Photos by Willie Ann Shelton
DaQuan Smith (left photo, 10) and DeAnthony Tipler (right photo, 3) take the basketball to the goal Friday night at Mississippi College. For more photos, see page 6.
Tipler, Smith lead North to victory
Two high school juniors, one from Marshall County and the other from neighboring Benton, led the North to a 108-99 win over the South Friday night.
The 63rd annual Mississippi Association of Coaches Boys’ All-Star Game was held at Mississippi College in Clinton.
The game pitted the top juniors from North Mississippi against the best from the South.
DeAnthony Tipler of Ashland scored 18 points and DaQuan Smith of Holly Springs added 16 as the North boys won a high-scoring contest by nine points. Tipler was named the Most Valuable Offensive Player.
At halftime, the North was up 61-42.
Midway through the second half, the South was trailing by 20 points. But later, the South rallied to slice the deficit to four with two minutes left on the clock.
Tipler secured the victory via a three-point play with 44 seconds left. His dunk and free throw gave the North a 105-96 lead.
Tipler finished with seven assists and three rebounds. Smith pulled down two rebounds and three assists.
The South still leads the series 39-24.
Tipler is coached at Ashland by Rolley Tipler. Smith is coached at Holly High by Sylvester Kilgore.
The Blue Devils won their second consecutive Class 1A State Tournament this past season, while the Hawks competed in their third straight Class 3A State Tournament.