Williams and Franklin named as VDN’s Boys’ Basketball Players of the Year

Since first grade, Franklin has been dribbling a basketball, gradually advancing his skills until he made the Junior High basketball team. In the blink of an eye, he found himself averaging double digits and helping VHS achieve one of the best seasons in the program’s history.

“Everything went well until the very end, but in the last 22.3 seconds, it all fell apart,” Franklin said.

With shooting ability as one of his strengths, Franklin had multiple standout performances, particularly against teams like Port Gibson and Warren Central, where he scored over 20 points.

Franklin’s hard work did not go unnoticed, and he was quickly named Mr. Basketball in 5A.

“It made me feel good to a certain extent because being a state champion sounds better than being Mr. Basketball,” Franklin said.

Franklin jumped from averaging 13 points per game as a junior to putting up 15 as a senior and being in a leadership role with the Gators as they knocked off most of their competition.

“It feels good knowing that we’re the same age, but they listen to me and let me lead them in the right direction.”

Franklin has already signed a scholarship to Jones CC and gives much credit to his head coach, Kelvin Carter.

“I feel like he needs to be my coach in college, and he continues to inspire me to play basketball,” Franklin said.

Williams’ basketball journey began when he was around nine years old, playing street ball before joining Warren Central and Vicksburg Junior High School. His team made a Little Six Championship appearance at VJHS.

Three years later, Williams starred at VHS, putting up 17 points per game as a junior.

“This year went great, but I feel like we didn’t make it as far as we were supposed to get, but it was still a good season,” Williams said.

With his killer mid-range jump shot in effect, Williams knew he would have a dominating season.

“Malik and I trained on a lot of things before the season, and the summer made me feel like we were going to do big things,” Williams said.

Williams was one of the leading scorers in Warren County this season, and like Malik, he was under the leadership of Coach Carter.

“I love Coach, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without him,” Williams said.

Big performances, such as putting up 31 points against Brandon, helped Williams get selected for the North/South All-Star Game. He went on to become the MVP of that game, dropping 16 points.

“I didn’t even play the first quarter, so I came in and tried to get it in as quickly as possible because I didn’t know how long I would be in the game,” Williams said.

Williams and Franklin are the fourth individuals from VDN to win this award.

“It feels great, and it’s a blessing,” Williams said. “I just want to thank my coach and my team.”