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NATCHEZ — Natchez High’s James Singleton began playing basketball when he was approximately 5 years old.

“Basketball is the one sport I have done all of my life,” Singleton said. “I have been playing it forever. It’s really like a brotherhood and has more people surround you and give you positive energy.”

For his efforts on the court, The Natchez Democrat named Singleton the All-Metro Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

On the court, the senior guard averaged 18 points and nine rebounds per game. Singleton was named to the Mississippi High School Athletics Association Region 6-5A All-Region First Team.

In the MHSAA Class 5A Quarterfinal round against Wingfield High School, Singleton was second on Natchez High with 18 points.

Singleton signed his letter of interest to Copiah-Lincoln Community College to play both football and basketball for the Wolves next year.

All-Metro Boys Basketball Coach of The Year

Natchez High’s David Haywood entered his fifth season as the Bulldogs head coach for the 2019-20 season.

Haywood said the Bulldogs set lofty goals for the season.

“The ultimate goal was we wanted to be playing in the championship game at the end of the season,” Haywood said.

For his coaching efforts on the coach, Haywood was named The Natchez Democrat’s All-Metro Boys Basketball Coach of the Year. 

Earlier in the season, the Bulldogs went on a five-game winning streak with wins over Jefferson County High School, Wilkinson County and Pearl River High School.

The Bulldogs came within two games short of their goal and lost 58-54 to Wingfield High School in the quarterfinals.

After the loss, the Bulldogs returned to practice and were ready for next season.

“The one thing about success when you taste a little bit of it you want more. To taste, you have to do things the right way,” Haywood said. “The players came in and played. We’re going to continue to build on our weaknesses for next season. I look forward to it because it’s going to be a great challenge. I think the guys who are returning are up for the challenge.”