When it comes to guard play, West Lincoln’s Jared Case can do it all. An impressive force on offense and defense, Case directed the Bears to the Region 7-1A and South State Tournament championships.

     Case’s numbers show him averaging 16.9 points, 5.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 3.1 steals per game. The junior’s speed and quickness on defense have earned him accolades, too.

     Those credentials have earned Case The DAILY LEADER’s All-Lincoln County Most Valuable Player and Mr. Basketball honors for the 2011-12 campaign. He is a 5-foot-11, 150-pound southpaw with endless energy.

     Joining Case on the DL’s 2012 Dream Team are Glenn Buie of Brookhaven, Brock Smith and Brennan Miller of Brookhaven Academy, Terion Williams of Loyd Star and Lucas Burris and Duane Marshall of West Lincoln. The team was selected by the DL sports department, with input provided by area high school and college coaches.

     West Lincoln coach Lane Young has been coaching Case for several years. He said Case is a gifted athlete.

      “Jared likes to compete, no matter what sport,” said Young. “He works hard all the time and he plays really, really hard. He does a good job leading us out on the floor. He pushes the ball up the floor.”

     Case has been selected to play in the Mississippi All-Star Game this summer at Mississippi College in Clinton. It includes the best rising seniors from across the Magnolia State.

     “Jared really is a true point guard even though he scored a lot of points for us,” said Young. “He’s a good kid, too.

     He might be the best defensive player that I’ve coached. He has good quickness and good hands. He puts pressure on the other team’s point guard.”

     Case celebrated his 17th birthday March 2. He is an active member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.

     West Lincoln finished 28-1 in Case’s sophomore season. The Bears lost to Dexter in the South State semifinals, falling one win shy of a state tournament berth. They lost two starters to graduation.

     Case said he wasn’t surprised by his team’s high level of success this season. “We expected to have a good year. We lost (starters) Jay (Case) and Calvin (Kees) so some people thought we wouldn’t be as good.”

     Obviously, the Bears were even better. Case credited a portion of the success to playing a stronger schedule, facing Class 4A, 5A and 6A opponents during the regular season.

     “It makes you a lot better playing bigger schools instead of rinky-dink schools.”

     Asked about his teammates, Case said, “We play good as a team. All of us are very unselfish. We just try to win, whatever it takes.”

     The Bears lost to Coldwater in the state semifinals. Coldwater went on to  win the state championship.

     What was Case’s favorite game?

     “I liked the Calhoun City game at Okolona (Tournament),” he answered. “Lucas (Burris) had five dunks.”

     Case excels in other sports, too. He is pitcher and fielder in baseball. He is the reigning Class 1A state champion in cross country.

     Distance running is a demanding, energy-draining task in the heat and humidity of Mississippi. Case admitted, “I don’t enjoy it but it’s discipline. It gets you in shape for other sports. It gives you more endurance.”

     He said he enjoyed playing for Coach Young. “I think Coach Young is a good coach. All of us like him. He always has a good plan.”

     Looking to the future, Case wants to play college basketball. His older brother, Jay, was the DL’s 2011 MVP and he played for Co-Lin this season.

     There’s a deep family tradition in Case’s family. His parents, Jason and Mary Byrd Case, both played for West Lincoln. His father, Jason, helped West Lincoln win back-to-back Class B state championships in 1981-82. His grandfather, Jack Case, coached those teams.

     An avid outdoorsman, Case like’s to spend time in the woods squirrel hunting. He likes to fish and deer hunt, too.

     Quizzed about his favor college and NBA teams, Case said he likes following the Florida Gators. “They shoot the three.”

     At the NBA level, Case favors the Boston Celtics. Boston point guard Rajon Rondo is his favorite player.

     Glenn Buie, a 6-foot senior guard, averaged 13.1 points per game for the Coach Preston Wilson’s Brookhaven Panthers who finished 18-9.

     “Glen is really aggressive and he always plays hard,” said Coach Wilson. “He has a knowledge of the game.”

     Brock Smith, a 6-2 senior forward, averaged 15.1 points and team-high 9.8 rebounds per game as the Cougars cruised to a 32-5 record and the South State AA Tournament championship.

     “Brock is one of the hardest-playing players I’ve ever coached,” said BA coach Dale Watts. “He loves the game and he’s a great passer.”

     Lucas Burris, a 6-4 junior forward, averaged 14.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game for West Lincoln. An exceptional athlete, he was recognized for his backboard-shaking dunks.

     “Lucas has really worked hard on his post moves,” said Coach Young. “His hands have gotten better and he is a lot  stronger.”

     Terion Williams, a 6-1 junior guard, was an offensive leader for the Hornets who posted a 9-14 worksheet. He averaged 13.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game for Coach Gene “Moochie” Britt.

     “Terion can take it to the hole really well,” said Coach Britt. “He’s hard to stop from driving to the goal.”

     Brennan Miller, a 6-foot senior guard, was known best for his perimeter shooting. He averaged 11.1 points per game.

     “Brennan can shoot with anybody,” said Coach Watts. “That’s his strength.”

     Duane Marshall, a 5-11 freshman, showcased his potential as a sixth man for West Lincoln. He averaged 13.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.

     “Duane came off the bench nearly every game and gave us instant offense,” said Coach Young. “He’s a very good shooter.”