“Junior Juggernauts” Presenting the Class of 2010 Basketball Stars of Mississippi

The class of 2010 is not a class that’s going to bowl you over with talent from top to bottom, but this being Mississippi you know there is some talent. Usually this time of year you have seniors who have already made their mind up as to where they are going and what schools they are considering. With that known, most college programs turn to the following class to get an early start on trying to sign the next star. This junior class will prove to be something special with the talent being hidden mostly in the rural areas. Usually most of the basketball stars come out of the capitol city, but as you will see there is alot of traveling that’s going to take place to sign this next crop. With no further delay here’s my Junior Juggernauts:

A couple of players are already on the blog in the top 12 post, they are: 

Andre “Mr. 61″ Stringer, a four star rated player according to Rivals.com(93rd ranked player), Andre is hearing offers from Alabama, Florida State, Ole Miss, and Miss State. He says he doesn’t plan on signing until after next summer’s AAU season, he plays for the Jackson Tigers’ Larry Stamps ballclub.

Dundrecous Nelson is another player in the top 12 post, he is rated 119 out of 150 players on Rivals.com, he has received offers from Alabama, Arkansas, UAB, Ole Miss and Mississippi State.

Check the top 12 post for these two players’ profiles.

Demarco Cox 6′7″ 290lbs Forward/Center

Yazoo City High School

Yazoo City,MS

At close to 300lbs you would think he’s just a wide load in the way scoring right up under the basket, well some of that is true. Honestly this kid could become a dominant center before it’s all said and done, he has soft hands and knows how to throw that round mound in the right way around the basket. He has good footwork on the block and a nice scoring touch. He is currently averaging 18.6ppg through 5 contests, has offers from Alabama, Southern Miss, Tulane and Arkansas.

Jeverik Nelson 6′7″ Power Forward

Callaway High School

Jackson,MS

Another big who in his case can fly! I have seen Jeverik make long strides in his development as a ballplayer since his 9th grade year and the sky is the limit for this kid. He has good footwork and has started to establish a back to the basket game and he can face up  and drive by you with a one to two dribble finish from at least twelve feet out on the floor. He is freakishly athletic and elastically long can shoot the jumper from 12 to 15 feet on in and is currently averaging 12.6ppg through 6 games. He rebounds very well and runs the floor with that gazelle style, he can end up playing the small forward position in college at the high major level. He is another well skilled kids coming out of Wayne Brent’s camp.

Kelvin Nixon 6′3″ Guard

Heidelberg High School

Heidelberg,MS

Kelvin is a long and athletic combo guard. He plays in an obscure town so not alot of people have seen him play. Fortunately for me I’ve been able to see him in a practice and game setting as a part of my AAU organization. He is a controlled driver and can finish with an array of layups and dunks, he also is able to shoot the jumper from 19 feet on in. He has been a major contributor on Lemond Roy’s Jackson Panther AAU squad, where he teams with Dundrecous Nelson to form one of the top backcourts on the summer circuit. Kelvin’s a mid to high major player who can be of some help to anyone’s program, he is averaging a whooping 26.5ppg so far this season.

Desmond Haymond 6′2″ Wing Guard

Williams Sullivan High School

Durant,MS

Desmond is a left handed shooting guard who fell into my lap his 8th grade year from a small town in MS who has produced some talented athletes recently. He can play either guard position but his strength is stroking the three, either at the line or close to half court. He isn’t that athletic but makes up for it with crafty drives to either hand and able to use his long arms and body control to finish or get to the line where he is automatic. He also plays in the backcourt with Kelvin Nixon and Dundrecous Nelson on the AAU circuit so he’s getting the competition he needs to prove he is a D-1 basketball player. He is currently averaging 22.6ppg through 6 games so far this season.

Marcelis Hansberry 6′0″ Point Guard

Lanier High School

Jackson,MS

Marcelis is currently adjusting to playing the pg for one of the most succesful basketball coaches in MS history,Thomas Billups. I had the pleasure to see him showcase his skills for the last 3 years, when he was at his former school he played the 2 where he averaged 19ppg as a freshman, he decided to transfer to a better program so he could learn more that would further his career. I would say he’s adjusted pretty well, he has the ability to get to the basket at will and can hit the three point shot in bunches, shown by his 28pts early this season. He has improved tremendously on how to be a floor general and run a team, he is averaging 14.8ppg currently and he’s only going to get better.

Jalen Courtney 6′7″ Power Forward

Provine High School

Jackson,MS

Courtney is a good athlete with a nice mid range game. He likes to operate in the high post area where he can shoot the 15-foot Jumper and make the high low pass. Courtney is also a threat off the dribble. One of his favorite moves again from the high post area is the step back jumper that is set up with a hard left hand drive toward the rim. He does a great job of creating space to get the shot off. Good offensive rebounder and help side shot blocker. A very active player that made plays to help his team each time I saw him play.

This is my list of juniors to watch, as always feel free to add your comments on players I have not placed on the site or players that are here.