SSP Hoops -Best in Da SIP- Top 25 Preseason rankings

Best in Da SIP

It seems like not to long ago we were in the Big House crowning champions, but now we are back for another season that is sure to be a good one! Around the state there’s been a ton of movement with players and coaches. This year will look a lot different personnel wise, but the talent around the state is really strong. Below we have our Top 25 (Regardless of class/association) teams to kick off the season! We will update weekly as the season gets started.

1.Tupelo

Coming in at #1 is Tupelo High. This group is arguably the best starting 5 around the state. They have a strong senior core with the trio of 5’11 Dayveun Anderson, 6’4 London Fields, and 6’6 Gavin Shannon leading the way. Shannon and Fields both averaged close to 18pts per game last season. All 3 of these guys are top 10 seniors and will look to make a State championship run this season.

21-22 record 25-5, 3rd playoffs exit

2.Biloxi

Here’s a team that made a big push last year with losing a very close game to Olive Branch in the Semi Finals. This year they return a solid junior class, along with their star guard Vandy Football Commit 6’3 Duran Parish. Another big addition is the return of Senior guard 6ft James Turner who averaged close to 30 points a game for Mendenhall last season. They make up what many consider the best backcourt in the state. It will be interesting to see what Biloxi can do this season with the talent they have.

21-22 record 25-4, Semifinal exit

3. MRA

Before the summer was over it looked as if MRA would have a national level roster with all of the talent they were going to feature. They Still have the best player in the state with Ole Miss Commit Josh Hubbard leading the way. Senior 6’6 Harrison Alexander will add perimeter shooting and experience as well. They also added 6’6 Ashton Magee, who will be great from them on both sides of the ball when he returns from injury. Sam Hailey will also provide a scoring option for MRA.

MAIS State Championship Runner- up

4. Starkville

Starkville always seems to find a way to stay in the top 5 every year. They return Star wing Wichita State commit Makhi Myles along with starters Conner Rogers and Jonathan Baker. The addition of Darrell Brooks should also be a boost for the Yellow Jackets experience wise. They will look to get contributions from the Junior class and a few underclassmen. All and all we should expect Starkville to be where they are yearly and thats competing for the title.

21-22 record 20-5, 2nd round exit

5. Olive Branch (6A State Runner-up)

Olive Branch will still be one of the top teams in the state. They have a strong returning Junior class with Jaylyn Tyler (who should be a Dandy Dozen this season), Caleb Hunt, and Zahir Gutierrez. They make up a fast, bucket getting trio who will cause tons of problems for opponents. After finishing Runner-up last season, this group will be eager to get back to the Big House.

21-22 record 26-5, 6A state runner-up

6. Holmes County (5A State Champions)

7. Raymond (4A State Champions)

8. Provine

9. Clinton (6A State Champions)

10. New Hope (5A State Runner-up)

11. Booneville (3A State Champions)

12. NW Rankin

13. Columbus

14. Gulfport

15. Yazoo City

16. Pontotoc

17. Florence

18. Canton

19. Clinton Christian

20. Horn Lake

21. Jackson Prep (MAIS Overall Champions)

22. Biggersville (1A State Champions)

23. SE Lauderdale (3A State Runner-up)

24. Neshoba Central

25. Oxford

Other top teams to watch this season:

Brandon-6A

Merdian-6A

Murrah-6A

Callaway-5A

Vicksburg-5A

Kemper- 2A

Cleveland Central-5A

HW Byers- 2A

Madison Central- 6A

Pascagoula-6A

Picayune- 5A

Ocean Springs- 6A

Callaway-5A

St. Patrick 3A

Pine Grove- 2A

Bay Springs- 2A

Port Gibson- 3A

Moss Point- 4A

Desoto Central- 6A

Center Hill-5A

Ridgeland-5A