By Robert Wilson

Anthony Richards was a standout basketball player at Mendenhall High and Southern Miss in the 1990s. The 6-foot-9 forward was an All-State player, averaging 21 points and 11 rebounds as a junior and senior at Mendenhall and led the Tigers to a state runner-up finish as a senior. He was the Conference USA Freshman of the Year at Southern Miss and had an outstanding college career.

His son, Austin Richards, is on his way to a promising basketball career as well.

The 6-foot-6 junior forward averaged 17 points and 14 rebounds and led Jackson Academy to victories over defending MAIS Overall Tournament champion Jackson Prep and MAIS Class 4A state championship contender Madison St. Joseph last week.

For his outstanding performance, Richards has been named the Tatum and Wade/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson Boys Basketball Player of the Week.

Richards has had six consecutive double double (double figures in points and rebounds) for JA. 

He is averaging 17.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.3 blocked shots and helped JA to a 13-6 record and a No. 20 ranking in Mississippi and No. 2 in MAIS Class 4A by MaxPreps. Richards has 10 doubles doubles this season.

“Austin is playing at an elite level right now,” JA coach Jesse Taylor said. “The double-doubles speak for themselves, but what really stands out is his leadership and composure. Austin is a calming force for our team and a true anchor on both ends of the floor.”

Richards started and averaged eight points and eight rebounds and helped JA to a 24-5 record and a MAIS Overall Tournament runner-up finish last season as a sophomore.

Richards is the son of Anthony and Kelli Richards. Anthony played basketball at Mendenhall High and Southern Miss. Kelli graduated from Murrah High, Southern Miss and Jackson State (masters degree in social work). Richards has two brothers, Avery and AJ. Avery played basketball at Lanier High and is playing at Belhaven. AJ played basketball at Callaway and is playing at William Carey.

JA plays Magnolia Heights Friday in a MAIS Class 4A, District 1 game at JA in Northeast Jackson.

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