By Robert Wilson
Braxton Ward and the Callaway Chargers came fell one shot shy of making this week’s MHSAA Class 6A state championship game, but he did carry his team on a deep playoff run this season.
The 6-foot-2 junior guard had 25 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals to lead Callaway to a 60-54 victory over defending Class 6A state champion Ridgeland in the quarterfinals at Mississippi Valley State last week in Itta Bena in the Mississippi Delta.
For his outstanding performance, Ward has been named the Tatum and Wade/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson Boys Basketball Player of the Week.
“Braxton led us with 25 points against Ridgeland, but what really stood out wasn’t just the scoring,” Callaway coach Joshua “Skip” Harvey said. “It was the leadership and composure. He embraced the challenge on both ends of the floor, especially defensively, and set the tone for us. Braxton was vocal, encouraging, and constantly pushing his teammates to be their best. That’s the kind of impact that goes beyond the stat sheet. His recognition is well deserved and a reflection of the work he’s put in all season.”
Ward – a member of the Tatum and Wade/Mississippi Scoreboard Preseason Metro Jackson Elite 11 Team – finished the season averaging 23.9 points (fifth best in Mississippi and first in MHSAA Class 6A), 2.9 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.4 assists and led Callaway to a 17-17 record.
He was also the Metro Jackson Player of the Week earlier this season.
Ward averaged 19.7 points and led Callaway to a 11-20 record and the MHSAA Class 6A first round and was on the third team of the Tatum and Wade/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson Team last season as a sophomore.
He has offers from Alcorn State and New Mexico State and multiple community colleges.
Ward is the son of Reginald and Fatima Ward. Reginald played multiple sports at Bay Springs High, played basketball at Alcorn State and is a member of the Alcorn State Basketball Hall of Fame. Fatima played multiple sports at Moss Point High and attend ed Alcorn State. Ward’s siblings are Xavier Agee, Payton, Reginald and Shelby.
Mississippi Scoreboard selects a boys basketball player from Hinds, Madison, or Rankin counties each week. Coaches can nominate a player by sending a text to Robert Wilson at 601.506.2276.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
WEEK ONE: Jeff Flanagan, Madison Central
WEEK TWO: Sam Funches, Germantown
WEEK THREE: Lazabian Banks, Lanier
WEEK FOUR: Braxton Ward, Callaway
WEEK FIVE; Austin Richards, Jackson Academy
WEEK SIX: DeShawn Dillon, Northwest Rankin
WEEK SEVEN: Marcus Goodloe, Jackson Academy
WEEK EIGHT: Jeff Flanagan, Madison Central
WEEK NINE: Joe Anthony, Madison St. Joseph
WEEK TEN: EJ Dampier, MRA
