FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | February 17, 2023
2A MR & MISS BASKETBALL AWARDS BELONG TO JONES, VUNCANNON
CLINTON, Miss. – The Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) and Mississippi Association of Coaches (MAC) continue the series of announcements of the newly created Mr. and Miss Basketball Awards, presented by C Spire, by recognizing the 2A winners – Devin Jones from Velma Jackson and Madi Kate Vuncannon from Walnut.
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 3A on Saturday (Feb. 18) and concluding with 6A on Tuesday (Feb. 21).
Vuncannon, who helped her Walnut Wildcats upset Coahoma County in the first round of the playoffs earlier this week, averages just shy of 24 points and four assists per game while adding eight rebounds and more than four steals. The senior star will look to lead the Wildcats to their 17th win of the season Friday night against Potts Camp with the winner advancing to the state quarterfinals.
Velma Jackson’s Jones nearly averages a double-double at 20.6 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. He also chips in 1.7 assists, 2.7 steals, and 1.4 blocks. His Falcons have posted an 18-11 record and claimed the top spot in Region 6. After knocking off North Forrest in the first round of the playoffs, Jones and the Falcons will square off against Bogue Chitto 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.
