Hall of Fame
Coach Harry Adair's Northwest women's basketball squads were some of the most dominant teams in the program's long history. Maxine Tucker played a prominent role on two of those teams in the early 1980s.
A native of nearby Holly Springs, Tucker was a standout freshman on Hall of Fame coach Harry Adair's 1980-81 team, which averaged a whopping 93 points per game and finished the season with a 26-1 overall record. Northwest captured the division and conference crowns that season, with the lone loss coming in the NJCAA Region VII Tournament to Shelby State, now known as Southwest Tennessee Community College.
Tucker's sophomore season featured similar success, with Northwest repeating as MACJC North Division and conference champions. The Lady Rangers once again boasted an impressive record, finishing 27-2 overall and 11-1 against division opponents.
Unfortunately, the Lady Rangers experienced heartbreak yet again in the Region VII Tournament, falling by six points to Roane State. However, Tucker once again shined bright during the season. Northwest won the Cumberland Classic Tournament just before Thanksgiving, earning wins against Cleveland State and Cumberland. Tucker combined for 18 points, scoring 10 of those in the 100-66 blowout of Cumberland, earning recognition to the tournament's All-Star Team and Most Valuable Player honors.
Although Northwest fell short of appearing in the NJCAA Tournament during Tucker's two seasons, she and her teammates' success helped Coach Adair and the Lady Rangers win the program's first and only national title the very next season (1982-83).
Following Northwest, Tucker signed with Ole Miss and continued her basketball career with the Lady Rebels from 1982-84, playing under legendary coach Van Chancellor. She served as a team captain during the 1983-84 season, and led the team in assists with 176, including a single-game record of 15 assists in a contest against LSU.
Tucker helped Ole Miss to a 24-6 overall record, a 6-2 mark in the Southeastern Conference and a perfect 13-0 record at home. Additionally, Ole Miss made the 1984 NCAA Tournament, defeating Ohio State before losing to Georgia in the Sweet 16 Round.
After earning her bachelor's degree at Ole Miss, Tucker returned home to Holly Springs, where she coached girls' basketball and track. She retired from her position following the 2023-24 season.
