For the second straight year, McComb senior Ladarius White wasthe dominant player in Region 5-5A. The 6-foot-5 forward wasinstrumental in leading the McComb Tiger to the playoffs beforebeing eliminated in the state playoffs.

White, who played most the season triple-teamed by opponents,finished the year averaging 29 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists pergame for the 16-9 Tigers.

For his accomplishments, White has been named the DAILY LEADER’sMost Valuable Player and Mr. Basketball on the 2011 All-Area BoysBasketball Team. This is the second year in a row for White toreceive this honor.

Joining White on this year’s Dream Team are LeMicheal Quin andJemerick Jordan of North Pike, Milton Griffin of Franklin County,Antonio Batiste and David Haynes of Lawrence County, Tyler Hart ofDexter and Gabriel Gray of Hazlehurst. The team was selected by theDL sports staff, with input provided by area high school andcollege coaches. It features players outside Lincoln County.

White, age 18, is the son of Rachel White and Darrel Sibley. Whitehas signed an athletic scholarship to play basketball for theUniversity of Mississippi. He plans to pursue a degree inengineering.

When asked about this year’s basketball team, White said, “The teamwas very encouraging. The guys enjoy competing against one anotherto help each other improve their skills.”

White said playing for McComb Coach Hilton Harrell is a rewardingexperience. “Coach Harrell is a good coach. He is one the bestcoaches that I have played for. He knows the game really well andmotivates us to do our best.”

Why does he wear No. 11? White said, “There are two reason why. Thefirst reason was when I was younger I liked to watch Mike Bibbyplay basketball and I wanted to mimic his style.

“The other reason is that I enjoyed watching my cousin playbasketball and he wore No 10. So I wanted a number close to him. Mycousin worked with and taught me a lot about the game when I wasyounger and I still apply it today to make myself better.”

White said he ready to begin practicing with the Rebels. He alsolikes to watch his favorite NBA team the L.A. Lakers. His favoriteplayer is the Lakers’ own Kobe Bryant.

Asked about his favorite food, White said he likes lasagna. Icecream and vanilla cake are his favorite dessert. His favorite movieis “Friday” and favorite TV show is SpongeBob SquarePants. Inschool, his favorite subject is math.

“White is a very talent and tremendous player,” said Coach Harrell.”He is a versatile player that can play many positions. He will bea great asset to Ole Miss basketball team and I wish himluck.”

LeMicheal Quin, a 5-11 senior forward, was thespark plug on the wing for the Jaguars as they battle in Region6-4A. He averaged 18.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2 steals, 2.5 assistsper game.

“Micheal provided the tempo for us,” said North Pike coach KeithRuss. “He is a tremendous athlete that can play either the outsideposition or the inside.”

Jemerick Jordan, a 6-4 senior center, averaged16.9 points and 7 rebounds per game for the 7-16 Jaguars.

“Jemerick is our inside scorer,” said Coach Russ. “He is the typeof person that is willing to do anything to help his team win. Hecan rebound and play defense really well.”

Tyler Hart, a 6-1 senior forward, was a force tobe reckoned with his senior year. He helped lead the Bulldogs tothe Coliseum and they were State 1A runners-up. He averaged 17.1points, 5.5 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 assists per game

“Tyler brings the intensity to the team,” said Dexter coach StevenFortenberry. “He loves to play the game. He was our leader on thecourt when we needed him.”

Milton Griffin, a 5-9 senior guard, averaged 14.4points, 8 rebounds per game for Coach Chris Jordan’sBulldogs.

“Milton is a joy to coach,” said Coach Jordan. “He plays the gamewith one speed and that is wide open. He is the best athlete that Ihave coached, He was our team leader and go-to guy. He loves toplay all sports.”

David Haynes, a 6-4 junior forward, averaged 16.9points and 4 rebounds per game for the Lawrence County Cougars(17-14).

“David is a real athletic and versatile player,” said LawrenceCounty coach Pat Bridges, “He was our consistent scorer and has agood work ethic. He is any coaches dream to coach because he canplay any position.”

Antonio Batiste, a 6-0 senior guard, averaged 13.6points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists per game for the Cougars. His speedand quickness were exceptional.

“Antonio played a big role at guard for us, said Coach Bridges. “Hehas great point guard skills. He is great person that will workhard and battle for the basketball.”

Gabriel Gray, a 6-2 senior forward, averaged 16.7points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists per game for the Hazlehurst Indians(13-13).

“Gabriel is a talented athlete,” said Hazlehurst coach ReginalMcGee. “He is a player that will do it all. He loves to play andhas a unique shooting touch.”