By Robert Wilson
Madison Central’s Alonna McCruter had the biggest game of her career last week in the quarterfinals of the MHSAA Class 7A playoffs, and the result was a trip to the Mississippi Coliseum for the Lady Jaguars.
The 5-foot-9 senior forward scored a career-high 18 points – 11.6 points better than her season average – to lead Madison Central to a 79-59 victory over Tupelo last week at Mississippi Valley State in Itta Bena in the Mississippi Delta.
For her outstanding performance, McCruter has been named the Legacy Theaters Flowood/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson Girls Basketball Player of the Week.
McCruter made 7 of 11 shots from the field and 4 of 5 from the free throw line with 10 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal against Tupelo.
McCruter averaged 6.4 points and 6 rebounds and helped Madison Central to a 25-7 record and a No. 6 ranking in Mississippi and No. 3 ranking among MHSAA Class 7A teams this season.
“Watching Alonna’s growth from last season to this season has been incredible,” Madison Central coach Jalessa Taylor said. “She’s matured, embraced leadership, and taken ownership of her role as our enforcer. Throughout the playoffs, Alonna has competed at a high level and made a major impact on our team’s success. I couldn’t be more proud of her.”
McCruter is the fourth Madison Central player earn Metro Jackson Girls Basketball Player of the Week joining senior guard Alya Benson, junior guard/forward Alayah Bolden, sophomore guard Karley Robinson.
McCruter is the daughter of Timothy and Marie Hudson. Timothy attended East Flora High. He is employed with the City of Jackson as a Captain of the Training Academy. He has been in law enforcement for 30 years. Marie played basketball and volleyball at Pontiac Northern, Mich., High. She has been in property management for 26 years and is currently a cosmetologist.
McCruter has 14 siblings, and the Hudsons adopted twin boys in March of 2025.
Timothy Hudson Jr. played football at Provine and Timond Hudson played baseball at Madison Central. Timond is employed with the City of Jackson as a police officer. He is also in the National Guard, currently deployed in Washington, D.C. Alonzo McCruter played football and was in the JROTC at Madison Central and played AAU basketball. He is a student at Ole Miss, pursuing a career in Criminal Justice Homeland Security. Maria Ford played softball at Pontiac Northern, Mich., High. Devontay Cannon played basketball at Hale County, Ala., and won a state championship in 2017. One of his teammates was Herbert Jones, who now plays pro basketball. Dearrius Richards played football at Yazoo City High, and serves in the National Guard. Alontay McCruter played football at Rosa Scott and attends Madison Central. Gwendolyn Ford graduated from Northern High, attended Shelton State, Ala., Community College and is a property manager. Timesha Hudson graduated from Provine High and is a service consultant. Raymond Ford graduated from Madison Central High and is a manufacturing auditor. Darius James graduated from Forest Hill High and Hinds Community College with a degree in electro mechanical technology. Josiah and Jordan Hudson attend Madison Avenue Elementary.
McCruter’s cousin Deandre Pullen played football at Madison Central.
Mississippi Scoreboard selects a girls 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 PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
WEEK ONE: Liz Stevens, East Rankin Academy
WEEK TWO: Ella Jackson, Hartfield Academy
WEEK THREE: Ayla Benson, Madison Central
WEEK FOUR: Shamira Morton, Canton
WEEK FIVE: Laylah Johnson, Pisgah
WEEK SIX: Alayah Bolden, Madison Central
WEEK SEVEN: Shamira Morton, Canton
WEEK EIGHT: Karley Robinson, Madison Central
WEEK NINE: Liz Stevens, East Rankin Academy
WEEK TEN: Malis McCelleis, Northwest Rankin
