By Robert Wilson

Brandon coach Candace Foster said Marley Freeman has become a leader for the Lady Dogs. Starkville found that out last weekend.

The 5-foot-8 senior guard scored 19 of her 22 points in the first half and added 6 assists, 6 steals and 1 rebound in Brandon’s 69-36 victory Saturday at Starkville.

Freeman averaged 19 points, 4 assists, 4 steals and 1.5 rebounds in two road victories for Brandon last week.

For her outstanding performances, Freeman has been named the Performance Therapy/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson Girls Basketball Player of the Week.

Freeman had 16 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 rebound in a 47-27 victory over Warren Central.

“Marley has taken strides to grow as a leader and as a person this past week,” Foster said. “Marley responded well at Starkville. We tell her all the time that she looks good when she plays within our offense and selflessly. It clicked for her in Starkville, and I think we all fed off each other’s energy. She’s a skilled player and will need to continue to grow for our overall success.”

By Robert Smith

Foster knows about success. She won three MHSAA state championships, was the MVP her last three seasons, and had a 113-15 record, an amazing 88.2 winning percentage, in her four seasons playing at Murrah from 2006-2010 before she went on to start at Mississippi State.

Freeman is averaging 14.6 points, 3.5 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 2 steals this season after the Starkville win.

She has offers from Mississippi Valley, Mississippi College, Coahoma Community College, Copiah-Lincoln CC, East Central CC, Meridian CC, Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, Southwest CC, Bishop State (Ala.) College, Eastern New Mexico State, Garden City (Kansas) CC, and Indian River (Fla.) State College.

Brandon, 11-2, plays at Northwest Rankin Friday.

Freeman averaged 12.6 points, 4.2 assists and 3.5 steals to help Brandon to a 21-5 record and the second round of the MHSAA Class 6A playoffs last season.