2022 Daily Leader All-Area Boys’ Basketball Team

Published 9:00 am Saturday, April 16, 2022

Jaheim Ball, Lawrence County

Once he steps across half court, Jaheim Ball is within his shooting range. A 5-foot-10 senior guard, Ball averaged 14.3 points per game for a Lawrence County team that finished 18-10 this season. He also averaged 4.1 assist and 3.3 rebounds per game for coach Pat Bridges. Ball can pull up from the logo, but he’s also a gifted passer that ran the offense as a point guard.

 

Christian Davis, Wesson

A transfer from Copiah Academy, Christian Davis made a big impact in his first season as a Cobra. A 5-foot-5 junior point guard, Davis averaged 20.1 points per game for a Wesson team that finished 8-15 this season. He also averaged 3.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.1 steals per game for coach Rusty Newman. Davis can slide over to the wing and play as a spot up shooter or he can bring the ball down as a primary ball handler.

 

Trevor Fortenberry, Brookhaven Academy

Playing the game with a physical nature, Trevor Fortenberry also has a motor on the court that sets him apart on most nights. A 6-foot-3 junior wing, Fortenberry averaged 10.1 points per game for a Brookhaven Academy team that finished 12-17 this season. He also averaged 3.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game for coach Josh Watts. Fortenberry will be the leading returning scorer next season for the Cougars and was a DL All-Area pick in football too.

 

Demeriuntia Jackson, Brookhaven High

Defenses keyed on Demeriuntia Jackson this season and he responded by having his best season as a Panther. A 6-foot-1 senior point guard, Jackson averaged 15.4 points per game for a Brookhaven High team that finished 15-10 this season. He also averaged 5.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.7 steals per game for coach Charlton Gray. Jackson has the ability to muscle his way into the lane and was his team’s main ball handler and leading scorer.

 

Shomari Jenkins, Bogue Chitto

Vision and strength are two tools that Shomari Jenkins uses to his advantage when helping push a fast-paced Bobcat offense. A 6-foot sophomore guard, Jenkins averaged 13.2 points per game for a Bogue Chitto team that finished 13-13 this season. He also averaged 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 steals per game for coach Marc Howard. Jenkins has the ability to play either guard spot and does some of his best work in the lane with floaters and runners.

 

Trey Jones, Lawrence County

On a team that got most of its scoring from the perimeter, Trey Jones emerged as an offensive threat for the Cougars this season. A 6-foot junior guard, Jones averaged 10.2 points per game for a Lawrence County team that finished 18-10 this season. He also averaged 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. With Lawrence County not having lots of height inside, Jones willingness to rebound made him a valuable player.

 

Elijah Kennedy, Brookhaven High

Strong with the ball off the bounce and able to guard smaller or bigger players, Elijah Kennedy is the type that makes his team better. A 6-foot-1 senior wing, Kennedy averaged 10.2 points per game for a Brookhaven High team that finished 15-10 this season. He also averaged 7.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 3.0 steals per game for coach Charlton Gray. Kennedy can finish with contact in the lane and is the kind of defender that has a nose for where the ball is going next.

 

Taylor Presley, Enterprise

A versatile player who scored inside and outside, Taylor Presley was an important piece for the Yellow Jackets for four years. A 6-foot-2 senior forward, Presley averaged 10.4 points per game for an Enterprise team that finished 6-14 this season. He also averaged 6.9 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game for coach Shane Adams. Presley can shoot over shorter defenders from deep and used his length inside to lead his team in rebounding.

 

Colby Terrell, Loyd Star

There is a heady, cerebral tilt to Colby Terrell’s game as the son of two former basketball coaches is always thinking about his next move. A 6-foot-2 sophomore forward, Terrell averaged 10.0 points per game for a Loyd Star team that finished 13-13 this season. He also averaged 5.9 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game for coach Seth Britt. Terrell does some of his strongest work around the free throw line area as his jumper at the elbow of the lane is one of his best offensive weapons.

 

Devonta “Bam” Thompson, Bogue Chitto

The ball always speeds up when it gets into the hands of Devonta “Bam” Thompson, as the young Bobcat plays the game with an explosive style. A 5-foot-10 freshman guard, Thompson averaged 21.2 points per game for a Bogue Chitto team that finished 13-13 this season. He also averaged 5.1 assists and 5.2 steals per game for coach Marc Howard. Thompson is accurate from deep and pushes his team in transition when he’s got the rock.