Josh Hubbard and Jessika Carter take home the Howell and Gillom Trophies presented by MBCI and Pearl River Resort

Jackson, Miss. (March 11, 2024) – The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum announced the winners of the 2024 Howell and Gillom Trophies today at a luncheon and program at the Golden Moon Casino. The awards sponsored by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and Pearl River Resort are presented annually to the most outstanding men’s and women’s college basketball players in the state of Mississippi. The 2024 Howell Trophy went to Josh Hubbard of Mississippi State, and the 2024 Gillom Trophy went to Jessika Carter of Mississippi State.

“The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame is proud to recognize Jessika, Josh, and all of the finalists on their tremendous accomplishments this season,” said Bill Blackwell, Executive Director. “We appreciate the partnership of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and Pearl River Resort, as well as their commitment to honoring our state’s outstanding college athletes in both basketball and baseball.”

Josh Hubbard, the 5’10” freshman Guard, had a stand-out freshman season for the Bulldogs as the team’s leading scorer. He averaged 16.8 points per game with a career high 34 points against Kentucky. He was named SEC Freshman of the Week five times this season. The other finalists for the Howell Trophy were Matthew Murrell of Ole Miss and Austin Crowley of Southern Miss.

Jessika Carter, the 6’5” graduate student Center, has been a staple for the Bulldogs this season as their leading rebounder and second-leading scorer. She averaged 14.7 points and 10.1 rebounds per game with a season high 20 rebounds against Kentucky. She was named Second-Team All-SEC this season for the third time in her career. Other finalists for the Gillom Trophy were Marquesha Davis of Ole Miss and Domonique Davis of Southern Miss.

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.