McCloud Signs to Tougaloo College

VICKSBURG, Miss. – St. Aloysius star basketball player Anthony McCloud has officially signed with Tougaloo College at a ceremony Monday morning held in his honor at the Vicksburg Catholic School.

“I always wanted to go to Tougaloo and all of my family went there and I was familiar with the coaching staff because they already knew my family but I love the school in general,” McCloud said.

McCloud is currently having a breakout senior season at St. Aloysius where he has already reached some major goals during his time with the Flashes. He testified that one of his fondest memories and major achievements was when he surpassed 1,000 career points. Anthony scored 29 points in the first half of that game against Benton Academy.

“I felt a bunch of relief that night that was the only thing I was striving for during the first half of the year,” McCloud said.

Anthony’s basketball journey began at the age of 4, playing in the YMCA league. He later advanced to junior high basketball at Porter’s Chapel Academy. By his sophomore year, he joined the St. Aloysius Flashes, and now, as a senior, he is averaging 19.8 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals per game.

One of his standout performances came when he scored 30 points to lead St. Aloysius to victory over Tri-County on the night his late teammate, Korey Sims Jr., was honored.

Last season as a junior, McCloud averaged 15 points per game, and has since been recognized as one of the Top 75 players in the MAIS under Head Coach Walter Hallberg IV.

”He’s dreamed of this for a long time,” Hallberg said. “Not many kids will wake up at 5 in the morning and go train then go to school and train again later on before practice.” I’m extremely proud of him and I know he’s going to do great.”

McCloud still has plenty of varsity basketball left as St. Al has a chance to finish second in the district along with the playoffs that are right around the corner. 

Anthony didn’t hesitate to thank his supporters, especially his parents who he testified keeps him motivated. He will soon be playing under Head Coach Eric Strothers at Tougaloo College.

“I want to thank my parents and the rest of my family for being there for me,” he said. “I also want to thank my teammates, coaches and trainers.”