Hardiman named as VDN Junior High Boy’s Basketball Coach of the Year

Jerdon Hardiman has been named as the Vicksburg Daily News Junior High Boy’s Basketball Coach of the Year.

The 2021-2022 basketball season was a complete success for Vicksburg Junior High where they were ranked No. 1. Hardiman, who recently finished his sixth season as VJHS head coach, led his boys to an 11-2 season as they knocked off just about everyone of their opponents including a 58-18 win over Brandon.

“Honestly, every time we competed was a highlight for me,” Hardiman said. “Even when we lost it was a highlight because we were able to learn from our mistakes, correct them and apply it in the next game.”

Hardiman’s aggressive style of coaching always got the crowd pumped and the players responded to it well, such as when the Gators switched to a 1-3-1 defense that shut down Clinton where VJHS pulled off the win.

“I’m extremely proud of my team,” Hardiman said. “All of the hard work and dedication really paid off this season and I started this past summer watching them develop over the months was amazing to witness and no matter how hard I pushed them they never gave up and they learned to be leader and to trust each other.”

Hardiman’s memorable season was cut after the Vicksburg-Warren School District went on a five day quarantine which forced the Gators to forfeit heading into the Little Six Tournament.

Although he didn’t get a chance to play for the Championship, Hardiman was easily selected for this award.

“I’m both honored and humbled by this recognition and I feel blessed to serve as a coach, mentor, and role model to an aspiring team of young men,” Hardiman said.

This is Hardiman’s second award with VDN, having been named the overall Coach of the Year in 2020, when his team made it to the Little Six Championship.

In the crowd on game days, you can her Gator fans compare him to former VJHS head coach Thomas Billup,s who also had a tough coaching style and won many games in his time as head coach.

Hardiman’s hard work has definitely paid off this season and he happily thanked those who stuck by him during the ups and downs of the season.

“I would like to first and thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to live out my passion day after day. I would like to thank the school district for trusting me to represent VJHS kn a positive competitive nature and I would also like to thank my wife, assistant coach, head varsity coach, parents, and the community for the overwhelming love and support,” thanked Hardiman.