‘Big Al’ leads dream team

Published 5:00 am Monday, April 26, 2004

PRENTISS — What he accomplished his junior year, Al Jeffersondid more his senior year. As a junior, Jefferson and the Bulldogsdidn’t win the district or South State titles. Instead, they wonthe Class 3A state tournament title in the Mississippi Coliseum inJackson.

This year, Jefferson wanted all three; the Region, South Stateand State titles. He and his Bulldog teammates won Region and SouthState but fell short of repeating as state champs making it to thesemifinals of state.

Not too bad for the most celebrated senior center inMississippi. During the season, Jefferson averaged 42.6 points, 18rebounds and 7 blocked shots his senior campaign for the 35-8Bulldogs.

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For his accomplishments, Jefferson has been named the MostValuable Player and Mr. Basketball on The DAILY LEADER’S 2004All-Area Boys Basketball Team for the second straight year.

Joining Jefferson on the All-Area Dream Team are John Thompsonand Chris Brock of McComb, Glover Quinn of North Pike, David Clarkof Lawrence County and Zach Thomas of Franklin County. It includesplayers outside of Lincoln County.

“It’s an honor to be named player of the year for the secondyear in a row,” smiled Jefferson. “I kind of deserved it.”

Indeed, during the state tournament, Jefferson averaged 47.8points. He tied a 30-year old state record, scoring 56 pointsagainst Byhalia in the state tournament semifinals. He had acareer-high 66 points against Forrest in South State.

Jefferson scored 4,000 career points. He was selected to play inthe McDonald’s All-American All-Star game and was honored asMississippi’s Gatorade Player of the Year. He also was named to theParade and USA Today All-American Teams.

Jefferson said it is 50-50 whether he will play collegebasketball (he signed with Arkansas) or jump into the NBAdraft.

“Prentiss has backed me pretty good,” said Jefferson. “They havealways been good to me. There’s no place like home.”

Jefferson appreciates the help and guidance he has gotten fromPrentiss head basketball coach Lonnie McLemore.

“He’s a good coach, on and off the court,” explained Jefferson.”He’s been like a father to me.”

McLemore had high praise for Jefferson.

“He works harder than any other player I’ve ever coached,” saidMcLemore. “He handles the ball well.”

Jefferson won’t forget Prentiss when he leaves for his career inbasketball, whether in college or the NBA. He is thankful for themand their support.

“I would like to thank my family, coaches and the school stafffor supporting me,” said Jefferson. “And my uncle, Dr. C. RoyJefferson.”

John Thompson (5-11, sr.) was one of several talented playerswho helped keep the McComb Tigers on the prowl following thegraduation of big man Jackie Butler in 2003. Thompson, who playedforward, led his team with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 1 steal pergame.

Coached by two-time All-Area Coach of the Year, Hilton Harrell,the Tigers finished this year with a 26-10 record.

Harrell said Thompson’s gift was his leaping ability andquickness. “He is a good shooter from mid range. He is explosive tothe basket.”

Chris Brock (6-2, sr.) was the catalyst that sparked McComb.Brock finished with season averages of16 points and 9 rebounds agame.

“He did all the dirty work,” said McComb coach Hilton Harrell.”He brought the spark of energy every night.”

Glover Quinn (6-0, sr.) played point guard for the 15-15 NorthPike Jaguars under first year head coach Keith Russ. Quinn led theJags with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 5 steals, 8 assists per game.

“He’s small and very aware of what is going on,” said North Pikecoach Keith Russ. “He’s a great athlete with great workhabits.”

Quinn, who excelled on the football field as well, plans onplaying football with the Southwest Community College Bears thisfall.

David Clark (6-6, jr.) was a shooting center for Coach BobbyLee’s Lawrence County Cougars. Clark averaged 21 points, 14rebounds and three steals a game for the 11-14 Cougars.

“David’s strongest point is he shoots the basketball well,” saidLawrence County coach Bobby Lee. “He is our leading 3-pointshooter.” Clark averaged 40 percent (16-40) from 3-point range andwas 62.5 percent (30-48) from the free throw line.

Zach Thomas (6-5, sr.) powered the Franklin County Bulldogs asforward/center. Thomas led with 16.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.3blocks per game.

“Zach improved a lot,” said Franklin County coach Chris Jordan.”Overall, his play on both ends of the court improved with eachgame.”