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

For the third consecutive year, Jerdon Hardiman was named the recipient of the VDN’s Junior Basketball Coach of the Award, also known as the Thomas Billups Award. Hardiman achieved this honor by guiding the Vicksburg Junior High basketball team to an impeccable 15-0 season in 2024, culminating in the Gators securing the Little Six Championship for the second year in a row.

“This team was very different and humble.” I didn’t have any problems and anything I told them to do they did it,” Hardiman said.

Throughout the season, under Hardiman’s exceptional leadership, VHS dominated their opponents, triumphing by margins exceeding 20 points in over 90% of their games. Their impressive victories included notable wins against teams such as Byram, Pearl, Brandon, and Northwest Rankin, as well as a decisive 61-22 triumph over Clinton.

“As a coach I stress domination because I force them to start out strong and end strong we’ll be successful,” Hardiman added. We had a lot of leadership here on and off the court.”

Hardiman’s eighth season started off perfect and ended the same way but he easily visioned this magical season before his team ever stepped foot on the court.

“I saw so much communication between those first two game, I just knew that we would be great all year,” Hardiman said.

Following their championship win in 2023, Hardiman and the Gators sustained their winning momentum in 2024, displaying the same level of determination and skill.

Despite their overwhelming success leading up to the championship game, VHS encountered a challenging contest against Germantown in the final. The Gators found themselves trailing for the majority of the game until a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback secured a hard-fought 35-28
victory.

“We were just so comfortable all year because we were beating everyone and part of it was my fault because I didn’t switch up my defense until the fourth quarter but when I made that switch the game was over,” Hardiman said.

Winning the title for the second year in a row was a huge deal for Hardiman and his program but mentioned that the most memorable moment was when one of his players had to run extra for disciplinary issues. The team decided to run with the player to prove that they were all family, which touched Hardiman in a special way as a coach.

Over last few years, Hardiman has attracted criticism from his coaching style, but continues to remain successful and has won four awards in the last five years. 

“The best response to negativity is no response so I just continue to motivate my team and build character but the records and winning speaks for itself,” Hardiman said.

The decision to honor Hardiman with this award was an easy one considering his record of 30-1 over the previous two seasons.

“Every time feels like the first time and I’m very humbled by this recognition but I use this as a fuel for my hard work and it’s a display for my determination.”

Hardiman has now already started practice for next year’s team and plans to have another dominating season.