Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Game

DeAnthony Tipler and DaQuan Smith wrapped up stellar high school careers Friday by helping lead their state to an all-star win.

Mississippi beat Alabama 127-90 in the 28th annual game between the neighboring states. This year’s match-up was played at A.E. Wood Coliseum on the campus of Mississippi College in Clinton.

The 127 points is a single-game record in the series, which is now tied 14-14.

Tipler, a senior from Ashland, was named the game’s Most Valuable Player  for Mississippi. He had 21 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. He hit five three-point shots.

“I feel the all-star game pretty much solidified his high school career,” said Rolley Tipler, his head coach at Ashland. “He’s a solid player who is not afraid of any game or stage. He lives for those moments.

“His drive has made him special. He played alongside D-1 recruits and stood out. I’m very proud to say that I saw his game manifest from fifth grade to 12th.”

Tipler is being recruited by several junior colleges.

“Hopefully, the all-star game will give him a final push with a four-year college,” Coach Tipler said.

Smith, a senior from Holly Springs, was also a big contributor in Mississippi’s rout of Alabama. He had 13 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals.

“DaQaun played well and was an excellent ambassador for our school and city,” said Sylvester Kilgore, his head coach at Holly Springs. “He was a key member of the 12-man squad of the best senior players in our state – possibly the best ever assembled.

“It was exciting to see. It was also great to see Hawk nation make the trip to support DaQuan.”

Smith has signed with Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky.

Both Tipler and Smith will graduate in May as the all-time leading scorer at their respective schools.

Alabama was victorious in the all-star girls contest, beating Mississippi 109-96.

Shay Johnson, a senior at Byhalia, was selected to play in the game but could not due to injury.