The Manning High School Monarchs Alumni walked away with bragging rights on Saturday, June 14, after claiming victory in both the men’s and women’s Unity on the Hardwood Alumni Basketball Games, hosted at Manning Junior High School. The event brought together past standouts from Manning High School and Scott’s Branch High School in a spirited day of friendly competition, community pride, and celebration.
In the women’s matchup, the Monarchs edged out the Scott’s Branch Eagles in a tight 45-42 contest. Despite having only four players available for the entire game, the Eagles played with heart and grit, keeping it close until the final buzzer. Measha Jones, a 2020 graduate of Manning High, was named Player of the Game for her standout performance.
The men’s game followed with another win for the Monarchs, who defeated the Scott’s Branch alumni 63-54. Manning’s Phillip Henry earned Player of the Game honors after a dominant showing on the court.
Two individuals were honored for their service to the community with Unity on the Hardwood’s Community Activist Award: Terrance Tindal of Lighthouse Ministries and Kathleen Gibson of K&H Resource Center.
The Scott’s Branch women’s alumni team, coached by Adrian Coard, included Jazlynn Bowman, Jasmine Murray, Ashley Nelson, Keonna Felder, Tonia Lawson, and Teja Madison.
The Scott’s Branch men’s alumni team, also led by Coach Coard, featured Darion Canty (Class of 2008, #15), Terry Frierson (2008, #24), Adrian Coard (2009, #45), Kurtis Davis (2009, #8), RJ Felder (2012, #13), Tariq Coard (2021, #4), Zakee Rendall (2022, #1), Daquan Brock (2018, #2), Jayshawn Kind (2010, #22), Shawn Smith (#30), Tyquan Kennedy (2014, #0), Courtney Junious (#32), and Natrone Davis.
The Manning women’s alumni team, coached by Seretta Calvin, consisted of Breanna Nelson (2012, #8), Measha Jones (2020, #1), Kebie Harvin (2016, #35), Kayla Goldsmith (2017, #23), Niyah Brand (2019, #6), Shanequa Muldrow (2012, #30), Keyshaunna Walker (2017, #20), Nisha Charlene (2007, #22), Kymburlea Franklin Sweat (2008, #40), Jasmine Henry (#21), Tierica Henry (#11), and Karen White (2012, #33).
The Manning men’s alumni team was led by coaches Jason Prince and Mario Ragin. The team roster included Sheldon Billups (#12), Quentin Harvin (#13), Mario Ragin (#10), Rayvon Whiterspoon (#24), Bryan Thames (#32), Anthony Ragin (#11), Sheldon Smith (#7), Phillip Henry (#8), Karmain Gamble (#15), Mike Cooper (#14), Dejuan Wilson (#5), Brian McFadden, and Corey Phillips.
Fans packed the stands in school colors, cheering on their alma maters as a live DJ set the tone and halftime performances kept the energy high. With strong community support and thrilling action on the court, the Unity on the Hardwood event proved to be more than a game—it was a celebration of shared history, friendly rivalry, and hometown pride.
