Finalists Announced for the 2025 Howell and Gillom Trophies

Posted on: February 27,2025

The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 Howell Trophy, presented annually to the state’s top men’s college basketball player, and the 2025 Gillom Trophy, honoring the top women’s college basketball player in Mississippi. This year’s finalists were selected by a panel of media members from across the state and represent the state’s best basketball talent from Mississippi’s four-year colleges and universities:

Howell Trophy Finalists (Men’s Basketball):

Josh Hubbard – Mississippi State University
Sean Pedulla – University of Mississippi
Daeshun Ruffin – Jackson State University

Gillom Trophy Finalists (Women’s Basketball):

Jerkaila Jordan – Mississippi State University
Madison Scott – University of Mississippi
Taleah Dilworth – Jackson State University

Mississippi’s basketball landscape has been filled with exciting performances this season. Josh Hubbard has led Mississippi State with his scoring prowess, while Sean Pedulla has been a key playmaker for Ole Miss, helping the Rebels compete at the highest level in the SEC. Over at Jackson State, Daeshun Ruffin has been a dominant force in the SWAC, showcasing his dynamic scoring ability.On the women’s side, Jerkaila Jordan has been a leader for Mississippi State, guiding the Bulldogs through a tough SEC slate. Madison Scott has been a defensive and offensive powerhouse for Ole Miss, while Taleah Dilworth has made a major impact at Jackson State, helping the Tigers contend for a SWAC championship.

The winners will be revealed during the Trophy Presentation Luncheon on Monday, March 10, at the Pearl River Resort, sponsored by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and Pearl River Resort. The luncheon will feature special guest Victoria Vivians, a four-time Gillom Trophy winner and Mississippi State legend. She will take part in a Q&A session with Hall of Fame sportswriter Rick Cleveland. Tickets for the event are available for purchase below or at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame business office.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Howell and Gillom Trophies are a part of the Outstanding Player Awards Series which also recognizes the top college athlete in football with the C Spire Conerly Trophy and the top college baseball player with the Ferriss Trophy presented by MBCI and Pearl River Resort.