2019 MACJC Basketball State Tournament: Day 1 Recap

Day one of the MACJC state tournament was full of great individual performances and close games. Several come back wins and 30-point individual performances. It was obvious everyone wanted to win as well as improve their stock during the process.

Pearl River - 60

Chris Agbo of Pearl River. [Photo courtesy of Pear River Basketball]

Holmes - 48

Key Players

Brandon Rachal (6'6" SF | Pearl River) had a sluggish start and numerous turnovers, but found a way to contribute and finished tough plays around the rim in the second half. 12 pts 7 rebs.

Cedric Brim Jr (5'10" PG | Pearl River) the North Alabama commit really made some things happen in the second half to help lead his team to a victory. Big steals that led to east buckets and tough shots when needed. 12 pts 3 stls.

Christopher Agbo (6'8" C | Pearl River) the Indiana St signee was a monster on the glass, limiting second chance shots. He came up with some key blocks as well as a monster dunk over two defenders in the second half. 6 pts 11 rebs 2 blks.

Eric Thornton (6'3" SG | Pearl River) came off the bench but led the team in scoring by getting to the rim and free throw line as he is known for. He got a steal and finished a backwards dunk that dropped some jaws. 14 pts 8 rebs.

Winford Ross (6'7" F | Holmes) showed his versatility and looked the part. Wasn't as productive as he had liked but the talent is there. 11 pts 5 rebs.

Kassim Nicholson (6'6" F | Holmes) like Ross, he looked the part but struggled with productivity. Went scoreless first half but finished with 8 pts 7 rebs.

East Mississippi - 70

East Mississippi Head Coach Billy Begley calling out a play. [Photo courtesy of East Mississippi Basketball]

East Central - 53

Key Players

Darrious Agnew (6'8" F | East Mississippi) showed his versatility with a unique powerful inside game. Didn't shoot any outside shots but had strong drives from all over the floor and used an array of post moves. 21 pts 8 rebs. Picked up an offer from Columbus St after the game.

Terryonte Thomas (6'4" SG | East Mississippi) used his size to post smaller guards and was very physical. He used a crafty handle to get anywhere on the floor as he got to the free throw line at will. 17 pts 9 rebs. Picked up an offer from Southern University after the game.

Roti Ware (6'3" CG | East Central) scored the ball in a variety of ways. Pull up jumpers off the dribble and got to the rim as well. Crafty and fundamental with the ball in his hands, he also read screens well. Complete scoring package. 18 pts 5 rebs.

Nick Preyer (5'8" PG | East Central) is pegged to be the best point guard in the conference next season. Was hampered with foul trouble but got his teammates involved early. When he wasn't on the floor, you could see the difference he made. 6 pts 7 assts.

Jones - 78

Galen Alexander of Jones [Photo Courtesy of Jones Basketball]

Mississippi Delta - 73

Key Players

Galen Alexander (6'6" F | Jones) was on a mission and he accomplished it. He was efficient from the field and mixed his game up scoring in the post as well as on the perimeter. The LSU transfer also provided some athletic plays for the crowd. 30 pts (5-10 3 FG) 9 rebs.

Winceton Edwards (5'11" G | Jones) came off the bench and was dialed in from deep and seemed like he couldn't miss. He knocked them down in spurts and were much needed when the game got tight. 20 pts (6-8 3FG).

Brandon Kimble (6'7" SF | Mississippi Delta) stole the show and went toe to toe with Alexander. Kimble is fairly unknown in the recruiting circles but had a coming out party. Was dialed in from three and had a nice stroke. Scored at every level and showcase some good athleticism. Handled the ball well and finish at the rim with his length. 30 pts (5-13 3 FG) 5 rebs.

Northeast Mississippi - 67

Felix Hayes of Northeast Mississippi [Photo Courtesy of Northeast Mississippi Basketball]

Mississippi Gulf Coast - 61

Key Players

Felix Hayes (6'2" SG | Northeast Mississippi) had one of the best performances of the day, if not the best. His team was facing defeat and he put them on his back offensively and drained 9 threes to come back after being down double figures most of the game. 31 pts (9-14 3 FG) 11 rebs.

Willie Logan (6'5" SG | Mississippi Gulf Coast) was aggressive early and helped his team build a quick lead. He used his athleticism to finish plays at and above the rim as well as knocking down a few jumpers. 14 pts 6 rebs.

Keevon Oney (6'2" G | Mississippi Gulf Coast) was pretty fast and explosive with the ball in his hands. Got to spots on the floor pretty quick, more so in transition. Solid slasher and can finish through traffic with his athleticism and length. 13 pts 6 rebs 4 asst.

LaRaymond Spivery (6'1" PG | Mississippi Gulf Coast) is a stat sheet stuffer and arguably the best rebounding point guard in the conference. He got teammates involved, especially when he had struggles finding his shot. 9 pts 9 asst 5 rebs.