Natchez High senior forward David Haywood was named to the Division 6-5A first team, while Bulldog junior guard Jamal Bouldin was named as an honorable mention.

The honors do not stop there, as Bulldog head coach Mike Martin was selected as an assistant coach for the Mississippi team in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Basketball contest, which will be held June 10 at Frank Branch Coliseum on the campus of Holmes Community College in Goodman.

Martin will assist Lanier head coach Thomas Billups in the game.

The Mississippi team, along with the all-stars for the North-South All-Star Game to be held July 29 at Holmes, will be selected at a later date.

Natchez finished 24-10 this past season, capturing the Division 6-5A Tournament championship on its home court.

The Bulldogs defeated Gulfport in a first round South State contest before losing to Biloxi and eventual state champion Harrison Central at the South State Tournament.

Haywood was joined on the all-state first team by forward Justin Reed of Jackson Provine, center Devin Davis of Harrison Central, guard Timmy Bowers of Harrison Central and guard Mo Williams of Jackson Murrah.

Haywood, the son of Rose Haywood, led the Bulldogs in scoring with 23 points a game.

&uot;I was surprised,&uot; Haywood said of his selection. &uot;I felt like I was one of the better players, but to be named first team was a nice surprise. It makes you feel good that other people notice what you accomplished.&uot;

Haywood said he plans on continuing his playing career in college.

&uot;We had a great season at Natchez,&uot; Haywood said. &uot;I was hoping we would go a little farther.&uot;

On the second team are guards Rod Prater of Starkville and Keesler Johnson of Hattiesburg, forwards Dewey Turner of Harrison Central and Derrick Houston of Meridian and center Ryan Kennedy of Biloxi.

Bouldin was joined as an honorable mention by Biloxi guard Shey Christie, Long Beach forward Thomas Fairley, Pascagoula’s Derrick Powe and Jim Hill center Harold Martin.

Bouldin averaged 14 points a game and had 104 3-pointers.

Bouldin also connected on 85 percent of his free throws.

&uot;It feels good to be mentioned on the all-state team,&uot; Bouldin said. &uot;I’m just a junior and there are a number of seniors on the team. It gives me a lot of confidence for next year.&uot;

Bouldin, the son of Greatery and Shelia Bouldin, said the team has to work together again next year.

&uot;And I know I have to work on my ball handling,&uot; Bouldin said. &uot;I have to be more of a leader.&uot;