STARKVILLE — Starkville High School senior Josh Skinner makes friends easily.
He also possesses an ability to shoot a basketball.
Those talents played integral roles in helping Skinner sign a basketball scholarship offer Tuesday with Hinds Community College in Raymond.
“Hinds has a great environment,” Skinner said. “They have a lot of nice, friendly people there. I feel like their campus will fit my personality. This opportunity really means a lot to me. I was worried at first. It came down to being patient. It all came together very late. I am really happy with my decision.”
Skinner, a 6-foot-1 guard, helped Tyson Carter anchor the backcourt for the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A state champion Yellow Jackets.
“Josh was a really dominating defensive player,” Starkville coach Greg Carter said. “That is where it really starts for us, on the defensive end. However, not only is he a great defensive player, he can shoot the basketball, too. I think a lot of people are not aware of his offensive game. However, it improved throughout his time here. He was do dependable and reliable. He really came up big for us.”
Starkville capped its season with a 43-40 overtime victory against region Class 6A, Region 2 rival Madison Central in the state championship game. The Yellow Jackets finished the season on a 13-game winning streak.
“Playing here was a great experience,” Skinner said. “Coach Carter was like a father figure to me. He was on me all the time to be better. We succeeded because of teamwork. We kept everybody on the same page. We did well with our communication.”
Hinds C.C. went 9-14 this past season. Longtime Southern Mississippi assistant Ralph Moore just completed his 20th season as the Eagles’ coach.
“I was really impressed with the program when I went to visit,” Skinner said. “It’s a chance to continue to play on the next level, so that is a dream come true. The coaches really love me and that stood out to me. I was glad they really wanted me to come there.”
Both senior starters at Starkville have signed scholarship offers. Raphael Leonard signed a football offer with Florida Atlantic. Juniors Tyson Carter, Eric Harris, and sophomore Jesse Little will return next season.
“The goal is to get players to continue their education past the high school level,” Carter said. “To be able to do that and to continue to do something you love, such as playing basketball, is great. Josh always played with a lot of energy and a lot of quickness. It is the kind of attitude you want all of your players to play with.”
Skinner expects to play point guard and shooting guard at Hinds C.C. Regardless of the rigors of the next level, one goal remains.
“The goal is to get better every day,” Skinner said. “When I first started playing basketball, that was the first goal I set. I have stuck by that goal ever since.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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