Caples and Carter signed collegiate scholarships on Tuesday

Vicksburg High School girl’s basketball players Janiah Caples and Layla Carter signed collegiate scholarships

Caples:

Caples chose Pearl River Community College as her next destination after wrapping up an astonishing basketball at VHS.

At a young age, Caples began playing basketball at the YMCA and eventually began training with DeAndre King. She went on to play for Vicksburg Junior High where the Missy Gators won multiple games.

I had the best coaches back then with Tashina Moore and DeAndre King because they made me love the game,” Caples said.

Stepping into VHS as a freshman in 2019, Caples helped the Missy Gators to an undefeated season under ninth grade head coach Deatra Cable.

Just a couple of years later, Caples would be helping the Missy Gators to deep playoff appearances every year on the varsity level under head coach Troy Stewart.

Caples blew up this year in statistics as she averaged 17 points per game.

“I just decided to play my game and I stopped doing everyone else told me to do,” Caples said.

Caples overall high school career consisted of reaching the third round of the playoffs twice along with four straight district championships

“I enjoyed it and I wish I could go back and I’m going to miss my teammates and it’ll be hard to adapt to a new team,” Caples said.

PRCC will be getting a talented athlete in Caples who thanked her supporters for all the help over the years.

“I really like that school and I see better opportunities for myself and a big future but I want to thank my teammates, my family and all of my coaches throughout the years.”

Caples is the daughter of Shantelle Thomas and Dana Caples.

Carter:

Like Caples, Carter is a huge reason for the Missy Gators success as she has been starring on the varsity level since her freshman year.

Carter has decided to sign with the University of Southern Arkansas over big schools such as the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Louisiana Monroe that offer her scholarships.

“They gave me a full ride and the coaching staff is excellent and I have a good relationship with the assistant coach and I know it’s the perfect fit for me,” Carter said.

After her undefeated freshman season, it didn’t take long for Carter to become one of the top players in the state as she was quickly named as a Dandy-Dozen in both her junior and senior year. She led VHS by putting up 20 points per game this season and she was named as Miss Basketball in class 5A.

On the basketball court, Carter was all over the place and going full speed at all times to do whatever it took to her her fellow teammates. Her impressive senior year led her to also being named as VDN’s Basketball Player of the Year.

Carter also thank her support system for sticking with her and never giving up on her career.

“I just want to thank everyone who was there for me especially my teammates and I’ll miss playing with them next year.”

Layla Carter is the daughter of Kimberley Vaughn and Larry Carter Jr.