Ladarious White was an instrumental force for the McComb Tigerbasketball team this season. Although only a junior, White has beena 4-year starter at guard for the Tigers and finished the seasonaveraging 23.3 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blockers per game.

For his accomplishments, White has been named The DAILY LEADER’SMr. Basketball on the 2010 All-Area Boys Basketball Team. JoiningWhite on the team are Tradarius Holloway of McComb, Tyler Lumley ofWesson, Parker Moore of Parklane, Milton Griffin of FranklinCounty, Matthews Wells of Lawrence County and Gabriel Gray ofHazlehurst.

The Dream Team, featuring players from outside Lincoln County, wasselected by members of the DL sports staff, with input provided byarea and high school and college coaches.

White and the Tigers (27-6) captured the 5A Region Title, won SouthState and advanced to the semifinals of the State Tournament beforelosing to perennial powerhouse Callaway.

‘I deserve it,” appeared a serious White when asked about his MVPhonor. “First of all, I put in the work. It’s about what you put itto it. I worked all summer long.”

White has committed to sign with the Ole Miss Rebels during theearly signing date in November.

“I really like Ole Miss,” said White. “I like their style ofplay.”

White said one of his favorite NBA players is Kolby Bryant. “KolbyBryant has a good work ethic. He sets a good example for us; to bethe best you can be.”

McComb head coach Hilton Harrell is high on White who will be backnext season. Harrell is the 2010 Area Boys Coach of the Year.

“Ladarrius is a good kid with a lot of ability,” praised Harrell.”He is the kind of kid that makes a team better. He’s a goodshooter, makes good passes and is a good rebounder.”

Tradarius Holloway, a 6-5 junior post player, averaged 7.5 pointsand 7.2 rebounds per game for McComb.

” Tradarius is an old-fashioned inside player and a great leaderout on the court,” said Harrell. “He’s a real physical player. Heis a hard-nosed, inside player.”

Gabriel Gray, a 6-0 junior guard, was a standout player for theHazlehurst Indians. Gray average 26 points and 6 rebounds per gamefor Coach Reginald Magee’s Indians.

“Gabriel is so athletic,” said Magee. “He does things you can’tteach. He can score in a variety of ways.”

Matthews Wells, a 6-2 forward, helped the 9-19 Lawrence CountyCougars his senior year. Wells averaged 16 points, 8 rebounds, 3assists and 2 steals per game, after earning All-State honors infootball.

Lawrence County first-year head coach Pat Bridges says, “Matthewhas a hard-working game. He came to work with a hard hat on. He dida lot of the dirty work for us. He’s an all-around, well- roundedguy.”

Tyler Lumley, a 6-4 senior forward, was the leading scorer for theWesson Cobras (11-19). Lumley averaged 19.6 points and 7 reboundsper game.

“Tyler was a tough player to guard,” said Wesson coach Ron Kessler.”He was our offensive leader this year. He found a way toscore.”

Milton Griffin, 5-8 junior point guard, averaged 14 points and 6rebound per game for the Franklin County Bulldogs.

Franklin County boys coach Chris Jordan says, “Milton plays foursports at a high level. We expect a lot from him next year.”

Parker Moore, a 6-4 senior post player, was a key player for theMcComb Parklane Pioneers (15-9). Moore averaged 18 points, 6rebounds and 3 assists per game.

“Parker was our leading scorer,” said Parklane coach Ricky Gray.”He is a tremendous athlete. He’s just a great kid.”

In the classroom, Moore scored a 27 on his ACT.

Honorable Mention

Copiah Academy – Reece Hankins, Dennis Harper

Crystal Springs – Roman Lofton, Gavin Allen

Franklin County – Edward McGehee

Hazlehurst – Leviticus Cain

Lawrence County – Antonio Bastiste

McComb – Tradrrius Holloway, Daven Gooden

North Pike – Lemichael Quinn, Jemerick Jordan

Parklane – Jared Bullock

South Pike – Trevosity Ellzey, Trelyn Pounds, DeangeloColeman

Wesson – Kyle Cross, Gib Britt, Hunter Hood