THE LATEST LINE: WHAT'S WITH THE RUMBLING IN SCOTT CITY?

What in the name of 3-point baskets and slam-dunks is going on down in Scott City?

Nobody is saying for sure. But word has it -- and some fairly reliable sources have confirmed it -- that there has been a movement within the Scott City School Board to not rehire Derek McCord as boys basketball coach.

It is not known just how strong the movement is or just how many board members are in favor of ousting McCord, although sources tell me that at least two board members are adamant about it.

How ridiculous is this? Too ridiculous to even think that it could happen. If there are some people on the school board who want to relieve McCord of his coaching duties, then what have they been smoking?

McCord is only the most successful boys basketball coach in this immediate area and he's been one of the most successful in the entire state over the past several years.

Scott City had consistently fielded one of the area's weaker boys basketball teams when McCord took over the program in 1991.

All he's done in the ensuing eight seasons is compile a 171-57 record. In the past four seasons, the Rams are an amazing 105-15, winning four Scott-Mississippi Conference titles, three Class 2A district crowns and finishing ranked among the state's top 10 teams all four years.

McCord has worked tirelessly to help build the Rams into a state power and to help his players earn college scholarships. Since 1994, seven Rams have received basketball scholarships, including Jon Beck, a current senior who is headed to Arkansas State as the school's first-ever Division I basketball signee.

Off the court, McCord is a solid family man who has done nothing to embarrass the school or the community. He has tried to teach his players about more than just wins and losses. That is evidenced by the fact that, during the past eight seasons, not one of his players has ever been lost because of problems relating to grades, drugs or alcohol.

And McCord's reward for all of this? He's reportedly been called in front of the school board to defend his program. Is this insane or what?

It was crazy enough when the Chaffee School Board recently voted to not rehire Bruce Qualls as baseball coach even though Qualls has an impressive record and is, like McCord, a good family man and a solid citizen.

But if this reported push to oust McCord goes any further than it already supposedly has, then it would be the craziest thing yet.

All area sports fans -- and anybody who likes to see a person treated fairly and with respect -- should seriously hope that it doesn't happen.

* Former SEMO basketball star Calvert White is playing with the U.S. Virgin Islands national team at this week's Central American Caribbean Games that serve as a qualifier for the Pan Am Games.

* Spots are still open for Thursday's second annual McDowell Capahas Benefit Golf Tournament at Bent Creek Golf Course.

A host of prizes will be offered, including $10,000 for the first hole-in-one on No. 8. To enter, call 334-7327.

~Marty Mishow is a sports writer for the Southeast Missourian