Exciting News for Starkville: Coaches Set to Lead All-Star Basketball Team

Exciting News for Starkville: Coaches Set to Lead All-Star Basketball Team

Starkville, Mississippi, is buzzing with excitement this week, as a stellar coaching trio has been chosen to lead the 2025 North Half All-Star Basketball team. Starkville High School’s Girls Basketball Head Coach, Matt Wilbanks, along with Assistant Coaches Kelcia Bufkin and Devonte Stallings, are set to guide the best young talent in the state when they take the court at the Mississippi Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center North/South All-Star Basketball game.

The Big Event: Mark Your Calendars!

Basketball fans should circle March 15 on their calendars! That’s when the highly anticipated North/South All-Star game will take place at the A.E. Wood Coliseum, located on the beautiful campus of Mississippi College in Clinton, MS. This event has been a staple in the Mississippi sports scene since 1965, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible talents of the state’s top athletes.

A Dream Come True for Coach Wilbanks

“It’s a huge honor to be a part of the North/South All-Star game,” Coach Wilbanks shared with palpable excitement. After attending the game numerous times to support his players and friends in the coaching community, he can now step into the spotlight as a coach himself. “It’s even more special to be able to be on the court with Coach Bufkin and Coach Stallings as we lead the team together,” he added.

For Wilbanks, this isn’t just a professional milestone; it’s also a personal one. “Being selected to coach in the annual game is an honor that is especially rewarding to share with my family. Seeing my wife and kids excited about the announcement means a lot to me,” he reflected. It’s a heartwarming sentiment that emphasizes the close-knit ties between the coaches and their loved ones.

Paving the Way for Women’s Athletics

The North/South All-Star game serves as a significant platform to promote and recognize women’s athletics in Mississippi. It’s a celebration of the dedication and hard work that young female athletes pour into their sport. The selected coaches will have the privilege of working with 11th grade students in the days leading up to the game, practicing and preparing for the thrilling matchup.

Coaching Staff: A Winning Combination

This year, Coach Matt Wilbanks is in his first season as the Girls Basketball Head Coach at Starkville High. He also wears the hat of Assistant Principal, demonstrating his commitment to both athletics and education. Previously, he served as Head Coach for Girls Basketball at Morton High School and boasts over a decade of coaching experience under his belt, recently earning the title of Class 4A/Region 5 Coach of the Year for 2024.

Coach Kelcia Bufkin joined the Yellow Jacket staff just a few months ago, bringing fresh energy to the team. Meanwhile, Coach Devonte Stallings has been on the Starkville coaching staff for several years, supporting the program under the leadership of former coach Kristie Williams.

A Word from the Superintendent

Dr. Tony McGee, Superintendent of the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District, expressed his pride in Coach Wilbanks’ selection. He called it a “well-deserved honor” and emphasized the respect Wilbanks holds within the high school basketball community. “Our state’s best 5A/6A/7A players will learn a lot from his leadership during this All-Star experience,” Dr. McGee noted.

What’s Next?

As excitement builds, player selections for the 2025 North/South All-Star game will be announced on January 15, 2025. With all eyes on Starkville’s coaching staff, the stage is set for a fantastic display of basketball talent!