Mississippi
How Mississippi State basketball signee Jamarion Davis-Fleming won Mr. Basketball and MHSAA state title
CLINTON — Canton’s Jamarion Davis-Fleming admitted that winning consecutive MHSAA state titles or Mr. Basketball awards never gets simpler — especially this year.
“It ain’t get easier,” he told the Clarion Ledger on Tuesday at the MHSAA Mr. and Miss Basketball awards ceremony. “This year was definitely tougher than last year’s.”
The Mississippi State basketball signee pointed to his team being young, and Canton’s early season struggles that made this season mean more. He said it was a combination that made him a better team player and leader this season.
“This year we had to play team ball, you know, I had a different team, young team,” the senior said. “We ain’t had the flashiest players, but we still had to cooperate to a state championship. We had that dog mentality.”
Canton is coming off its second consecutive MHSAA Class 5A state title after a 53-35 win over Holmes County Central last week. Davis-Fleming won his second 5A Mr. Baskeball award and helped Canton its its third overall championship.
The senior averaged 25 points, 13 rebounds, four blocks and four assists heading into the Tigers state title game. Davis-Fleming was selected twice for the Clarion Ledger Dandy Dozen list from 2023-25.
“I’m honored because of the things that he’s doing at Canton and bringing a positive light to Canton,” Canton coach BJ Townsend said. “To be Mr. 5A in two years, man, it just pays off to the hard work that he’s been doing on and off the floor, so I’m just proud of him.”
Davis-Fleming is still honored to receive any award, whether it be a state title or individual accolade.
“It feels amazing, though,” the 6-foot-9 center said. “Truly honored and blessed, being here two times in a row. Just ending my high school career being recognized as the top player in 5A, so, it was definitely a blessing to receive this award.”
Why Jamarion Davis-Fleming is excited for his future Mississippi State basketball career
When Davis-Fleming committed to Mississippi State basketball last October and later signed in February, he pointed to one area heavily — potentially earning playing time. At an elite level program, having to earn everything the hard way is a challenge he wants to accept.
“I’m just ready to go down there and work, and I’m gonna work my tail off,” he said. “Just play in front of Starkvegas, you know, I got to get my mind right, my body right. So just to have an opportunity to go up there and play, gonna try to play right away, and do some big things for Mississippi State.”
Townsend sees his former center excelling quickly under Chris Jans’ program.
“I think he’ll fit in well, especially with him going over there to play the four spot,” Townsend said. “His hard work and his work ethic, it’s gonna lead him to be a great player.
But they are also getting a great person as well.
“He’s not going to cause any problems or any distractions to the team. I just feel like he’s gonna be very, very successful at Mississippi State.”
Michael Chavez covers high school sports for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X, formerly Twitter @MikeSChavez.
Mississippi
Mississippi Highway Patrol deployed to Goodman after viral gun video, leaders explain goals
GOODMAN, Miss. — The Mississippi Department of Public Safety has deployed state troopers to the Town of Goodman indefinitely following a viral video showing people waving guns and mocking the absence of police in the town.
DPS Commissioner Sean Tindell and other department leaders flew into Goodman on Thursday to meet with town officials. Tindell said the video drew the attention of both himself and Gov. Tate Reeves.
“We felt like there needed to be a presence of law enforcement in Goodman to send a message,” Tindell said. “That it’s not a town or any town in Mississippi that we’re going to allow lawlessness to prevail.”
Troopers conducting stops, working alongside sheriff’s office
Since Wednesday, troopers have been stopping drivers in downtown Goodman and in neighborhoods. Tindell said the Mississippi Highway Patrol is working alongside the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office as part of the investigation.
“It’s more regular law enforcement duties at this point,” Tindell said. “You know, we’re looking at individuals in the video to ask who they were and go from there.”
Tindell said MHP deployments to towns across the state are not uncommon, and include safety checkpoints, driver’s license verifications and insurance verifications.
“So that’s not unusual anywhere on any given day,” Tindell said. “We just happen to be in Goodman because they needed additional help at that time.”
Mayor supports presence; some residents question it
Mayor Michael Howard said he supports MHP’s increased presence in the town. However, resident Keni El questioned whether the deployment was necessary.
“It really doesn’t change anything because if the people they’ve seen on the video are who they came for then that’s who they need to be looking for,” El said. “Because in a way, it’s kind of harassing the people for stupidity of some younglings.”
El said leaders should instead focus on providing resources to mentor young people.
“The youth need to be taught the right knowledge, right wisdom, right understanding,” El said. “But I’m not going to be afraid of no child.”
Tindell said he is unsure how long state troopers will remain in Goodman but will stay in contact with town officials until a departure date is determined.
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STARKVILLE — Mississippi State baseball could have its first position player picked in the first round of the MLB draft since 2020.
That’s where star third baseman Ace Reese is ranked ahead of the 2026 MLB Draft. He has two years of eligibility remaining but is not expected back with the Bulldogs because of his high draft ranking.
There are other draft outcomes that can impact MSU’s 2027 roster for coach Brian O’Connor’s second season. The draft begins July 11 (noon, NBC/Peacock) with Rounds 1-4 and continues July 12 with Rounds 5-20.
Here’s a look at where Mississippi State players are ranked for the draft, including high school signees.
MLB draft rankings for Ace Reese, other Mississippi State players
MLB.com’s list of the top 250 prospects has Reese at No. 18. He’s the highest-ranked third baseman. USA Today’s mock draft predicts the Miami Marlins to select Reese with the No. 14 pick, which has a slot value of nearly $5.5 million.
If Reese is picked in the top 10, he’d be Mississippi State’s first top 10 pick since Paul Maholm in 2003.
The only other Mississippi State player in MLB.com’s top 250 is relief pitcher Ben Davis at No. 232. Davis does not have any college eligibility remaining.
That does not mean there won’t be more MSU players drafted. MSU has two starters in particular, catcher Kevin Milewski and outfielder Aidan Teel, who are draft eligible. If they are drafted, they’ll have to decide whether to sign with the pro team or return to Mississippi State. Relief pitcher Maddox Webb is in the same situation.
None of Mississippi State’s incoming transfers are ranked as top 250 draft prospects.
Mississippi State baseball signees rankings for MLB draft
Mississippi State has the No. 6 recruiting class, according to Perfect Game, and there are many players who are draft risks.
Eight of the signees are ranked inside MLB.com’s top 250 with four in the top 100.
Catcher Will Brick is the top signee at No. 46 after reclassifying to the 2026 class. Shortstop Rocco Maniscalco is just behind him at No. 49, followed by pitchers Landon Brown (No. 77) and Denton Lord (No. 80).
Other signees in the top 250 are pitcher Wilson Andersen (No. 111), outfielder Martin Shelar (No. 175), pitcher Jake Carbaugh (No. 203) and shortstop Noah Danza (No. 239).
Last summer, Mississippi State got signees Jack Bauer and Jacob Parker to turn down the MLB draft and play for the Bulldogs. Bauer was ranked as the No. 44 prospect and Parker, who turned into a freshman All-American, was No. 109.
The deadline for draftees to sign contracts with pro teams is July 27 at 4 p.m. CT.
Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.
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