Local Players Help Alabama All-Stars Sweep Games With Mississippi All-Stars

CLINTON, Miss.- Teams comprised from the elite high school players representing Alabama swept both the boys and girls games versus Mississippi in the 30^th annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic held at the Wood Coliseum in Clanton, Miss.

In the boys contest, Alabama posted a record-setting performance by downing Mississippi 118-97. The 118 points was a new scoring record for Alabama in the long-standing contest. In the girl’s game, Alabama outscored Mississippi 54-41 in the final three quarters to nail the host Mississippi All-Stars 70-63.

In the boys, two players from Bob Jones took part in the annual festivities. Seniors Jadan Coleman and Jalen Myers hit the hardwood playing eight minutes each. Coleman (6-4, G) hit one three-pointer while on the floor while Myers (6-8, G-F) posted no points, but had one rebound and one steal.

“I did well for the most part as I added to our team on the defensive end of play,” said Myers, who is undecided on his choice of college, but has been recruited by numerous schools. “I feel I can play with any of the talent I saw at the game. I had a good time at the game and I ranked the experience high in my basketball years.”

Coleman, who has already signed with Tulane University, said the trip to Clinton and being around many of the other players many of which he’s known for years playing AAU basketball was fun. As for the game and the experience, Coleman said, “I did fine during the game and it was a good experience and an honor to play against elite players from Mississippi and an even bigger honor to play for Alabama.”

Coleman, who averaged 17.7 points per outing during the regular season for the Patriots, made the trip to the city just outside Jackson without his playing shoes. Coleman said of his unique situation, “I borrowed another player’s shoes to practice in for two days and had my grandfather, who lives in Madison, drive my playing shoes to me on the day of the game. It was definitely something to remember.”

In the girl’s battle, Destinee McGhee (6-2, C) of Madison Academy was the only local player to make the trip to Mississippi. The University of Arkansas signee and four time All-State performer helped Alabama win its third game in a row against Mississippi by hitting for eight points with four rebounds and one block shot during her 17 minutes on the court. Mississippi took an early lead on the Alabama girls leading by six after the end of quarter number one as the game had 11 lead changes throughout.