Smith and Fisher honored as VDN’s Player and Coach of the Year

Jae’la Smith and Casey Fisher have been named VDN’s Girls’ Basketball Player of the Year and Girls’ Basketball Coach of the Year, respectively.

Jae’la Smith and Casey Fisher: Photo by Keith Phillips

Jae’la Smith:

As Warren County’s leading scorer in the 2023-2024 season, she propelled Porter’s Chapel Academy to new heights, culminating in the Lady Eagles’ state tournament appearance.

Jae’la Smith: Photo by Richard Miller

“We did some big things this year, and it was a total team effort that led us to this great season,” Smith said.

Following three successful years at Warren Central High School, Smith transferred to PCA, where her stellar performance continued. Averaging 30 points per game and garnering
recognition as the top player in the district were just a few of Smith’s accomplishments. Under Coach Fisher’s guidance, Smith played a pivotal role in PCA’s undefeated regular season and dominance over nearly every opponent. Her exceptional skills earned her the titles of District MVP, District Offensive Player of the Year, and District Defensive Player of the Year.

“I was shocked, and I couldn’t believe it but I feel I definitely deserve it because I put in some major work this year,” Smith added.

Smith’s senior year was marked by standout moments, including a career-high 44-point game against Hillcrest. Her leadership on and off the court earned her the nickname “LeBron”
from her teammates. One of her most memorable moments was sinking a half-court shot during the South State Tournament. Although playing at PCA was a brief chapter for Smith, she looks forward to continuing her academic and basketball career at Pearl River Community College.

Smith is the fifth player to earn the Vicksburg Daily News Player of the Year award.

All glory goes to God for this,” Smith said. “Basketball means everything to me and I’m going to continue to use this gift God granted me with.”

Casey Fisher:

Casey Fisher secures back-to-back Coach of the Year honors for leading PCA through another successful season. Fisher has brought immense success to the Lady Eagles’ program in his four years as head coach.

PCA Head Coach Casey Fisher: Photo by Richard Miller

“We had a great year but we fell short of a state championship, but to go undefeated in the regular season was very special,” Fisher said.

Employing his coaching expertise, Fisher guided PCA to become the No.1 seed in the South State Tournament, emphasizing relentless competitiveness to his team. “Team work, hustling and competing is what I preached to them all year was the theme for this year and for the most part we did that,” Fisher added.

Fisher’s development of players like Sophie Masterson, Lauren Madison, and Marley Bufkin significantly contributed to CA’s success, complementing Smith’s exceptional
performance. “Most of those girls I had since they were in eighth grade, and they really contributed, and Jae’la put Sophie and Marley in the position to be great,” Fisher said.“Lauren brought in size and controlled the middle and her presence made a difference while Jae’la was just outstanding.”

As one of the top teams in the MAIS, Fisher faced high expectations to maintain excellence. Despite the heartbreaking loss to Tunica Academy in the State Tournament, PCA only suffered two defeats while clinching the district championship.

With this third award win as the Vicksburg Daily News Coach of the Year, Fisher solidifies his position as a top girls’ high school basketball coach.

“I contribute it all to the girls because no matter how good you coach, kids still have to make plays but it’s good to see I’m doing something rightbut to me it’s all about growth and development of these young athletes,“Fisher added.