athletics, Class A- through Class 5A, and offer a unprecedented opportunity for television viewers to watch some of the state*s best athletes compete for the state title. All broadcasts will begin five minutes before the tip-off of each game.

The tournament begins Thursday, March 6 and runs through Saturday, March 8.

"Russ Robinson will provide play-by-play coverage of the tournament while Kim Salter, Greg Flynn and Bryan Eubanks team up to provide color commentary," said Antoon. "Although live sports broadcasting is a new undertaking for us, we*re willing to experiment in order to bring new and exciting programming to Mississippians. Together with the High School Activities Association, we*ll share the excitement of the game as well as the heart and talent of the participating players and coaches with people across the state."

#####

Editor*s Notes

Attached is a map of MEB*s statewide television broadcasting network and a tentative schedule for the games.

About Mississippi Educational Broadcasting

An agency of the State of Mississippi, Mississippi Educational Broadcasting encompasses a network of commercial-free television, radio, learning and community outreach services designed to empower and enrich the lives of Mississippians through the creative use of technologies to deliver programs and services that educate, entertain, inspire and inform. In addition to educational programming and Mississippi-specific productions, MEB provides access to National Public Broadcasting and National Public Radio programming. Visit http://www.etv.state.ms.us

About The Partnership

The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi is a public/private, nonprofit organization comprised of more than 800 statewide governmental and non-governmental agencies, as well as community groups. In its comprehensive approach to youth tobacco education, The Partnership combines media, community and faith-based efforts with school programs, a school nurse program, cessation support and the enforcement of laws that prohibit the sale of tobacco to youth. Contact The Partnership at (800-PHM-5437).

ADD TWO/HIGH SCHOOL HOOPS

TOURNAMENT AIRING SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, MARCH 6

Class 4A

Girls 6:30 PM
Boys 8:00 PM

FRIDAY, MARCH 7

Class 1A

Girls 1:00 PM
Boys 2:30 PM

Class 5A

Girls 6:15 PM
Boys 8:00 PM

SATURDAY, MARCH 8

Class 2A

Girls 1:00 PM
Boys 2:30 PM

Class 3A

Girls 6:30 PM
Boys 8:00 PM

*The actual broadcast starts at the times listed, with a tip off 5 minutes later.

*On Friday evening the broadcast will start around 6 PM, the actual time will not be known until that day.

ADD THREE/HIGH SCHOOL HOOPS

MISSISSIPPI EDUCATIONAL BROADCASTING NETWORK