Smith, Tipler named all-state

The honors keep coming for DaQuan Smith and DeAnthony Tipler.

The Clarion Ledger newspaper in Jackson released its All-State Basketball Team Saturday, and both were recognized on the list.

Smith, a senior from Holly Springs, was named to the First Team, and Tipler, a senior from Ashland, was named to the Third Team.

Joining Smith on the First Team are Robert Woodard, a senior from Columbus; D.J. Jeffries, a junior from Olive Branch; Miles Miller, a senior from Meridian; and D.J. Stewart, a senior from Riverside.

There are 20 members of the allstate team, which is picked by the Clarion Ledger in consultation with high school coaches around the state.

Smith averaged 26 points per game, six rebounds, two assists and two steals per game for the Hawks, which made it to the Class 3A finals. He is committed to Murray State. He played for coach Sylvester Kilgore at Holly High.

Joining Tipler on the Third Team are Daeshun Ruffin, a freshman from Callaway; Gabe Watson, a senior from St. Joe-Madison; Kamarian Williams, a senior from Cleveland Central; and Shardarrian Allen, a senior from Raymond.

Tipler had one of the more decorated careers in the state while playing for the Blue Devils. He won three state championships and made it to the finals a fourth season, his senior year. He averaged 27.8 points, 5.5 assists, 4.8 rebounds and three steals a game this past season. He played for coach Rolley Tipler at Ashland.

Both scored in double digits in the recent Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Game, with Tipler being named the most valuable player, and Smith was also a member of The Clarion Ledger’s preseason Dandy Dozen team.

Members of the Clarion Ledger’s Second Team are Garrison Wade, a senior from St. Andrew’s; LaDarius Marshall, a senior from Forest Hill; Javian Fleming, a senior from Canton; Tyron Brewer, a senior from Meridian; and Damerius Wash, a senior from Canton.

Members of the Fourth Team are Madarius Hobson, a senior from Houlka; Michael Barber, a senior from Jackson Academy; Jaylen Forbes, a junior from Florence; Axavius Stricklen, a senior from Corinth; and Tyler Stevenson, a senior from New Hope.