By Robert Wilson
Kaleb Arterberry was one of the best linebackers in Mississippi for Pearl High last season, led the team in tackles and signed with national junior college powerhouse Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
His brother, Kaden, is now making noise for Pearl on the basketball court, and last week he had one of his best weeks of his career.
The 6-foot-4 junior forward averaged 24 points, 17.3 rebounds, and 5.3 blocked shots and led Pearl to three victories and the region championship in the MHSAA Class 7A, Region 3 tournament last week at Pearl.
For his outstanding performance, Arterberry has been named the Tatum and Wade/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson Boys Basketball Player of the Week.
Arterberry had 21 points, maybe a career-high 23 rebounds, and 5 blocked shots in a 59-30 victory over Oak Grove Tuesday in the first round, had 23 points, 12 rebounds, 6 blocked shots in a 61-51 victory over Northwest Rankin Friday in the semifinals, and had maybe a career high 28 points, 17 rebounds, and 5 blocked shots in a 64-54 victory over Brandon Saturday in the championship game.
He shot 66.7 percent from the field (26 of 39) for the week, including 84.6 percent (11 of 13) against Brandon.
Arterberry is averaging 20 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocked shots for 22-7 Pearl entering this week.
“Kaden solidified his position as being a dominant force on the offensive and defensive boards,” said Pearl coach Rod Taylor, who played at Pearl and Jackson State and is in his third season as head coach. “During our district tournament last week, Kaden showed his dominance by leading us in scoring, rebounds, and blocks. In the district championship game, he scored the first 14 points. Kaden is a big reason why we are district champions.”
Arterberry is the son of John and Crystal Arterberry. John played football at Callaway and went to Hinds Community College and Miles College. Crystal played basketball at Callaway and went to Texas Southern and Jackson State. Arterberry’s sister, Kayla, played basketball at Pearl and went to Southwest Mississippi Community College. His brother, Kaleb, played football at Pearl and will be playing at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. He also has another sister, Jaida. Arterberry is close to his grandparents, Roger and Deloris Robinson and uncle and aunt, Christopher and Larika Rand.
Pearl plays host to St. Martin, the No. 4 seed from Region 4, Saturday in the first round of the MHSAA Class 7A tournament at Pearl.
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
WEEK FIVE: Caleb Gaitor, Jackson Academy
WEEK SIX: Kevin Roberts, Jackson Prep
WEEK SEVEN: Wiggy Ball, Hartfield Academy
WEEK EIGHT: Mike Williams, Germantown
WEEK NINE: Marcus Goodloe, Jackson Academy
