Pearl River’s JaRonn Wilkens named to All-Region XXIII team

POPLARVILLE, Miss. — Pearl River men's basketball standout JarRonn Wilkens (Biloxi) picked up another big honor when he was named to the All-Region XXIII team Tuesday afternoon.

"I think JaRonn has made the biggest jump from freshmen to sophomore year more than any player I've ever coached," head coach Chris Oney said.

Wilkens had a phenomenal year for the 12-2 Wildcats, averaging 15.8 points per game and 6.4 rebounds per game helping lead PRCC to the semifinals of the Region XXIII Tournament.

As a freshman, Wilkens averaged 5.6 points per game.

"From year one he went from a kid that played sparingly to one of the best players in the conference and our go-to player," Oney said. "Whenever we needed him to step up he did.

"I think that's a direct correlation from his work ethic and his toughness."

Wilkens is no stranger to recognition as he was already named to the All-MACCC Team with fellow Wildcats Earl Smith (Jackson; Lanier) and his twin brother Jariyon Wilkens (Biloxi).

One of the many highlights from Wilkens' season was when he hit a game winning buzzer beater against arch-rival Jones to give the Wildcats a 64-61.

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