Plaque honors legacy of Temple High Coaches McClelland and Dent

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — 

A new plaque honoring the legacy of Rosa A. Temple High School basketball coaches Levern “Fish” McClelland and Belton Dent Sr. was unveiled Monday evening, recognizing the pair’s impact on one of Mississippi’s most successful high school basketball programs.

The ceremony was held at Vicksburg Junior High School, which housed Temple High School during the 1960s. The event celebrated the coaches who helped transform the all-Black Buccaneers program into a powerhouse, including an undefeated 29-0 season in 1968.

The program was led by Rev. Dr. Walker Wright, who served as master of ceremonies. Wright, the team’s statistician during that era, shared memories of McClelland and Dent and reflected on the influence they had on countless students and athletes.

Dent, 91, attended the ceremony. McClelland died in 2013.

“We shut a lot of mouths back then,” Dent said jokingly. “I’ll never forget the smiles on the kids’ faces and I’ll never forget them. I loved everything I had and we always tried to help each other.”

McClelland, a graduate of Alcorn State University, and Dent, a graduate of Grambling State University, coached together at Temple from 1964 to 1971. McClelland served as head coach while Dent was assistant head coach.

During their tenure, the Buccaneers compiled a 165-32 record and captured numerous championships, including:

• Big 8 Conference Zone 1 champions
• North Big 8 regional and conference champions
• Magnolia State District AA champions
• Magnolia South State Class AA champions
• Overall state champions

Several players from the program went on to continue their basketball careers at colleges and universities such as Harvard, St. Bonaventure and Western Kentucky.

McClelland was a native of Philadelphia, Mississippi. After completing two years of military service, he returned to Alcorn State and earned a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education. He joined the faculty at Rosa A. Temple High School in 1964.

His leadership, discipline and knowledge of the game helped establish Temple as one of the state’s premier basketball programs. Former players remembered him for teaching preparation, accountability and pride both on and off the court.

Dent grew up in Trenton, New Jersey, and attended Trenton Central High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in administration from Grambling State College. He began his educational career at McIntyre Elementary School, where he served as both a teacher and principal.

When he arrived at Temple High School, Dent became a key part of the coaching staff, serving as a strategist, motivator and educator who helped elevate the performance of student-athletes in the classroom and on the basketball court.

Several others participated in the ceremony, including choir members, former Temple High basketball players, family members of McClelland and Dent, school administrators, board members and numerous friends and supporters.

The plaque will hang inside Vicksburg Junior High School, serving as a permanent reminder of the coaches who helped build what many considered the state’s top high school basketball program during the 1960s.

Individuals recognized in the program:

• Rev. Dr. Walker Wright — Master of Ceremonies
• Dwayne Griffith — Choir director
• Rev. Kemp Burley Jr. — Prayer
• Bro. James Daniels — Occasion speaker
• Rev. Dr. Walker Wright — History presentation
• Former Temple High student-athletes and faculty
• School Board appointee — Greeting and message
• Coach Alonzo Stevens — Remarks and thanks

Musical selections:

• “There’s a Thrill Upon the Hill” — Theme song
• “It’s Your Time” — Choir selection
• “Oh Temple High” — Class song