Final Four Exclusive Run: Magnolia State Notes

Lavel Johnson

The NCAA Final Four held in the Big Easy this past weekend was accompanied by the Independent Hoops produced Exclusive Runs Tournament. There were a number of Magnolia state teams and players which participated, let’s take a look at who stood out.

MBA-OSAG overcomes absence of some key players

Hampered by the absence of two key starters because of other obligations, the boys from MBA-OSAG persevered and produced a 4-0 weekend and captured the championship of the 2023 NOLA Final 4 bracket at the Exclusive run. They were led on the weekend by the trio of, 6’0” 2022 PG Marc Drone(Lanier), 6’6” 2023 F Trey Smith(Terry) and 6’0” 2023 PG Courterius Scott(Murrah). 6’6” 2023 F/C Tyrel Shorts(Terry) and 6’7” 2023 F Dylan Thomas(Franklin County) both provided solid support as starters and solid bench play was provided by a pair of 2024’s, 6’1” CG Damarion Winston(Yazoo City) and 6’7” F Derrick Byrd(Callaway).

Team Thad Magnolia state imports thrive

Team Thad-EYBL came down to get another warm-up before stepping into the fire that is the EYBL league season that starts this coming weekend and a big part of any success they have this season will be the play of Mississippi imports, 5’11” 2023 PG Josh Hubbard(MRA), 6’3” 2022 WG George Marshall(Forest Hill), and 6’7” 2023 F Makhi Myles(Starkville). All three had some strong moments as Team Thad produced a 2-1 record on the weekend, with Hubbard and Marshall showing their scoring prowess thru multiple games starting with game one. Myles seemed to still be finding his footing with the team being more productive as a rebounder and defender early on, but he seemed to find his stride in game three as his offensive game came around and he looked like he is ready to be more of a factor. A fourth Magnolia state player for Team Thad is 6’2” 2023 PG L.J. Hackman(New Hope) who while not getting a lot of minutes played very well in the minutes he did get.

Community Saved Players Impress

The Community Saved program is young and is striving to make a name for itself but has a number of quality South Mississippi prospects on its roster:

Coming off of a great high school season 6’0” 2023 CG James Turner(Mendenhall) kept the ball rolling as he shot and scored the ball extremely well all weekend.

6’2” 2024 CG Matthew Krass(St. Patrick) played up with the 17s but really lite it up for the 16s.

6’1” 2023 SG Austin Abrams(Petal) had a solid weekend for the 17s, really shot the ball well.

MBA-OSAG 15s fall short in the finals

MBA-OSAG’s younger group had a strong showing this weekend also, advancing to the Independent Hoops bracket championship game before falling to Southern United 59-56. The 15s were led on the weekend by 6’2” 2025 CG William “Wiggy” Ball(Hartfield Academy), 6’6” 2025 F/C Micah Jones(Madison Central), 6’0” 2025 PG Dylan Rowe(Madison Central) and 6’6” 2025 F J.P. Baldwin(Madison Central). This was the 15s first loss in three events this spring and they have the look of a high level squad.

Other Eye-Catchers

He only played one game on the weekend but 6’9” 2022 F Sam Murray(Harrison Central), who suited up with Southern United 17s, played extremely well in that one game. He was very active on the glass, got out in transition, blocked shots on defense and scored the ball on strong moves and finishes around the hoop.

5’11” 2023 PG Isaiah Davis(Brandon) had a strong weekend for a solid Prime Elite squad from the Jackson Metro area. Davis is a very good ball-handler who gets into the paint and scores at the rim. He dose a good job of running the team and getting his teammates involved.

6’8” 2022 F/C Ajani Blyden is not well known in the state because he played for a newly formed Piney Woods Prep team, but he had a strong weekend with Southern United. Ajani is a rim runner and athletic finisher at the rim, very athletic he blocks shots and is a strong rebounder, he also showed the ability to step out and stick an open jumper. A spring on the circuit should bring lots of interest.

6’6” 2026 F/C Hayden Boggs who will be a freshman this year at Harrison Central was very impressive playing up a year for Southern United’s 15s. A tall rangy big bodied post player who is a solid scorer around the paint, a strong rebounder and who moves very well. Has lots of upside.