Mississippi’s Best: Josh Hubbard and Madison Scott Win 2025 Howell and Gillom Trophies Presented by MBCI and Pearl River Resort

The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum is proud to announce Josh Hubbard of Mississippi State University as the winner of the 2025 Howell Trophy, awarded annually to the state’s top men’s college basketball player, and Madison Scott of the University of Mississippi as the recipient of the 2025 Gillom Trophy, honoring Mississippi’s best women’s college basketball player. The prestigious awards were presented today at the Trophy Presentation Luncheon at the Golden Moon, sponsored by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and Pearl River Resort.

Mississippi State standout Josh Hubbard becomes a two-time Howell Trophy winner, having also claimed the honor in 2024. The sophomore guard has been the driving force behind the Bulldogs’ success this season, finishing with 20.4 points, 4.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 40.1% from three-point range. His clutch performances and leadership have helped position Mississippi State for a potential NCAA Tournament run, making him a clear choice for this year’s honor. Hubbard emerged from a talented finalist pool that included Sean Pedulla of Ole Miss and Daeshun Ruffin of Jackson State, both of whom had standout seasons leading their respective teams.

Madison Scott, a senior forward for the Ole Miss Rebels, earns the 2025 Gillom Trophy after a dominant season in the SEC. A versatile playmaker, Scott has been the heart of the Rebels’ lineup, averaging 16.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 49.3% from the field on the season. Her leadership and all-around impact have been instrumental in Ole Miss’ strong campaign, securing her place as the top women’s college basketball player in Mississippi. Scott was chosen from an impressive group of finalists, which included Jerkaila Jordan of Mississippi State and Taleah Dilworth of Jackson State, both of whom delivered outstanding performances for their programs this season.

The Howell Trophy, named after Mississippi State and NBA legend Bailey Howell, and the Gillom Trophy, named after Ole Miss and WNBA star Peggie Gillom, are awarded annually to the top men’s and women’s college basketball players in Mississippi. A panel of state-wide media members selects the winners based on their performance throughout the season.

Today’s event also featured special guest Victoria Vivians, the only four-time Gillom Trophy winner, who participated in a Q&A session with Hall of Fame sportswriter Rick Cleveland.

The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum extends its gratitude to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and Pearl River Resort for their continued support of this annual celebration of basketball excellence. For more information about the Howell and Gillom Trophies or to see past winners, visit www.msfame.com.