Northeast MS natives among sophomores receiving Tiger Awards

SEVEN SOPHOMORE LEADERS EARN NORTHEAST’S ANNUAL TIGER AWARDS

BOONEVILLE, Miss. – Seven student-athletes have received Northeast Mississippi Community College’s most prestigious prize for upholding the elite standards of its athletic department.

Northeast has selected the winners of its Tiger Awards, which are given annually to one athlete from each sports program that represents their team and the institution as a whole in a positive manner both on-and-off the field or court of competition.

Carson Banks was the top target for Northeast’s quarterbacks this season. He accumulated a team-best 31 receptions for 291 yards, which was second most for the Tigers, with one touchdown.

The Northwest Rankin High School alumnus totaled 55 catches, 526 yards and two scores during his pair of campaigns at Northeast. Banks will continue his football career at Mississippi State University.

“Each and every day, Carson proved that he was among the best on our team,” said Tigers head coach Greg Davis. “He was highly instrumental in team unity, camaraderie, work ethic and heart.”

Faulkner (Ala.) University transfer Dylan Moulton was a key part of golf’s resurgence at Northeast following a two-year hiatus. He helped the Tigers attain a top 15 national ranking from Golfstat.

The Elba, Ala., native was the lone sophomore on Northeast’s roster during the 2019-20 campaign. He led the Tigers and placed eighth in the Magnolia State with an average of 75.67 shots per round.

“Dylan was our leader and it showed on the course,” Northeast headman Derek DeVaughn said. “He had a big impact for us not only as a player, but also as a person. If you asked him to do anything, he’d do it. He’s going to be missed.”

Tekeria Newson was the only standout on the women’s basketball squad to average double figures in scoring. She posted 14.6 points and also accounted for a team-high 6.3 rebounds.

The Independence High School graduate reached the 500-point plateau during her final game in a black-and-gold uniform at East Mississippi Community College. Newson will play the next two years at Rust College.

“Tekeria was a dominant force that led us in several categories,” said Lady Tigers head coach Brenda Mayes. “I look forward to seeing what kind of impact she will make in the future.”

Jeni Kate Scott is the Tiger Award recipient from the cheerleading program. She and her teammates appeared at approximately 25 athletic events and several important campus activities throughout the school year.

The Baldwyn product was one of nine sophomores on a 20-member unit that provided key support during pep rallies and game days in both the fall and spring semesters.

“Jeni Kate was a pleasure to work with the past two years,” Northeast head coach Chasity Moore said. “She was a talented cheerleader as well as a leader for our group.”

Maddie Tucker, who hails from Booneville High School, helped the softball program enter the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II poll for a third consecutive season.

Tucker made five outings as a first baseman and designated player for the Tigers during their abbreviated campaign. She had a career .316 batting average with one home run and six RBIs.

“Maddie was the true definition of a clubhouse leader and dugout motivator,” said Northeast headman Jody Long. “She was a very big part of our success. She embraced her role on our team and knocked it out of the park.”

JonDarius Warren guided the men’s basketball squad to the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) North Division championship for the second time in four seasons. It was the 17th such title overall in school history.

Corinth’s Warren, who was an everyday starter at point guard for the Tigers, finished 12th nationally and second in the MACJC with 6.6 assists per contest. His assist to turnover ratio of 3.7 rated 15th best in the NJCAA.

“JonD is a tremendous student-athlete,” Northeast head coach Cord Wright said. “He is a natural leader both on the floor and in the classroom. He was the glue to our team’s success.”

Landon Wilkerson of Southaven held down the hot corner of third base for a baseball club that won 16 of its 18 matchups during the shortened spring season and rose into the top 10 of the NJCAA Division II rankings.

He had a .366 batting average with a .472 on-base percentage. Wilkerson tallied two doubles, two stolen bases, nine runs scored and 10 RBIs while striking out just five times in 54 plate appearances.

“The only time that I ever heard from him was when he was at the field,” said Tigers headman Richy Harrelson. “He never missed class. He was always on time. He set an example of what we want all of our players to be like.”

The Tiger Award is sponsored each year by the Northeast Alumni Association. It has been a tradition since the institution first started intercollegiate competition in the late 1940s.

Blake Long
Sports Information Director
Northeast Mississippi Community College