Former VHS basketball star dreams of becoming a professional referee

Former Vicksburg High School star Devonta Brisco has been working as youth league referee at the Vicksburg YMCA for the past five years, but he has dreams of one day refereeing in the NBA.

Brisco grew up in Vicksburg playing basketball starting at age 5 with the Openwood League before playing for the YMCA the next year. In high school, he played at VHS where he was coached by Dellie Robinson as he helped his team reach the championship game.

“I had a great relationship with all of my coaches, and I’m grateful for the things they have taught me,” Brisco said.

After graduating in 2014, Brisco began playing for the Jackson Street League in Vicksburg while he also refereed many games for young athletes at the YMCA.

“I love the kids, and I enjoy helping them develop in the game that they love,” Brisco said.

When Brisco became a referee in 2015  he made an everlasting impact on YMCA youth sports not just by penalizing players but actually taking the time to show the kids how to correct their mistakes.

“Brisco is a great referee and he always does what it takes to be the best and we always know we can depend on him,” said YMCA Sports Director Wayne Scott.

Brisco plans to referee on a higher level starting with high school and college, then when he has enough experience, he eventually wants to move to the pros.

Brisco credits his uncles, Albert and Joseph Brisco, who always stayed on him about school and having important life goals.