By Robert Wilson

       Jahanna “JoJo” Wilson is peaking at the right time, right when her team is getting into postseason playoff.

       The 5-foot-3 senior guard averaged 24.7 points, assists, 6.7 rebounds, 6.3 steals, and 4.7 assists and led Callaway to three victories last week.

       For her outstanding performance, Wilson has been named the Junction Deli/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson Girls Basketball Player of the Week.

       Wilson had 19 points, 7 steals, 5 assists and 5 rebounds in a 57-51 victory over defending MHSAA Class 5A state champion Neshoba Central, a career-high 30 points, 10 rebounds, 7 steals and 4 assists in a 71-53 victory over Forest Hill, and 25 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals in a 58-46 victory over Vicksburg.

       “As the district tournament approaches, Jahanna is peaking at just the right time, delivering standout performances when it matters most,” said Callaway coach Ashli Sutton, who is her fourth season as head coach and was the 2023 PriorityOne Bank/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson Coach of the Year. “With exceptional skill, leadership, and a relentless competitive drive, she has consistently elevated their game, setting the tone for the rest of the squad. Whether it’s scoring crucial points, making key defensive plays, or maintaining composure under pressure, Jahanna’s ability to perform at a high level is proving to be the spark the team needs heeding into this pivotal stage. Her momentum could be the difference maker in securing success throughout the tournament.”

       Wilson is averaging 16.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 4.6 steals and led Callaway to a 24-3 record and a No. 12 ranking in Mississippi (MaxPreps) entering this week.

She averaged 13.6 points, 5.1 assists and 3.5 steals and led Callaway to 22-9 record and the MSHAA Class 6A quarterfinals and was a first team selection on the All-Metro Jackson team last season as a junior. She had season highs of 25 points, 11 assists, 10 steals and 9 rebounds. 

“Jahanna is the definition of heart over height,” Sutton said. “She does not let her size dictate her performance or her future. Jahanna can hang with the best of them, and she definitely can lead and encourage the ones who are not there yet. Jo can get to the basket at will, make timely decisions, defend the length of the floor, rebound like a post player and can shoot the ball well. Her character off the court is just as bold and defined as she is on the court. Jo is truly a blessing to coach the last six years.”

Wilson has offers from Jackson State, Mississippi Valley State, Mississippi University for Women, West Alabama, Lane College, Coahoma CC, Copiah-Lincoln CC, East Mississippi CC, Itawamba CC, Jones County JC, Meridian CC, Mississippi Delta CC, Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, Northeast Mississippi CC, Kilgore (Texas) CC, Seward County (Kansas) CC and Trinity Valley (Texas) CC.

Wilson is the daughter of Larry and Krystle Wilson. Larry played basketball at Jim Hill High and graduated from Jackson State. Larry is also an assistant on the Callaway girls basketball team. Krystle played soccer and track at Jim Hill High and attended Tougaloo. Wilson has five brothers and sisters, brother Jalen, brother Larry Jacob, sister Juleigh, brother Jonisaac, and brother JonPaul. Juleigh, 11, plays basketball. Wilson’s grandmother, Irene Knowles, played basketball at Newton High.

Callaway plays Columbus in the MHSAA Class 6A, Region 2 semifinals Thursday at 4 p.m. at Neshoba Central in Philadelphia.

Mississippi Scoreboard selects a girls basketball player from Hinds, Madison, or Rankin counties each week. Coaches can nominate a player by text or call to Robert Wilson at 601.506.2276. 

WEEK ONE: Shamira Morton, Canton

WEEK TWO: Alya Benson, Germantown

WEEK THREE: Karley Robinson, Madison Central

WEEK FOUR: Anna Morgan Anderson, MRA

WEEK FIVE: Jayden Rhymes, Jackson Academy

WEEK SIX: Shamira Morton, Canton

WEEK SEVEN: Liz Stevens, East Rankin Academy

WEEK EIGHT: Madison Jones, Terry