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.”
MORE: How late-season surge fueled Canton to MHSAA Class 5A title over Holmes County Central
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.
