Mississippi Mr. Basketball 2024 winners: EJ Paymon, Trey Alexander headline top players
The regular season for the 2023-2024 MHSAA basketball season is in the books, and it's time to recognize the winners of the annual Mr. and Miss Basketball Awards in the Magnolia State.
Today, we'll take a look at the Mr. Basketball winners.
The award, designed to go to the "most outstanding player" in each class, is presented by the MHSAA and Mississippi Association of Coaches and voted upon by a panel of coaches and media members. The selection committee met periodically throughout the season, and voted for the final nominees last week.
RELATED: Meet the 2024 Miss Basketball winners
This year's honorees represent one of the most accomplished groups in Mississippi basketball history, including two second-time winners.
Without further ado, here are the final selections for the 2023-2024 Miss Basketball Awards:
MHSAA
Class 7A
Trey Alexander, SR, Clinton
Clinton (20-6) is absolutely loaded at the guard position, but Alexander has been the most instrumental for the Arrows since transferring over from Clinton Christian after his junior year. The 6-foot-2 guard is a big reason Clinton is back in the hunt for another Golden Ball.
Class 6A
Dorian McMillian, SR, Pascagoula
Pascagoula (26-1) is widely regarded as one of the very best teams in the MHSAA, and their key player is a 6-foot-3 guard who has averaged 15.5 point, 4.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and two steals per game.
Class 5A
Jamarion Fleming, JR, Canton
There are few players more imposing than the Tigers' 6-foot-8 center, and he's proved it night-in and night-out this season. His scoring, rebounding and shot-blocking ability has helped Canton (22-4) reach the playoffs again, and set them up for a deep playoff run. He's averaging a double-double, scoring 16.5 points and chipping in 12 rebounds a game.
Class 4A
E.J. Paymon, SR, Raymond
Paymon may not just the best player in 4A, but you could make the case he's the best player in all of the MHSAA. He won the Mr. Basketball Award last year, and as a senior, he's helped Raymond (27-4) to another region title, averaging 23.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 3.5 blocks per game.
Class 3A
Kedrick Simmons, JR, Booneville
Simmons was a great candidate for this award last year, but he's been even better as a junior. The Blue Devils forward has led Booneville (24-2) to another region title, averaging 18 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals per game.
Class 2A
Dalyn Pierce, JR, Bay Springs
A true three-sport athlete, Pierce is built like a Chevy at 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds. He uses that size well and does a little bit of everything for Bay Springs (17-7), but his inside presence is what sets him apart from the competition in Class 2A.
Class 1A
Stanford Spearman, JR, Coffeeville
There's few players in the state who impact each and every game the way Stanford Spearman does for Coffeeville (12-7). The senior is averaging 33 points per game, three assists and three rebounds, and he's no slouch on defense, either.
All of the honorees will be recognized before the championship games for their respective class at the MHSAA Basketball Championships Feb. 29-March 2 at the Mississippi Coliseum. They will also be honored at a luncheon/press conference at the MHSAA headquarters on March 5 in Clinton.
