Temple of SHS to develop more at Northeast CC

Jordan Temple has made tremendous strides over the last few years as the point guard for the Starkville Yellowjackets.

SHS boys basketball coach Greg Carter doesn’t believe Temple is finished developing yet.

As Temple concludes his time with the Jackets in the postseason and moves on to Northeast Mississippi Community College, Carter sees someone who can do even more.

“Just thinking back to how far he’s come over the last two or three years, I’m really proud of him,” Carter said. “He’s come a long way, but he’s not done yet. Once he gets to college, he’s going to continue to work and continue to get better.”

Temple celebrated his signing with Northeast Mississippi Community College with family, friends and coaches at the school library on Wednesday afternoon.

The attraction to the Booneville-based school for Temple was the new buildings on campus and the fast-paced style of play of the basketball team.

As far as his growth as the SHS point guard, Temple gives credit to Carter for that.

“It’s been great playing for coach Carter,” Temple said. “He’s an outstanding coach. He’s taught me a lot these last three or four years in how to guard and how to be a true point guard. I just try to get other people involved.

“(Carter) always told me that you are the point guard so you are the leader of the team so I always tried to lead by example.”

If there is one thing Temple always showed on the court in Carter’s mind and that’s a will to win.

Carter said Temple just wants to win in whatever he’s doing and love a challenge.

“He’s one of the most competitive players that we have and one of the most competitive we’ve had over the last few years,” Carter said.

The Jackets will rely on Temple’s leadership and ability on Friday night as it plays Murrah for the Class 6A, Region 3 championship in Jackson.

With the game being on Murrah’s home floor, Temple knows it will take a team effort to claim a district crown and then focus later on a state title.

“We must play together and play with confidence,” Temple said. “We have to go deep in the playoffs and get that state championship.”

(Photo by Danny P. Smith, SDN) Starkville High School guard Jordan Temple, seated middle, smiles along with his parents as they celebrate Wednesday’s signing with Northeast Mississippi Community College. Temple’s family, friends and coaches were present at the school library to...

Danny P. Smith, SDN) (Photo by Starkville High School’s Jordan Temple has a grin come across his face after putting on a Northeast Mississippi Community College cap on Wednesday afternoon.