By Robert Wilson
The Velma Jackson girls basketball season is still going and Cayla Myers is one of the main reasons why.
The 5-foot-10 junior guard scored 29 points, 20 in the second half and overtime, and had seven rebounds to lead Velma Jackson to a 72-69 victory in overtime over North Forrest in the second round of the MHSAA Class 2A state playoffs at North Forrest in Hattiesburg.
For her outstanding performance, Myers has been named the Performance Therapy/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson Girls Basketball Player of the Week.
“Cayla was relentless against North Forrest,” Velma Jackson coach Sharlaundria Winston said. “Halfway through the game, North Forrest started playing in a box and on Cayla. Instead of laying down, she used her defense to get steals and lay ups late in the third and fourth quarter. Cayla has grown and become a leader for us this second half of the season. She has dedicated her time to the game of basketball. If the gym is open, I know for sure Cayla will be in it, without a doubt. I am proud of the leader she has become and look forward to the process of her growth.”
Myers had 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocked shots to help Velma Jackson to a 52-51 victory over Philadelphia in a first-round Class 2A playoff game last Monday.
She is averaging 18 points, 8 rebounds and 1 blocked shot this season for 19-9 Velma Jackson, which visits West Lincoln Friday in the 2A quarterfinals. This is Velma Jackson’s best season since 2015-2016 when it finished 25-7 and made it to the Class 3A semifinals before losing to eventual champion Choctaw Central.
Robert Wilson selects a deserving girls basketball player from schools in Hinds, Madison, and Rankin counties each week. Coaches can nominate players by contacting Robert via his cell phone with text or call (601.506.2276) or email ([email protected]).
