STARKVILLE — Starkville High School senior guard Tyler Talley admits he is still ironing out some kinks.
On Thursday, Talley hit only 1 of 2 free throws with three seconds left against Meridian, but that 24th point was still enough to help Starkville beat Meridian 60-59.
For his performance, Talley was named The Dispatch Prep Player of the Week.
“Beating a team like Meridian just gave the team a huge lift,” Talley said. “They are one of the best teams in the state and we battled. This is a new team and we are learning how to put things together.”
Starkville (2-0) will try to build on that momentum when it plays host to Columbus at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. The girls’ teams will face off in the first game of the doubleheader at 6 p.m.
“Beating Meridian was a good starting point,” Starkville coach Greg Carter said. “It’s a measuring stick. You think you know what you need to work on. When you play somebody that good, you really learn.”
Jamarion Brown, Terry Tate, and Talley give the Yellow Jackets three senior starters. While they have been around the program for some time, this is the first extended they are getting playing time on the varsity level.
“We are fortunate in that this group has played together for quite some time,” Carter said. “It just hasn’t been up here on the high school team, so there is a comfort level, just need to get them some experience together. That will come through games.”
Talley plays point guard and shooting guard. He knew the leadership expectations would be increased to try to lead a Starkville team that is a perennial contender in Jackson.
“Pretty much we have learned through watching the others lead,” Talley said. “It’s exciting to be a senior and to know the other players are looking to you for leadership and guidance. You just try to lead by the examples set by the other teams. The expectations are always high. We aren’t going to back down.”
Carter said Talley has a defensive presence and an ability to score.
“High basketball IQ,” Carter said. “He makes smart decisions on the floor. Some of that you can coach, but some of that is instinct. The veteran players have been in our program long enough that they know the expectations.”
Talley has played basketball since second grade. A love for the game came naturally. During the offseason, he worked on his ball handling and increased his speed.
“Always loved playing this game,” Talley said. “Basketball has been good to me, whether it’s at the school or travel ball. Playing for coach Carter has been a blessing. He is going to get the best out of you. He will find skills you didn’t know you had.
“We are just out here working hard every day to get better. We want to be one of those great teams this school has produced.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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