Hunt signs to play at MGCCC

Franklin County High School senior hoops standout Ja’Sharreah Hunt made the next stop in her stellar basketball career public on Friday, March 25 by announcing she has committed to play for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

“It just felt like home to me,” Hunt said of her plans to attend classes this fall at the Perkinston campus where she wants to study physical therapy.

“Basketball is something that I have really enjoyed through the years and being at MGCCC gives me a chance to play at the next level.”

Hunt, whose credits included being involved with FCHS Lady Bulldogs basketball teams that won three 7-3A district championships, and made their presence felt in the post-season over the last several years.

She was also named top regional player of the year twice.

“Of course, the high point was being able to make it to the (Class 3A) Final Four during my senior year,” the soft-spoken Hunt said of one particular moment that stands out during her high school career.

“I’m going to MGCCC with the goal of playing hard, winning titles and getting the rings to show for it.”

Hunt is expected to see considerable playing time — particularly as point guard-shooting guard — with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Lady Bulldogs, who finished their most recent season with a 14-10 record while going 6-8 in conference play.

Hunt’s mother, April, said her daughter has a true passion for basketball that started at an early age and has been a driving force in the senior’s life thus far.

“You could say that she eats it, drinks it and sleeps it,” April Hunt noted.

“No matter if it was in high school or AAU ball, she gave it everything since she could dribble a basketball. Looking back, there were lots of times the sacrifices were many – in terms of time, money and sleep, but to see her reaching her dreams makes it worth it all.”

April Hunt said she was pleased that her daughter’s talent will also allow her to continue her post-secondary education.

“We all really like MGCCC, which is a great school, and we feel like she’s going to get a world-class education that will help her in pursuing a career in physical therapy. I believe the school and its basketball program will be a good fit for her. She will play hard for them and give them everything she’s got.”

FCHS Head Basketball Coach Rickey Van O’Quinn said Hunt’s commitment to the college was a milestone for one of his top players and her family.

“This day speaks volumes for the hard work and commitment she has made for Franklin County basketball and it is paying off for her,” he added. “We’re excited for her and know she has a bright future because of her track record for us and her desire to be the very best whether that be on the basketball court or in the classroom.

“She came on board with us as an eighth grader and I can’t remember but one time where she ever missed a basketball practice – and that was because she had the flu. She even tried to come to practice then. There’s no doubt she was and is a leader on and off the court.”

O’Quinn said Hunt set high goals for herself and that resulted in many of the accolades that demonstrate her passion for the game.

“She scored more than 2,000 points as part of our basketball program and we won more than 100 games with her in the lineup over the past five years,” he went on to say.

“Franklin County owes a lot of its success to her through the years, but we also know that her best is truly still to come.

“She will always have a special place in our hearts here, and we’ll be cheering for her every step of the way during her time at MGCCC.”

Hunt said she is excited as graduation nears at FCHS, and said her time here has created many wonderful memories.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here and have made many friends,” she continued. “It’s hard to narrow down what this place has meant to me, but I am thankful for being part of this school, which has gotten me ready to go to the next level.”