December 26-30 Report
Wow, what a week of basketball. Over 1,000 miles and 5 nights in the hotel. I loved getting back to the games again. I had the opportunity to catch up with a lot of friends and meet tons of new ones. Saw some great players, teams and games this past week.
This report will cover the following games or events: Paul Wallace Classic from Vancleave, Adidas Holiday Classic from Gulfport, McComb Holiday Classic, Enterprise Holiday Invitational, Kirk Academy Classic and the Domino’s/Cannon Basketball Challenge from South Panola.
Tuesday December 26, 2017
Paul Wallace Classic
From Vancleave HS
#117 MS George County Rebels 7-6 (6A Lucedale, MS) 66
#103 MS D’Iberville Warriors 5-5 (6A D’Iberville, MS) 58
George County managed to hold off a late surge by D’Iberville to earn the win. The Rebels were led by Cameron Hartfield (6-2 ’18 G George County 31 pts 11-19 fg 4-5 ft 3 3’s 7 reb 3 ast 3 st).
George County (traveled 32 miles)
’18’s
Jamar Jackson 5-11 G 13 pts 4-4 fg 2 3’s 3 reb 2 ast
’19’s
Max Noblitt 5-6 PG 5 pts 4 reb 4 ast 3 st
Dylan Lawerence 6-5 C 10 pts 5-5 fg 6 reb 4 st
D’Iberville (traveled 22 miles)
’18’s
Lazarius Ratcliff 6-2 SF 6 pts 3 reb 2 ast
Shamond Hoye 5-7 PG 25 pts 9-12 ft 2 3’s
Clint Hawkins 6-2 F/C 11 pts 4 reb
#66 MS Stone Tomcats 13-3 (5A Wiggins, MS) 53
#214 MS Moss Point Tigers 1-9 (4A Moss Point, MS) 48
Stone hard a very impressive performance fueled by a big second quarter for the win. Stone is a team that can make a serious push in Jackson. They are deep, long, talented, and have multiple players at every position with size. Cortez McCarty (6-5 ’19 G/F Stone 2 blk) is a high flyer that transferred in from George County. Cameron McDonald (6-2 ’19 G Stone 4 pts 4 reb 2 ast) is a long guard/wing similar to Cortez and both of them possess a deadly mid-range game. Enrique Whaley (6-1 ’18 PG Stone 9 pts 2 reb 7 ast 4 st) provides leadership and is a speedy guard that can get into the lane and score or find an open shooter. The change of pace guard is Dalan Breland (6-0 190 lbs ’19 PG Stone 5 pts 5 reb 3 ast). He is a rock solid and strong point that rebounds very well and runs the team with patience and composure in the half court set. His passes are crisp and effective after he throws a nasty pass fake. Parker Owens (6-4 ’18 SG Stone 10 pts 2 3’s 2 reb 2 st) is a very composed outside shooter with a nice size frame. Jeremiah Montgomery (6-6 ’20 C Stone 2 reb) provides a defensive presence down low. Keondre Booker (6-3 ’19 F Moss Point 6 pts 9 reb 3 st 3 blk) looked impressive in the loss for Moss Point. Stone went on to win the Paul Wallace Tournament Championship.
Stone (traveled 45 miles)
’18’s
Caleb Chandler 5-10 G 13 pts 3 3’s 2 st
Moss Point (traveled 17 miles)
’19’s
Jonathan Covan 6-0 G/F 14 pts
Cameron Jones 6-2 G/F 13 pts 7-9 ft
#159 MS Vancleave Bulldogs 5-8 (4A Vancleave, MS) 44
#136 MS Greene County Wildcats 9-4 (4A Leakesville, MS) 41
Jonathan “Jon Jon” Knight (6-3 ’18 G Vancleave 18 pts, 10 in 3rd qtr, 6-7 ft 2 3’s 7 reb 6 ast 2 st) knocked down 2 free-throws with :45 seconds remaining to take the 41-39 lead. He then stole the ball on the next defensive possession and advanced the ball to Tyler Martin (6-0 ’19 F Vancleave 2 pts 2-2 ft) on the break. Martin got fouled and sank both free-throws to help seal the victory. Knight showed to be a leader and Coach on the court for his team. Jared Nicholson (6-5 ’19 C Greene County 8 pts, all in 2nd half, 12 reb 3 ast 2 st) looked impressive for Greene County.
