BROOKHAVEN — Senior basketball player Jaylen Haliburton signed to further his athletic career at Southwest Community College Thursday afternoon. Teammates, family and coaches filled the library at Brookhaven High School to celebrate the occasion. 

Haliburton said he started playing basketball when he was three years old. By the age of 10, he played organized basketball. In seventh grade, he failed to make the team at Alexander Junior High but made it his eighth grade year. He then played for the Brookhaven High team before signing with Southwest. 

“I’m ready for the opportunity. It is what I’ve worked for my whole life,” Haliburton said. “When I didn’t make the team in seventh grade it made me want to get better every day. I’ve grown as a player. I noticed I don’t do the stuff I used to do before. I would get mad and yell at my teammates when I was younger. This year, I would just clap for them and make sure they kept their heads up.” 

Head Coach Charlton Grey said he came to Brookhaven in August 2021 when Haliburton was a sophomore. His growth from 10th grade to senior year stood out to Grey. 

The growth stood out to other coaches in Brookhaven’s district. Grey said at their annual district meeting the coaches voted for Haliburton to be the district MVP due to his growth as a player and leader. Haliburton averaged 17.8 points per game as a junior and senior. 

“Y’all know me I always try to give my best. Haliburton gave everything he had. He has shown such growth and maturity,” Grey said. “He got the MVP nomination 5-0 because every coach watched him grow. Of all the qualities he has displayed all three years his best qualities were his growth and maturity. I can’t wait to see the young man and what he will become.” 

He thanked Haliburton for everything he has done as a player for the Brookhaven program. 

“Here at Brookhaven High School we love you and appreciate you. Southwest is going to get a very desired student athlete,” Grey said. “He has taken the criticism and learned from it.” 

Haliburton said his coaches, mom and dad are who kept him playing basketball. He also has a deep love for the game. It is the only sport he plays. 

Basketball keeps him out of trouble, it is a fun sport and it is the game he has always wanted to play. Haliburton said he played football one year but did not play it again. 

Southwest Community College was a perfect fit for him. He liked their play style and the academic program is one of the top ones in Mississippi. He plans to study kinesiology. 

“I want to be a coach,” Haliburton said. “I want to be around teh game. I”ll never stop loving basketball and if you can’t play it, coach it.” 

NBA stars Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson were his inspirations as a shooting guard.

One lesson he has learned from coach Grey is that a player has to know when and how to do things to be successful. 

Grey helped make a memory as well. Haliburton said his coach wrestled everyone on the basketball team and won every match. It is just one of several memories he will carry with him from his time at Brookhaven High School. 

“I’m going to miss the people, fans and coaches and the fun we used to have here,” Haliburton said. “I will miss everything about this school.”