The 2020-2021 basketball season had its high points and low points. Carroll Academy boys basketball team played for the Class AAA State Championship title, and Winona High School boys basketball team took home the district title went to the second round of the Class 3A playoffs. The Winona Christian School Lady Stars went to the Class 3A North State Tournament.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic made play difficult with canceled games.
The 2021 All Crossroads Basketball Team is compiled from nominations by the coaches. This year’s All Crossroads team includes:
Boys
Hunter Grantham, Senior, Carroll Academy: Grantham was dominant at times for the Rebels this season, leading the team to a 16-4 record and District 2-AAA and the Class North AAA Tournament title. Grantham averaged 16.2 points, 13. 4 rebounds and 5.2 blocks a game for the Rebels.
Noah Beck, Sophomore, Carroll Academy: One of the Beck twins that helped the football team to the Class AAA championship game in football, Noah also stood out on the basketball court as well for the Rebels. Beck averaged 15.7 points, six rebounds, five steals and seven assists for the Rebels who repeated as North AAA Tournament champions.
Sean Merritt, Senior, Winona: Merritt had a standout season for the Tigers this season, helping the team to a 22-4 record. Merritt was named the division Most Valuable Player this season and averaged 12.1 points a game for the Tigers.
Dadarion Small, Senior, Winona: Small is another dual-sport athlete for the Tigers and was a member of the Crossroads football team. Small averaged 9.3 points a game for the Tigers and was a lockdown defender for the Tigers. Small was also an all-division selection for the Tigers, who finished 22-4 on the season.
Jake Ware, Sophomore, Winona Christian: While the Stars struggled at times on the court, it wasn’t for lack of effort from Ware, who averaged 21.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.1 steals a game for first-year head coach Nick Mumme. Ware was also an all-district selection for the Stars.
D’Anthony McGlothan, Junior, J.Z. George: McClothan is another dual-sports standout who also made the Crossroads football team. McClothan averaged 12 points a game for the Jaguars, who only managed to play 10 games this season.
Honorable Mentions were Mathis Beck, Sophomore, Carroll Academy; Brennan Blaylock, Sophomore, Carroll Academy; • Tyshaun Clark, Junior, Winona; Bryce Collier, Junior, Carroll Academy; Clifford Lee, Junior, Winona; Damariya Mister, Junior, Winona; Collin Parkinson, Sophomore, Winona Christian; and Taiwan Small, Sophomore, Winona.
Girls
Bella Roberts, Winona Christian: Roberts was the leading scorer for the Lady Stars and in the Winona Times coverage area. Roberts averaged a double-double with 19.1 points and 10.4 rebounds a game for the Lady Stars. Roberts has been offered by Mississippi University for Women. Eldridge was also an all-district selection.
Audrey Eldridge, Winona Christian: Eldridge was a solid second option for the Lady Stars, taking the pressure off of Roberts. Eldridge averaged 13.1 points and 8.1 rebounds a game for the Lady Stars and was an all-district selection.
Olivia Brooks, Winona Christian: Brooks had a solid season for the Lady Stars from her point guard position. Brooks averaged 8 points, 3.8 assists and 3.6 steals per game. Brooks was also an all-district selection for the Lady Stars.
Dru Chamblee, Carroll Academy: Chamblee was the leading scorer for the Lady Rebels this season. The junior point guard averaged 10 points and two assists a game for the Lady Rebels. Chamblee was an all-district selection for the Lady Rebels.
Bella Carter, Carroll Academy: Carter is the only freshman on the squad where she started in the post for the Lady Rebels. Carter averaged nine points and seven rebounds a game for the Lady Rebels. Chamblee was an all-district selection for the Lady Rebels.
Mary Brynn Reeves, Carroll Academy: Reeves split time at guard and post for the Lady Rebels and had a solid season. Reeves averaged seven points and seven rebounds a game for the Lady Rebels this past season.