Vancleave (home team)
’18’s
Xavier “X” Bass 6-4 F 6 pts 8 reb 3 st 2 charges taken
’20’s
Kris Johnson 6-1 SG 11 pts 3 3’s
Greene County (traveled 56 miles)
’18’s
LaRue Weaver 6-5 G/F 11 pts 3 3’s 3 reb
Derrick Grice 6-3 F 10 pts 5-6 ft
’19’s
Darrall Johnson 5-8 G 12 pts
Wednesday December 27, 2017
Paul Wallace Classic
From Vancleave HS
#70 MS Ocean Springs Greyhounds 11-6 (6A Ocean Springs, MS) 58
#165 MS East Central Hornets 5-7 (4A Moss Point, MS) 43
Ocean Springs used a big fourth quarter to get past East Central. Malcom “Mac” Magee (6-0 ’18 G/F Ocean Springs 15 pts 12 reb 2 ast 2 st) had a big game for Ocean Springs. Ryan Black (6-1 ’18 G Ocean Springs 12 pts 3-3 ft 5 reb 3 ast) had an off day shooting but provided leadership for his team. East Central looked to be a team that is headed in the right direction and might be able to make a run in the playoffs. Terrell Hooks (6-0 ’18 G East Central) and freak athlete Tony Brown (5-8 ’18 G East Central 5 pts) are two good guards. James Patton (6-3 ’18 G/F East Central 12 pts 4 reb 2 st) and Elijah Newsome (6-2 ’19 G East Central 7 pts) are two good, athletic wings. Preston Walker (6-1 ’18 G/F East Central 5 pts) provides a good, solid shot from the outside. One of the more impressive players is Gavin Tanner (6-0 ’18 F/C East Central 12 pts 4-4 ft). 6-0 post? He plays like he is 6-5. He plays with tons of heart and hustle and he plays smart around the basket.
Ocean Springs (traveled 10 miles)
’18’s
Will Evans 6-2 F/C 10 pts
’19’s
Gavin Guidry 6-0 G 12 pts 4-4 ft
East Central (traveled 16 miles)
Adidas Holiday Classic
From The Bert at Gulfport HS
#98 LA Brother Martin Crusaders 10-7 (5A New Orleans, LA) 58
#42 MS Picayune Maroon Tide 13-3 (5A Picayune, MS) 51
It was fun watching Coach Kelton Thompson working the sidelines. He coaches with so much energy and passion. A big surprise for me was how much Marvun Arnold (6-0 ’19 G Picayune 20 pts) has improved from last season. He is turning into a real player and it will be interesting to see where he takes his game to with his continued improvement.
Brother Martin (traveled 80 miles)
’18’s
Tyler Lally 6-0 SG 13 pts 5-6 ft 2 3’s
Tyler Epps 5-10 SG 11 pts 2 3’s
Picayune (traveled 51 miles)
’18’s
Jordan Griffith 6-2 G 10 pts
#35 MS Harrison Central Red Rebels 8-4 (6A Gulfport, MS) 72
#68 MS Oak Grove Warriors 9-5 (6A Hattiesburg, MS) 68
This was a very entertaining game. Daquan “Perk” Perkins (6-1 ’18 F Harrison Central 24 pts 6 reb 3 blk 3 st) converted on a tough basket around the goal to tie the game with 1:02 remaining. He then stole the ball and took the lead with a layup 4 seconds later. Dajon “Dub” Whitworth (6-0 ’18 G Harrison Central 23 pts 2 3’s 5-6 ft 2 reb 6 ast 4 st) then connected on a layup and 2 free-throws to preserve the victory. The two seniors helped lead Harrison Central to earn the Championship for the tournament. Coach Brumfield has Oak Grove playing right. They are very scrappy and play smart basketball. He has some good looking sophomores and juniors that will only build on the success they are having this year.
Harrison Central (traveled 15 miles)
Oak Grove (traveled 76 miles)
’18’s
Noah Harris 6-5 F/C 13 pts 5-5 ft 11 reb 2 ast 3 blk
’19’s
Brandon Tilley 6-2 G/F 10 pts
Tate Ryder 6-0 G 6 pts 5 reb
’20’s
Blake Roberts 6-0 SG 13 pts 3 3’s
#49 MS Gulfport Admirals 8-7 (6A Gulfport, MS) 78
#124 MS Long Beach Bearcats 6-10 (5A Long Beach, MS) 71
Khaleb Marks (6-3 ’21 G Long Beach 8 pts) stepped up and took the biggest shot of the game to send the game into overtime. The talented freshman calmly nailed the 3 at the buzzer. The overtime session was then the Juan Irias (5-10 ’18 PG Gulfport 18 pts, 11 pts in OT, 4-7 fg, 3 3’s 7-7 ft 4 ast) show. He stepped up big down the stretch and played with a killer instinct. Derick Hall (6-5 210 lbs ’19 F Gulfport 21 pts 6-11 fg 18 reb 2 ast 2 blk) had a big game for Coach Miller and then was awarded with a Ole Miss football offer the next day.
