Williams and Carter named VDN’s Co-Boys’ Basketball Coach of the Year

Kelvin Carter and Keith William have both been named VDN’s 2024 Co-Boys’ Basketball Coaches of the Year in recognition of their exemplary leadership and coaching skills.

Williams:

At the helm, Williams guided Warren Central High School to their most successful season in four years, securing victories against formidable opponents.

While the Vikings faced initial challenges early in the season, the return of the football players spurred a remarkable turnaround under Williams’ guidance. A four-game winning streak was ignited, with victories over Thomas Edwards High School, Murrah, Jim Hill, and Wingfield. Following a setback against Clinton, Warren Central rallied with three more wins,
showcasing their resilience and fortitude.

“The culture is beginning to change and the boys’ basketball program is starting to get exciting at Warren Central,” Williams said. “People are beginning to take notice of what we’re doing and we’re heading in the right direction.”

Noteworthy achievements included defeating  District Champions Ridgeland and competitive teams like Columbus while displaying competitiveness against Vicksburg
and Raymond High(state champions).

Williams consistently emphasized unity and teamwork, guiding the team through adversities and successes. Seven teams on their schedule made it to the Coliseum.

“It’s one team, one mind and one goal,” Williams added. “I preached to the guys that they have to stick together and play as a team, and the sky is the limit.”

As the season wrapped up, fulfilling goals were achieved under the leadership of the third-year head coach. Senior standout Gaylon Turner
Jr. received a scholarship to East Central Community College and was also named Player of the Year.

“Gaylon came to me as a freshman and he was a good kid and he did everything I asked him to do, plus he put in the extra work and made the correct sacrifices so I know he’ll do well,” Williams said.

Williams is no stranger to true leadership having led Hinds AHS to multiple championships in the past. This is his first time winning this award and he views WC basketball as a program that is heading in the right direction.

“To share this with Coach Carter is special because we’re good friends and we both seek advice from each and we share the same goals,” Williams said. “I also want to thank the strong support system I have and they’ll definitely be better thing to come within this program.”

Carter:

Concluding his seventh season with the Gators in stellar fashion, Carter propelled the team to a commendable 22-7 record and a second-round playoff appearance.

“The season went well overall but I wish we would’ve went a little further but we had a good run and I’m glad to see the growth of these young men,”  Carter said.

Vicksburg High School exhibited strength from the outset of the season, further solidifying their prowess upon the return of the football players. The Gators secured notable victories
against Lanier, Choctaw Central, Callaway, and Columbus, swiftly earning a spot in the top 10 rankings.

Carter upheld a culture of discipline and resilience through ups and downs, establishing the Gators as a formidable program. While falling short in the district championship game
against Ridgeland, VHS persevered into the postseason, decisively defeating Lake Cormorant 82-47 in the opening round.

Despite a challenging second-round loss to Olive Branch, Vicksburg High School notched back-to-back seasons with 20-plus wins, attesting to their continued success.

Although aspirations of a state championship bid were halted, significant milestones were reached as Kam Bailey and Davian Williams secured basketball scholarships for future endeavors.

“Davian was a big time offensive threat along with Tyler Henderson who had a motor out this world,” Carter said. Kam Bailey was the biggest highlight of the season because he was decent last year but he really stepped up and took us a long way this year.”

Carter emphasized that beyond wins and losses, his ultimate objective is to witness his players achieve success beyond their time at Vicksburg High School.

“I think the morals and values that myself and my coaching staff we instill is gratifying when we see our former players have wives, kids, and constructive jobs,” Carter added. I tell my family all the time that if I never win another game, I win every day I wake up.”

Carter is now tasked with rebuilding his team, which lost multiple seniors this year, but he is fully up for the task.

“The future is bright and we’ll have some younger players and we’ll take some lumps but we’re getting back to the drawing board and we are gonna break them in early,” Carter added.

This is Carter’s third time winning this award, it probably won’t be his last.