By Robert Wilson
Only a handful of boys basketball players in Ridgeland High history had a scoring night like Morris Hammond had last week.
The 6-foot-3 senior forward scored a career-high 36 points (he made 16 of 23 shots from the field, 3 of 5 from 3-point range) with 4 rebounds and 3 steals in only 22 minutes and led Ridgeland to an 89-44 victory over Neshoba Central in a MHSAA Class 6A, Region 2 game at Ridgeland.
For his outstanding performance, Hammond has been named the PriorityOne Bank/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson Boys Basketball Player of the Week.
Hammond also had 17 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals in a 75-72 overtime loss to Columbus in a 6A-Region 2 game last week.
He is averaging 9.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals this season for 13-7 Ridgeland.
“Morris has been consistent all year and most importantly in district play,” fourth-year Ridgeland coach Terron McIntyre said. “He has been a key part of our run this season. Morris did a great job in both district games on the boards and getting out in transition.
“He has elevated his game so much over the summer and into the preseason. Morris went from playing JV to a starter this year. His ability to rebound and get second shots created more opportunities for himself to help us overall. Morris knocked down open shots and created space when he needed to. I’m extremely proud to see him come into his own as a player and a young man.”
LeAntwan Luckett holds the school scoring record with 48 points in the 2011-2012 season. Other top single game scorers in school history are Jeff Stubbs (46 points in 2009-2010), Darius Kent (42 points in 2017-2018), Donavan Ross (41 points in 2010-2011) and Davion Goodloe (40 points in 2017-2018).
Ridgeland plays Vicksburg Friday in a MHSAA Class 6A, Region 2 game at Vicksburg.
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.
Previous Players of the Week
Week One: Mike Williams, Jackson Academy
Week Two: Dylan Rowe, Madison Central
Week Three: Eric Paymon, Raymond
Week Four: Ashton Magee, MRA
