MADISON, Miss. (WLOX) — While basketball in March is usually reserved for college hoopers and pro ballers, one man who wears the Magnolia State across his chest has brought Mississippi’s top high school hoopers together for one last battle before they reach the next level.
Mississippi State star point guard Josh Hubbard hosted his third annual showcase, highlighting the state’s top seniors, not only giving the stars exposure, but also more than $10,000 in scholarship money.
Mississippi State star point guard Josh Hubbard hosted his third annual showcase, highlighting the state’s top seniors, not only giving the stars exposure, but also more than $10,000 in scholarship money. (WLOX)
“It all started with a vision,” Hubbard said. “Some type of way of giving back to these kids, preparing them for their freshman year of college, and just taking a weekend out of their busy schedules to prepare them and show them what it is going to look like.”
The showcase featured countless stars, including two who have been dominating courts across the Coast all season.
St. Stanislaus’ Max Baria and Pascagoula’s Blake Nettles were part of the black team and spoke about their experiences playing against the best seniors the state has to offer.
“It is an honor to be selected for this game,” Baria said. “Josh Hubbard selects the people. He is one of the best basketball players to come out of the state and to know that he saw and respected the work that I put in is an honor.”
“Iron sharpens iron,” Nettles said. “There was great competition with the game going back and forth. I love it. You are going to get better if iron sharpens iron.”
“It is an honor to be selected for this game,” Baria said. “Josh Hubbard selects the people. He is one of the best basketball players to come out of the state and to know that he saw and respected the work that I put in is an honor.”(WLOX)
The game produced plenty of fireworks with multiple lead changes in the final minutes, but the Coast duo’s side fell by three points, losing 82-79.
While the high school hoops have come to a close, the pair won’t have to go too far from home as they start their college careers.
Nettles, the reigning Mr. 6A Basketball, is taking his talents to Jackson State.
“It is amazing. Every time I come to Jackson they show me love. I am ready for it,” Nettles said.
Baria is going the JUCO route, with the 6-foot-8 forward committed to Jones Community College.
“It is a hectic feeling. I know I have a lot of work to put in over the summer. After the state championship I took some time off just to regenerate my energy but now I am getting back in the gym with my coaches and trying to get prepared for college,” Baria said.
Nettles, the reigning Mr. 6A Basketball, is taking his talents to Jackson State.(WLOX)
Not only did the duo showcase their talent, but the two state champions also played their part in demonstrating the Coast’s strength on the court.
“We’re from the Coast. People do not believe that we can hoop down here, so we have to show our best every time we come up here,” Nettles said.
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