Jamarion Cooper, Brookhaven High

A junior, Cooper started on the wing for the Panthers (17-11) and coach Charlton Grey and might have been the most improved player in the area this season. The 6-foot, 165-pound Cooper averaged 13.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.0 steals per game for a BHS team that reached the quarterfinals of the MHSAA 5A bracket. Strong with the ball when he takes it into the paint, Cooper upped his scoring average by over 10 points per game this season.

 

Randy Crisler, Bogue Chitto

A senior, Crisler again provided physicality and toughness in the paint for coach Marc Howard and the Bobcats (22-4). A repeat All-Area selection, the 6-foot, 240-pound Crisler averaged 11.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game for a Bogue Chitto team that was again one of the best in the MHSAA ranks. His ability to pursue rebounds outside his area has been the hallmark of Crisler’s three seasons as a starter.

 

Carter Davis, Brookhaven Academy

A senior, Davis again led Brookhaven Academy in scoring in his second season suiting up for the Cougars (17-13) and coach Joss Watts. A repeat All-Area selection, the 6-foot-4, 155-pound Davis averaged 18.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. A wing, Davis faced defenses nightly that were schemed to slow him down and limit his touches and still put up almost 20 points per game.

JJ Jefferson, Lawrence County

A senior, Jefferson once again was a leader of the Lawrence County Cougars (17-10) and longtime head coach Pat Bridges. A repeat All-Area selection, the 6-foot, 165-pound Jefferson averaged 13.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game for a blue-collar MHSAA 4A program at LC. Quick with his first dribble, Jefferson has the ability to beat his defender and rise up on his jumper for one of his go-to scoring moves.

 

Shakell Jenkins, Bogue Chitto

A senior, Jenkins was a key cog in the machine that was Bobcat (22-4) basketball for coach Marc Howard. The Region 7-2A Defensive MVP, Jenkins averaged 12.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.3 steals per game for a BC team that made the MHSAA 2A quarters. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Jenkins was the top on-ball defender in the area with his strength and length.

 

Austin Johnson, Wesson

A senior, Johnson possessed size and skill in the paint for coach Trace Abdul-Hadi and the Cobras (6-21). The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Johnson averaged 10.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 block per game this season for MHSAA 3A Wesson. A Copiah-Lincoln Community College football signee, Johnson was the best back-to-basket post player in the area.

 

Noah Magee, Bogue Chitto

A senior, Magee again was a big part of another banner season for coach Marc Howard and the Bobcats (22-4). A three-time All-Area selection and Belhaven basketball signee, Magee averaged 11.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game while earning Region 7-2A Offensive MVP honors. The 6-foot-4, 160-pound Magee was a top outside shooter and the Bobcat most likely to dunk on you during his high school career.

 

Landon McNickles, Enterprise

A senior, McNickles was his same reliable self in doing it all again for coach Blaine Roberts and the Yellow Jackets (18-11). A three-time All-Area selection, McNickles averaged 15.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 3.8 steals per game for a MHSAA 1A Enterprise squad that finished second in its region. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound McNickles was also a star quarterback, earning All-Area MVP honors in football for the Jackets.

 

Jay Ross, Brookhaven High

A senior, Ross handled the rock and directed the offense for coach Charlton Grey and the Panthers (17-11). The 5-foot-9, 160-pound Ross averaged 10.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2.0 steals per game for a Brookhaven High program that reached the MHSAA 5A quarterfinals. Dribbling low to the ground and with confidence, opposing guards found it tough to knock Ross back as he muscled past them.

 

Xavier Vaughn, Loyd Star

A senior, brought energy and effort to the Hornets (13-10) and coach Rusty Newman in 2024-2025. A 5-foot-10 wing, Vaughn showed great improvement in all parts of his game while averaging 10.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.7 steals per game for Loyd Star. Quick to the ball while rebounding or scoring, Vaughn made an impact for LS with his hard charging style as a first-year starter.