By: Tom Williams | Feb 3, 2025
Clarksdale, Mississippi – In his third season as head coach of the Clarksdale High School (CHS) boys’ basketball team, Corney George has experienced the highs and lows of competition. While this season may not have been one of the team’s best, finishing with a 12-12 record, Coach George remains optimistic about the program’s growth and resilience.
December was particularly challenging, with the Wildcats dropping five straight games. However, Coach George never lost faith in his team. “In our struggles, I kept believing and kept reminding our team of what we had,” he shared. “We just had to put it all together, not point fingers, and keep playing.”
The turning point for CHS came during the Christmas tournament in Jackson. Despite losing both games, the team pushed their opponents to the limit, even while missing several key players. That tournament, according to George, was when the team started believing in their potential. “That’s when I personally began to trust my bench more, and we started turning things around,” he said.
A major factor in CHS’s success has been the standout performance of #0, Kamarrius Rash. “That kid is a real beast!” Coach George said. Rash has delivered dominant performances, scoring 43, 43, 33, and 26 points in different games while also excelling defensively. “He’s a true two-way player,” George added. Despite his impressive stats, Rash was overlooked for the all-star game, something George attributes to the team’s overall record.
Looking ahead, CHS will enter the 9th District tournament in Corinth. With five seniors graduating and four starters set to return next season, the program is in a strong position for continued growth. “Going forward, we just have to stay together and continue to overcome hurdles,” George said.
Coach George also emphasized the role of CHS’s dedicated parents and supporters. “They travel hours faithfully, and some don’t even have kids playing. They are the real MVPs,” he said, recognizing their unwavering commitment.
The city of Clarksdale has a rich basketball tradition, and George believes in the potential of both CHS and Coahoma County High to make deep playoff runs. “If Clarksdale and County end up going to state, that will be big for the city, like it was a few seasons ago,” he said.
As CHS prepares for tournament play, Coach George and his team are focused on watching film, crafting game plans, and matching the physicality needed to compete at a high level. “We had to learn how to manage and meet the level of physicality needed to compete,” he explained. With a renewed sense of belief and a commitment to improvement, the Wildcats are ready for the challenges ahead.
Photo Credit: CHS
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