Gulfport (home team)
’18’s
Oliver McDowell 5-10 G/F 15 pts 10 reb 2 ast 3 st
Chad Crenshaw 5-7 PG 10 pts 3 ast 2 st
Long Beach (traveled 8 miles)
’18’s
Elliot Belino 5-9 PG 17 pts, 15 in 2nd half, 9-11 ft 2 3’s
’19’s
Calvin “CJ” Johnson 6-3 F 11 pts
Orlasko Barnes 6-0 F 8 pts, all in the 4th qtr and OT, 6-6 ft
#23 MS Pascagoula Panthers9-5 (6A Pascagoula, MS) 89
#12 MS Laurel Golden Tornadoes 8-3 (5A Laurel, MS) 78
Pascagoula got majors scoring from three key players. Jonas Burley (6-0 ’18 G Pascagoula 28 pts 6-8 ft 2 3’s) was the high point man. D’yasmond “Dee” Booker (6-3 ’19 G Pascagoula 27 pts 6-7 ft 13 reb) was killer from the all over the court, especially mid-range. Jayden “Jay” McCorvey (6-6 ’19 G/F Pascagoula 23 pts 8-10 ft) got back into the swing of things after missing 10 games. Coach Price got solid performances from Colby Cooke (6-7 ’18 SF Laurel 12 pts), Antwan Hatten (6-3 ’20 G Laurel 18 pts) and Orlando Houston Jr (6-3 ’18 G Laurel 14 pts 4-5 ft).
Pascagoula (traveled 38 miles)
Laurel (traveled 105 miles)
’19’s
Jontarious Henderson 6-0 10 pts
Thursday December 28, 2017
McComb Holiday Classic
#53 MS East Marion Eagles 10-2 (1A Columbia, MS) 62
#226 MS Amite County Trojans 3-7 (2A Liberty, MS) 40
East Marion was faced by three players with double-doubles. John “Bill” Rawls (6-8 ’19 F/C East Marion 14 pts 5-8 fg 12 reb 4 ast 2 st 7 blk) nearly recorded a triple-double while the outstanding freshman duo of Vashon Sims (6-2 ’21 G East Marion 11 pts 5-8 fg 10 reb 2 st) and Caleb Rawls (6-4 ’21 G/F East Marion 10 pts 4-5 fg 11 reb 3 blk) notched double-doubles.
East Marion (traveled 44 miles)
’19’s
Flenard McLin 5-10 G 17 pts 5-8 fg 2 3’s 4 reb 2 st 2 blk
’20’s
Devin Daniels 5-8 G 7 pts 3 ast
Amite County (traveled 21 miles)
’18’s
Terrion Rogers 6-1 G 12 pts 5 reb 3 st
Tyrese Hackett 6-2 G 6 pts 11 reb 2 st
#120 MS South Pike Eagles 10-3 (4A Magnolia, MS) 68
#86 MS Franklin County Bulldogs 8-3 (3A Meadville, MS) 60
With the South Pike big man, Jalon Andrew (6-7 ’18 F/C South Pike 4 reb 2 ast, all coming after the 4:00 minute mark in the 4th qtr), on the bench with foul trouble, Coach Harrell relied on his sharp-shooting guard to get the victory. Demarcus Ellzey (6-1 ’19 SG South Pike 24 pts 4 3’s) paced the Eagles with 24 points. Looking impressive for Franklin County was big man Cameron Young (6-4 ’18 C Franklin County 14 pts 10 reb 3 ast). The post player showed great footwork and a soft touch around the basket. Jerdice Collins (6-2 ’18 G/F Franklin County 8 reb 2 ast 2 st) was also plagued with foul trouble but looked to be a good option for the next level with his hard play.
South Pike (traveled 69 miles)
’19’s
Veontae Gardner 6-2 10 pts
’20’s
Justin Williams 5-8 G 10 pts
Franklin County (traveled miles)
’18’s
John Starks Jr 5-5 PG 16 pts 3 reb 2 st 2 3’s
Gerryion Bell 5-9 PG 11 pts
#210 MS Natchez Bulldogs 3-6 (5A Natchez, MS) 62
#33 MS Tylertown Chiefs 7-2 (3A Tylertown, MS) 59
Natchez edged by a talented Tylertown team with the strong play of senior guard Izzy Holmes (6-3 ’18 G Natchez 19 pts 10 reb 3 st). Tylertown has a strong team that should make some noise in the playoffs.
