T-Web's -Best in Da Sip- 2023-2024 Preseason Top 25

T-Web’s Best in Da Sip Preseason Top 25 

This week we officially kicked off the 2023-2024 season. This year MHSAA adds a new classification with the introduction of the 7A division. This will shake up a few other classifications with top teams moving up to new levels. We also had quite a bit of player movement this year as well. It will be a season to watch, with some tough divisions throughout the state. Buckle up and get ready to see who can put it all together and rise or fall throughout the next 5 months. 

1. Yazoo City

Last season record 30-5 4A State Champions 

After winning the 4A state title last season it's only right to start off the season at #1. They return two of the top Seniors in the state with Tamarion Hoover and Demarion Winston running the show. As they move into the 5A division it will be interesting to see how coach Carlyle navigates through their tough region play. I think they will be just fine 

2. Raymond 

Last season record 27-7 4A Runner- Up 

Raymond was one of the strongest teams I got a chance to watch over the summer. They have alot of grit and toughness about themselves. They get so much done by working as a unit that its hard to miss a beat. Add in having the #1 player EJ Paymon, who in my opinion will have his best high school season yet, and you have a complete team. 4A will go through Raymond again as i feel they will make their 8th Straight appearance 

3. Booneville

Last season record 30-2 3A State Champions

Shocking right? It shouldn't be as Booneville is one of the most complete teams in the state. They are back to back champions and should add another this season. They also have Kedrick Simmons who’s a top 3 player in the 2025 class. They have a very methodical style of play that gets results. There is no doubt that even if they played any of the other top teams they would win or it would be a close game. Players make the team, not your classification.

4.Olive Branch

Last season record 21-4 6A Semifinals  

Olive Branch was another very strong team this summer. Even with the departure of Dandy Dozen Jay Tyler and Zahir Gutierrez side lined with injuries they still managed to beat some of the best teams around. They play a fast pace game and have plenty of guards who can create and score. Caleb Hunt, Zahir Gutierrez, and Reece Garrison are just a few starters returning from last season. With the addition of a few new pieces we can expect the same OB or them to be even better. Look for them to be one of those teams looking to make a state run again this season. 

5. Terry 

Last season record 22-9 Quarterfinals

Terry is another squad that will be a must see team this season. They have the players to compete at a very high level and will be a tough out every night for anybody. The Senior trio of Avery Thomas Jr, Austin Ratliff, and Jaden Harper will be fun to watch this season. Terry are more than capable of making it to the coliseum this season 

6. Clinton 

Clinton didn’t have a super season last year after coming off of back to back 6A state Championships but these year they will be reloading with the edition of Trey Alexander. Alexander and Hamilton will be one of the better backcourt Duo’s in the state which in itself will be a lot for most to handle. It’s early on but time will tell how they stack up with the best of the best

7. Provine 

Provine will be returning pretty much the whole squad from last years semi final exit. They’re the team that most of us picked to win 5A last year. This year 5A will look a little different but we still look for them to be one of the top teams around.

8. Canton 

Another squad who made a push last year is Canton. For a moment with Lewis exiting to take his talents elsewhere it wasn’t looking great but upon his return you have another potential Dandy with him and Davis-Fleming leading the way for this team. Canton will be in one of the toughest regions state wide this season. We all can look forward to seeing some good games

9. Cleveland Central

Coach Berryhill has made a habit of putting together very competitive teams during his tenture at Cleveland Central. Last years squad had a down to the wire quarter final exit against Provine. They return their main core with Tayler Berryhill and Jayden Sampson leading the way. They will be looking to make it to the big house this season.

10.Meridian 

Coach Norman is another coach who always finds a way to get the most out of his squads and this group is no diffrent. Meridian always plays the best of the best and come to play every night. They exited the playoffs with a 3 point loss to one of the 6A favorites Biloxi. We can expect them to be in the mix again this year like every year.

11. Starkville

Starkville will face some what of a rebuilt phase this year, but we can expect them to still play the uptempo style of play. They have a nice young trio with 2025 David Washington playing good minutes the last two season and 2026 Jaden Tate & Jerwaan McCarter adding skill and experience as well. They will be young but with the roster they have already they will compete at a high level like always

12. New Hope

New Hope exited with a quarter final loss to Canton that looked like it could have gone either way during the game. They return leading score Sophomore TJ Warren (17ppg), Issac Grady, Lonnie Shinn, and Wilton Bush. This team is more than capable of making a playoff push and should win their region pretty easily this season.

13. Madison Central 

Madison Central grew up in last years post season. With most of these guys playing travel ball together it was only a matter of time before it all came together. This year Dylan Rowe should have the keys to the car and he will have some quality players riding shot gun. Their region will be another one of those tough regions with high quality teams.

14. Pascagoula 

Pascagoula have been a team of much promise the last 3 seasons. Last year they had a second round exit to Terry who are ranked at #5 for us to start the season. With Dorian McMillan, who’s a top 5 2024 in the state they have their star. Add Kelan Rich and Blake Nettles to the mix and they have a very talented trio who can cause problems on any given night. It will be interesting to see how the season and post season unfolds for this talented group

15. Columbus

Columbus is another group who’ve soon alot of promise over the last few seasons. They have one of the most talented rosters around the state. 2024 Jayden Tatum, Jeremiah Aaron, and Merreon Smith are all quality seniors who will play at the next level. They also feature junior point guard Jace O’neal, who in my opinion is a top 5 PG regardless of class. This group is one to watch this season and I feel they have all the pieces needed to secure the top spot in a very tough region this season.

16. Harrison Central

17. Desoto Central

18. Horn Lake

19. Southaven

20.Tupelo

21. New Albany

22. Brandon

23. Holmes County

24. North Panola

25. Ridgeland