Peyton Hood claims MVP

When it comes to basketball, Brookhaven Academy’s Peyton Hood can do it all. An impressive force on offense and defense, Hood help guide the Cougars through a rebuilding season as they made it to the MAIS South State AA tournament, but lost to Simpson Acad in the second round to finish the season with a 18-14 record.

Hood’s numbers show him averaging 21.23 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game. The senior’s size and quickness on defense have earned him accolades too as opposing teams had to readjust their game plan to stop Hood with double team or sometimes triple team coverages.

Those credentials have earned Hood The DAILY LEADER’s Boys’ All-Area Most Valuable Player and Mr. Basketball honors for the 2014-15 campaign. He is a 6-foot-2, 230-pound that has the ability to play opposing teams inside or outside.

Hood shared his thoughts on being selected as the All-Area MVP. “It is an honor to be selected, but I could not have done it without the help of my teammates and coach Josh Watts pushing me and helping me to get better.”

Joining Hood on the DL’s 2015 Dream Team are Damarius Brooks of Brookhaven; Anthony Jones of Wesson; Dwayne Pendleton of Enterprise; Jeremiah Perkins of Bogue Chitto, Edrick Alsworth and Caleb Yarborough of Loyd Star; Ronnie Edwards and Keshaun London of West Lincoln and Phil Moore of Lawrence County. The team was selected by the DL sports department, with input provided by area high school and college coaches.

Peyton Hood,  18, is the son of Jerry and Kimberly Hood. His jersey number on the BA Cougars basketball team is No. 32. Which was given to him since joining Brookhaven Academy in his freshmen year.

Before starting his senior year in basketball, Hood experienced two coaching changes, Dale Watts and Kyle Ray, before Coach Josh Watts took over the reigns just prior to the start in the school year.

Through having to relearn new offensive schemes, Hood and his teammates work together to have productive season. “Although. we did not advance as far as we wanted, it was still a fun year overall,” stated Hood.

Peyton expressed his thoughts on BA coach Josh Watts. “Coach Watts came in just prior to the opening of the school year and worked us really hard, He pushed us to get the best out of us, His work ethic was second to none and he has passion for the game. I really appreciate what he did for us.

After graduation, Hood plans to attend Co-Lin to pursue a career in engineering.

Brookhaven Academy’s coach Josh Watts expressed his thoughts on Hood.

“Peyton has been a great player for Brookhaven Academy. He has been a varsity starter since his sophomore year,” stated Watts. “Peyton really proved himself this year. When he hit the floor his opponent’s game plan was to shut him down. He faced being double and triple teamed and still found a way to score. He was our go to guy and always came through.

“Peyton was named first team all conference, all south state tournament team and a member of the MAIS all-star team,” added Watts. “I had a coach tell me this year ‘we know it’s no secret what y’all are going to do by getting the ball to Hood, we knew that and we still could not stop him.’ Overall, I’m thankful for the opportunity I had to coach him for his senior year. Beyond the game of basketball Peyton is a great kid. I know he will succeed in whatever he chooses to do.”

Damarius Brooks,  a sophomore guard at Brookhaven High, averaged 11 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals per game this season helped the Panthers win their first Region 6-5A championship crown since 2003.

Anthony Jones,  a junior forward at Wesson, averaged 19.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals to help the Cobras place second in Region 7-3A action and advance to the second round of the Class 3A state tournament.

Dwayne Pendleton,  a sophomore guard at Enterprise, stepped up his game to lead his team in scoring with 19.1 points, while averaging 6.5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals per game.

Jeremiah Perkins,  a senior forward for the Bogue Chitto Bobcats, averaged 18.9 points and 6 rebounds per game.

Edrick Alsworth,  a senior forward for Loyd Star, helped guide the Hornets to a great 20-7 season. Alsworth averaged 19.2 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists per game. Alsworth also receive big honors in senior year by selected as the 7-2A All-Region MVP, Maxprep Best Free throw shooter in the state and was on the Clarion Ledger honorable mention list.

 Caleb Yarborough,  a senior point guard for the Hornets, showed off his skills and speed while averaging 13 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assist and 2 steals per game.

Ronnie Edwards,  a junior guard for West Lincoln, helped the Bears through a rebuilding year. Edward averaged 18.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals per game.

Keshaun London,  a junior guard for West Lincoln, provided the Bears with a one-two punch in guard play as he was the second leading scorer with 16.5 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assist and 2 steals per game.

Phil Moore,  a junior forward at Lawrence County, was instrumental in the Cougars return to the big dance in Jackson. Moore averaged 10 points, four rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals per game.

ALL-AREA BOYS HONORABLE MENTION

Bogue Chitto:  D.J. Nunnery, Tyler Brumfield, Dakota McGary, Will Fauver.

Brookhaven Academy:  Caleb Brown, Drake Flowers, Trent Nettles, Austin Smith.

Brookhaven High:  Shon Blackwell, Tavis Moore, Darren Wilson, Lazorian McNulty.

Enterprise:  Jontavious Smith, Zach Hodges, Jarrod Dixon, Marvin Butler.

Franklin County:  Kel Covington, Tony Gibbs, Jalen Dogan, Vincent Briggs.

Lawrence County:  Keith Davis, Gabe Lewis, Keyshawn Feazell, A.J. McLaurin.

Loyd Star:  Javion Beard, Levi Redd, Brad Jasper, Dorian Beard.

Wesson:  Dartavious Dixon, Eric Rhymes, Tyler Christmas, Will Hulon.

West Lincoln:  Zekenith Porter, Javion Mackabee, Lofton Sills, Seth Bivens.