By Robert Wilson

       Velma Jackson’s Cayla Myers has been guarded by the other team’s best defensive player almost every game this season, but it hasn’t stopped her from controlling the game, especially last week.

       The 5-foot-10 senior guard and Coahoma Community College signee averaged 32 points in two MHSAA Class 2A, Region 6 victories last week.

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

       Myers had 37 points and 4 steals in a 58-36 victory over Scott Central and 27 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists in a 61-49 victory over Pisgah.

       She is averaging 22.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 steals and has led Velma Jackson to a 16-10 overall and 7-0 region record this season. Myers’ career high was 40 points against St. Andrew’s this season. She was a member of the PriorityOne Bank/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson Preseason Elite 11 Team this season.

       “Cayla has really stepped up her game during district play,” Velma Jackson coach Sharlaundria Winston said. “She has taken on the challenge of becoming stronger and being able to play through contact. She understands that other teams defensive game plan surrounds her, and she has to make good decisions and stay involved throughout the game. Cayla’s role is not just to score, it’s to facilitate our offense, defense, rebound and get others involved.”

Myers averaged 18 points and 8 rebounds and led Velma Jackson to a 19-10 record and the MHSAA Class 2A state tournament quarterfinals last season as a junior.

She scored a season-high 29 points in an overtime victory over North Forrest in the second round of the 2A state playoffs last season.

“Cayla worked hard last off season,” Winston said. “Last summer was the first time playing AAU and she strived in that environment. Cayla is a consistent scorer, rebounder, and a good passer. She has developed defensively, which was one of the areas of improvement that she needed to develop in order to be an all-around player.”

Velma Jackson plays host to Puckett Friday on Senior Night at Velma Jackson.

Myers has an offer from Coahoma CC.