Jackson Prep basketball nationally-ranked after hot start
Jackson Prep boys basketball is off to an 11-1 start this year and are receiving national recognition, as they entered the national top 100 rankings on MaxPreps for the first time in program history.
The Patriots have been dominant this year outside of a one-point road loss to Oak Forest Academy, and were ranked as the nation’s 98th best team by MaxPreps, while being the only Mississippi school in the top 100.
All but two of Jackson Prep’s wins have come by double digits, with key victories over talented public school teams like Leake Central, DeSoto Central, Choctaw Central, Bogue Chitto, and Cleveland Central, while also knocking off private school contenders like Copiah Academy and Central Hinds Academy.
The MAIS 6A classification will be an absolute battle this year with Jackson Academy, MRA, St. Joseph, Hartfield Academy, and PCS all playing very well so far this season. MAIS 6A teams have combined for a 65-11 record in non-region play so far.
Following a 6A runner-up finish season, MAIS overall state tournament semifinal appearance, and 25-12 record last year, the Patriots return all five starters from last season and have aspirations for a MAIS 6A and overall state title with that experience returning this year.
The Patriots are led by all-state senior guard and 1,000 point-scorer Ben Segrest, who established himself as one of the area and state’s top players over the course of his career.
During their winning streak to open the season, Jackson Prep was also without some of their key players during the football team’s run to the 6A football title game. With players like senior Duke football signee Cole Allen, senior De’Marion Tyler, and senior John Ed Maddux returning from the gridiron, the Patriots are just getting into full form as a team.
Jackson Prep still has plenty of challenges left on their schedule, as they will face-off in a rematch with MHSAA 4A state title contender Choctaw Central at the Bassa Holiday Invitational at Mississippi College on Friday, who they defeated 71-65 earlier in the season.
The Patriots will compete in the Big Orange Classic in Hoover, Alabama over the week of Christmas, which will include several nationally-ranked teams. Jackson Prep will open that tournament with a matchup against Memphis University School on December 26th, with the tournament concluding on December 28th.