By Robert Wilson
Jackson Academy’s Caleb Gaitor has earned the respect of players and coaches around Mississippi with his outstanding defensive play, offensive moves, high basketball IQ, and endurance to play hard the entire game.
He made an impression on two of the top 12 teams in Louisiana this past weekend.
The 5-foot-10 senior guard and Mississippi College signee averaged 20.5 points (shooting 59.3 percent from the field), 4.5 assists, 4.5 steals, and 4 rebounds to lead defending MAIS Class 6A and Overall Tournament champion JA to victories over Archbishop Shaw and Archbishop Hannon, ranked No. 3 and No. 11 respectively in Louisiana by MaxPreps.
For his outstanding performance, Gaitor has been named the Tatum and Wade/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson Boys Basketball Player of the Week.
Gaitor had 19 points (7 of 13 from the field, 2 of 6 from 3-point range, and 3 of 4 from the free throw line), with 7 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals in a 75-72 overtime victory over Shaw Friday at Marrero, La. He had 22 points (9 of 14 from the field, 2 of 6 from 3-point range, and 2 of 2 from the free throw line) with 7 steals, 5 rebounds and 2 assists in 59-43 victory over Hannon Saturday at Covington, La.
“Caleb played extremely well on our trip to Louisiana,” third-year JA coach Jesse Taylor said. “Archbishop Shaw has been No. 1 in Louisiana until recently. They are a highly talented group who is well coached. Archbishop Hannan has been a Top 10 team in Louisiana all year. Hannan is extremely well coached. Caleb showed why I believe he is one of the best players in Mississippi with his performance this weekend. He is our leader and by far, the best defender in the state of Mississippi. His leadership, toughness, and character are why he will be a major player for Mississippi College. (MC head coach Randy) Coach Bolden is getting a great player and even better young man.”
Gaitor is averaging 13.1 points, 4.7 assists, 3.2 steals, and 2.6 rebounds this season going into this week.
Gaitor is the son of Ricky Gaitor and Countless Coleman. Ricky attended Oliver Perry High in New Orleans and was a sprinter at Indiana State. Countless attended Oliver Perry Walker High and played softball and ran track. Gaitor’s brother Ian Celestian graduated from Northwest Rankin High and won a national weightlifting championship after graduation. Gaitor’s sister Cydney Young graduated from Edna Karr High in New Orleans.
JA, 13-3 overall and 1-0 in 6A play, visit Jackson Prep, 16-3 and 1-0 in 6A play, Friday at Prep in Flowood in a rematch of last year’s 6A state championship game.
Mississippi Scoreboard selects a boys 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: Phil Nelson, Ridgeland
WEEK TWO: Jamarion Fleming, Canton
WEEK THREE: Mike Williams, Germantown
WEEK FOUR: Ben Segrest, Jackson Prep
