By Robert Wilson

       Marcel Bridges was promoted from being a role player last season to being the star this season for Brandon and he has adjusted very well, especially last week.

       The 6-foot-5 senior guard averaged 24 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.5 steals and 1 blocked shot in two MHSAA Class 6A, Region 5 games last week.

       For his outstanding performances, Bridges has been named the PriorityOne Bank/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson Boys Basketball Player of the Week.

       Bridges had 27 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 blocked shot in a 59-53 win over Petal. He made 11 of 13 shots from the field, including 1 of 1 from 3-point range. Bridges had 21 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 blocked shot in a 59-53 loss to Meridian. He made 8 of 14 shots from the field, including 1 of 2 from 3-point range.

       Bridges is averaging 17.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 1.4 blocked shots and 1.2 assists and helped Brandon to an 18-7 record this season going into this week. He is a member of the PriorityOne Bank/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson Preseason Elite 11 Team this season.

       “Marcel has had to adjust from being a role player on the team last year, to being the star player and captain on the team this year,” Brandon coach Frederick Barnes said. “He is very humble person, so embracing this new role was difficult at first. Now, he has gotten the hang of it. Marcel has been a beast for us on both ends of the floor recently. His passion for winning really shows on the court. Marcel is a great servant leader, and his teammates are more than willing to follow him because he is not only a great player, but also an even better person. He is a hard worker with a great attitude. Marcel is the perfect leader for our team. We are so proud of Marcel.”

       Bridges averaged 11.6 points and 5.7 rebounds and shot 50 percent from the field to help Brandon to a 26-7 record and the semifinals in the MHSAA Class 6A state tournament last season as a junior.

He has offers from East Central CC, East Mississippi CC, Jones County JC, Itawamba CC, and Southwest Mississippi CC.

Brandon plays host to Neshoba Central Friday at Brandon.

Coaches can nominate their players by calling or texting Robert Wilson at 601.506.2276. Only players who play for teams in Hinds, Madison and Rankin Counties are eligible.