Natchez (traveled 66 miles)
Taylor Chasely 15 pts 5 3’s
Shantae Holmes 10 pts
Tylertown (traveled 23 miles)
’18’s
Carey Gutter 6-4 C 4 pts 7 reb
’19’s
Quincy Young 6-6 C 6 pts 4 reb
K. Robertson G 16 pts 2 3’s
Ja’Shon Baker 5-10 G 19 pts
#107 MS Brookhaven Panthers 9-7 (5A Brookhaven, MS) 80
#224 MS McComb Tigers 2-9 (4A McComb, MS) 53
This game belonged to Brookhaven stud Lafollette Bogan (6-2 ’19 G Brookhaven 28 pts 2 3’s 12-21 fg 9 reb 2 blk 2 st). He is built to just plain score the ball. I was very impressed with his play on both ends of the court.
Brookhaven (traveled 27 miles)
’18’s
Richard Marshall 5-7 G 8 pts 3 ast 2 st
’19’s
Axavian Jones 5-11 G 4 pts 5 reb 2 ast 3 st
John Hilbert 6-0 F 12 pts 6-7 fg 8 reb 3 st
Byrion Robinson 5-9 PG 8 pts 4 reb 4 st
McComb (home team)
’18’s
James Williams 6-1 G 10 pts
Friday December 29, 2017
McComb Holiday Classic
#53 MS East Marion Eagles 10-2 (1A Columbia, MS) 66
#280 MS Wilkinson County Wildcats 0-10 (3A Woodville, MS) 33
The junior big for East Marion had another good outing to help the Eagles get past Wilkinson County. John “Bill” Rawls (6-8 ’19 F/C East Marion 24 pts 8-9f g 3-3 ft 8 reb 3 blk) did his damage in a short time span and Vashon Sims (6-2 ’21 G East Marion 15 pts 10 reb 2 st 2 ast) recorded another double-double. Wilkinson County will takes some L’s this year but watch out in a few years. They will be dangerous. Coach Henderson is in the process of building a squad with all his sophomores.
East Marion (traveled 44 miles)
’18’s
Jordan Howard 5-9 G 8 pts 4-5 fg 3 reb 2 ast 4 st
’19’s
Flenard McLin 5-10 G 12 pts 6-7 ft 2 3’s 2 reb 5 ast 4 st
’21’s
Caleb Rawls 6-4 G/F 9 pts 3-3 ft 3-4 fg 3 reb 2 ast 3 blk
Wilkinson County (traveled 58 miles)
’18’s
D. Sharp 6-5 F/C 10 pts 6 reb 2 st
’20’s
L. Earls 5-7 G 19 pts 5 3’s
Other results from the McComb Holiday Classic
Courtesy of Coach Grey
Thursday December 28
(G) East Marion 58 Amite County 32
(G) Tylertown 62 Port Gibson 58
(G) Brookhaven 45 McComb 40
Friday December 29
(G) East Marion 48 Wilkinson County 19
(G) Brookhaven 52 Tylertown 37
(B) Tylertown 63 Brookhaven 60
(G) McComb 67 Amite County 32
(B) McComb 61 Amite County 58
Saturday December 30
(G) Natchez 46 South Pike 44
(B) South Pike 69 Natchez 52
(G) McComb 56 Franklin County 50
(B) Franklin County defeated McComb by 4
Friday December 29, 2017
Enterprise Holiday Invitational
#130 MS Wesson Cobras 10-5 (3A Wesson, MS) 67
#260 MS Pisgah Dragons 4-9 (2A Sandhill, MS) 40
You have two up and coming teams here. Coach Sanders is developing a culture at Pisgah and he will have that team right in a few years. Coach Newman has a lot of young talent at Wesson ready to break out as well.
Wesson (traveled 18 miles)
’19’s
Shemar Dickerson 5-10 ’19 G 15 pts
JD Allen 6-0 G 14 pts 2 3’s
Pisgah (traveled 94 miles)
’20’s
Ladarius “Duke” Fulgham 5-10 G/F 16 pts 3 3’s
#195 MS Lumberton Panthers 4-5 (1A Lumberton, MS) 55
#268 MS Enterprise-Lincoln Yellowjackets 2-5 (2A Brookhaven, MS) 50
Lumberton was without their top senior player for this game. Donell Buckner (6-5 ’18 G/F Lumberton) was out of town on a family trip. Buckner might be the best player in Mississippi that College Coaches have not heard about. Lumberton trailed the entire game and pulled ahead late for the win. Cade Feltus (6-1 ’18 G Enterprise-Lincoln 22 pts 8 reb 5 ast 2 st) looked impressive in the loss for Enterprise. The lefty is really athletic and has a quick first step.
