H.W. Byers star Michael James named 2023 Mr. Basketball for Class 1A

JACKSON — The Mississippi High School Athletics Association and the Mississippi Coaches' Association has announced H.W. Byers Lions star guard Michael James as the 2023 winner of the inaugural Mr. Basketball Award for Class 1A.

The new award, given annually to the "best basketball player in Mississippi" for each class, was announced Thursday morning.

James, a 5-foot-10 guard from Holly Springs, is the first boys winner in the awards' history. He said Thursday he found out he had won the award shortly after lunch.

"When I heard about (the award), I thought I might be up for it," James said. "I didn't know I had a chance to win it. I gotta give credit to my teammates and coach, because I wouldn't be here if not for them."

James has averaged 20 points, four rebounds and four assists a game for the Lions (21-2), who advanced to the second round of the Class 1A playoffs with a 74-28 win over Thrasher Tuesday night.

Byers will host Ingomar in the second round Saturday.

"We still plan on bringing home that golden ball," James said. "The regular season went extremely well because we've played together as a team, and we've got great chemistry. We just need to keep up the energy and stay focused."

The Mr. Basketball Award is sponsored by C-Spire. The winners were voted on by a panel of media members and coaches from every corner of the state.