MHSAA and MAIS boys basketball storylines, players to watch, hot takes for Mississippi playoffs
As MHSAA and MAIS schools make their way into the state playoffs, The Clarion-Ledger breaks down the storylines, players to watch and bold predictions for the Mississippi high school basketball playoffs for both public and private school programs.
Stats provided by MaxPreps, Scorebook Live, MHSAA and MAIS.
Four storylines to watch in Mississippi basketball playoffs
Jackson Academy brothers keep dominace
Jackson Academy has its best shot at a MAIS boys basketball state title since their last win in 2014, and at the helm are brothers Mike and Mason. The two have cemented the Raiders as the No. 1 seed in the MAIS Class 6A tournament and have led Jackson Academy to a 30-1 record.
Pascagoula's status — 'red hot'
Losing its first game of the season to Madison Central 52-49, Pascagoula has not looked back. The Panthers have won 27 games in a row and have cemented themselves as the top team in MHSAA and aim for their first state title in program history, entering the Class 6A playoffs led by Dorian McMillian and Kelan Rich.
Cleveland Central heating up
Cleveland Central is playing with momentum at the perfect time. Last week, the Wolves knocked off the two best teams in MHSAA Class 5A in Yazoo City and Canton in consecutive games to win the Region 2 title after going 5-5 in region play during the regular season and losing to both teams outside of the region tournament. Cleveland Central claims a home game entering the Class 5A state tournament.
Booneville's chance to join history
There is a shot to join history for Booneville as they can become only the second boys' basketball team to win three consecutive basketball state titles this season, joining Callaway. The Blue Devils (24-2) are led by Kedrick Simmons.
10 must-see players to watch
Kameron Brown, Port Gibson: Brown averages 23.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game this season.
Caleb Cunningham, Choctaw County: Expect windmill dunks and even more scoring from the junior guard, who has 18.4 points and 7.2 rebounds this season.
MORE: How Terry boys basketball flipped its season to enter state playoffs as a region champion
Sam Funches, Germantown: The 6-foot-11 center can be a lot to handle for opponents. He averages 18.3 points, 11 rebounds and 6.2 blocks this season.
Tamarion Hoover, Yazoo City: The senior guard is averaging 17.1 points and 6.9 rebounds and is shooting 42.7% from the field.
Ashton Magee, Madison-Ridgeland Academy: The junior forward averages 15.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting 52% from the field.
Stephen McCollun Jr., Hattiesburg: The senior guard is averaging 17.1 points and 2.1 steals and is one opponents need to keep an eye on.
Dorian McMillian, Pascagoula: The senior guard is averaging 15.3 points and 4.3 rebounds for a Panthers team that's won 27 games straight.
Kedrick Simmons, Booneville: The junior guard is averaging 18 points and seven rebounds this season and aiming to make history at Booneville.
MORE: Mississippi high school boys basketball Super 25 rankings: Cleveland Central climbs into top 10
Avery Thomas II, Terry: Thomas has led Terry this season, averaging 19.1 points and 12.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists.
Mike Williams, Jackson Academy: Williams is averaging 19.1 points and seven rebounds on a (30-1) Raider team.
Four bold predictions
Pascagoula streak continues
Pascagoula will keep the momentum they've carried throughout the whole season and win 31 games in a row to claim its first state title after its loss in its season opener.
Raymond avenges last season
Raymond will avenge last season's MHSAA Class 4A state championship loss to Yazoo City and win Class 4A this season led by senior forward Eric Paymon Jr.
Booneville does join history
Booneville will become the second boys basketball team to win three consecutive MHSAA state titles, behind Simmons and company. The Blue Devils, only dropping two games this season, will carry their talent to claim a gold ball when the season ends.
Harrison Central first MHSAA Class 7A state champs
Harrison Central has shot at the boys basketball state title and will become the first team to win Mississippi's new MHSAA Class 7A title. With a 22-8 record and winning 11 of their last 12 games, the Red Rebels show no sign of slowing down.
Michael Chavez covers high school sports, among others, for the Clarion-Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X, formerly Twitter @MikeSChavez.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi high school basketball playoffs top players, storylines MHSAA, MAIS