Lumberton (traveled 75 miles)
’18’s
Rickey Thomas 6-4 F/C 8 pts 10 reb 5 st
’19’s
Daylan Young 6-0 G 13 pts
’21’s
Trevon Jessie 5-9 G 14 pts
Enterprise-Lincoln (home team)
’18’s
JeVante Jenkins 6-3 14 pts 7-10 fg 13 reb 2 blk
’19’s
Peytin Jergins 5-9 12 pts 5-6 fg 3 st
Saturday December 30, 2017
Kirk Academy Classic
Royal Ambassadors Lions 1-0 (Jackson, MS) 88
Delta Streets Academy 0-1 (MAIS 1A Greenwood, MS) 60
Royal Ambassadors jumped out to a big lead and never looked back.
Royal Ambassadors (traveled 111 miles)
R. Timis 11 pts
’18’s
Cornelius 12 pts 2 3’s
’19’s
Jamarious 12 pts, all in the 4th qtr
Stephon 32 pts 10-11 ft 2 3’s
Delta Streets (traveled 34 miles)
J. Jackson 15 pts 5 3’s
J. Nwachi 18 pts 2 3’s
B. Lewis 11 pts 3 3’s
Washington School Generals 2-0 (MAIS 4A Greenville, MS) 46
Indianola Academy Colonels 2-2 (MAIS 3A Indianola, MS) 37
Washington School (traveled 87 miles)
’19’s
Stephon Hemphill 16 pts 4-5 ft 2 3’s
Indianola Academy (traveled 64 miles)
’18’s
T.K. Bolden 6-3 16 pts 5-6 ft
Wednesday December 27, 2017
Domino’s/Cannon Basketball Challenge
From South Panola HS
#146 MS Ashland Blue Devils 3-9 (1A Ashland, MS) 82
#205 MS Calhoun City Wildcats 4-11 (2A Calhoun City, MS) 75
DeAnthony “Shun-Shun” Tipler (5-11 ’18 G Ashland 36 pts 4 3’s 14-16 ft) led Ashland to the win over Calhoun City.
Ashland (traveled 74 miles)
’18’s
Jamarqus Everett 5-10 PG 13 pts 3 3’s
Ocquavion Agyckum 6-1 F 11 pts
Calhoun City (traveled 65 miles)
’20’s
Jalen Mayes 5-9 G 26 pts, 14 in the 4th qtr, 6 3’s
Bryson Walker 5-11 18 pts, 10 in the 4th qtr
#89 MS Amanda Elzy Panthers 8-8 (3A Greenwood, MS) 52
#30 MS Holly Springs Hawks 9-5 (3A Holly Sorings, MS) 42
Elzy just showed up to play. The Panthers were paced by the senior trio of Kevontae Boone (6-6 ’18 F/C Amanda Elzy 3 pts 11 reb 4 ast 2 blk), Adam Mustafa (6-0 ’18 PG Amanda Elzy 17 pts 2 3’s 4 reb 2 st) and Michael Boyd (6-4 ’18 G Amanda Elzy 12 pts 9 reb 3 ast 3 st).
Amanda Elzy (traveled 70 miles)
Holly Springs (traveled 56 miles)
’18’s
DaQuan “Quanny” Smith 6-2 ’18 G 15 pts 10 reb 2 ast 2 blk 2 st
Cornelious Bridgeforth 6-6 F/C 12 pts
’20’s
Cori Bell 6-1 G 8 pts 3 ast
#48 MS North Panola Cougars 12-2 (3A Sardis, MS) 71
#101 MS South Panola Tigers 3-3 (6A Batesville, MS) 47
One of the bigger lineups in the state took advantage of size in the fourth quarter to get the win. Kenneth Jefferson (6-5 ’19 F North Panola 5 pts 4 reb 3 ast 2 st) and Jamarcus “J-Pop” Jones (6-6 ’18 F/C North Panola 21 pts, 10 in the 4th qtr, 9 reb 4 ast 4 st) helped fuel the Cougars with back-to-back dunks while Mario Fenner Jr (6-4 ’19 F North Panola 17 pts, 11 in the 4th qtr, 5-5 ft 9 reb) connected on his free-throws.
North Panola (traveled 9 miles)
South Panola (home team)
’18’s
Kendricus “Dric” Carlton Jr 6-0 PG 14 pts 2 3’s
Deronte Thomas 5-10 13 pts 3 3’s
Magnolia Hoops 