FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | February 16, 2023
JAMES, PHIFER EARN MISSISSIPPI 1A MR & MISS BASKETBALL HONORS
CLINTON, Miss. – Representing Class 1A, Michael James from HW Byers and Maci Phifer from Ingomar are the first recipients newly created Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) and Mississippi Association of Coaches (MAC) Mr. and Miss Basketball Awards, presented by C Spire.
The MHSAA and MAC have teamed up with C Spire to recognize one Mr. Basketball and one Miss Basketball in each of the MHSAA’s six classifications. The winners in each class will be released in consecutive days, continuing with 2A on Friday (Feb. 17) and concluding with 6A on Tuesday (Feb. 21).
Phifer, a sophomore at Ingomar Attendance Center, averages nearly 17 points and eight rebounds with two steals and 1.3 assists per game. She led her team to the top seed in Region 2 this season, and the 32-1 Falcons will face Hickory Flat in the second round of the playoffs on Friday night. Phifer was also named the 2022 MHSAA 1A Volleyball State Championship Most Valuable Player.
James averages 20 points, four rebounds, and four assists for the Byers Bears this season. After earning the top seed in Region 3 and defeating Thrasher in the first round of the playoffs, James and the Bears will take on Ingomar in the second round of the playoffs on Saturday.
All Mr. Basketball and Miss Basketball winners will be recognized during the 2023 MHSAA State Championships in the Mississippi Coliseum (March 2-4). Recipients will also be honored at a special awards luncheon, which will also be live streamed on the NFHS Network, in the MHSAA Conference Center on March 7.
