Lee Academy’s DJ Vassel was recently chosen to play in the MAIS All-Star Basketball game in Jackson and was one of only two Mississippi Delta athletes chosen for the honor.
Vassel was a key player for the Lee Academy Colts this season, providing much of the scoring on offense and a strong presence under the rim on defense.
The Lee Academy forward was also named to the Clarksdale Press Register’s 2022, All-North Delta team in February.
Throughout his senior season, Vassel was the low-post threat on offense and the team’s inside-the-paint defender as well.
Those roles arose from his status as the team’s largest player, but he is also blessed with the ball-handling and shooting abilities of a guard. Even during pre-game warm-ups, he routinely nails the outside jumpers.
Vassel was a starter in the Lee Academy lineup and helped the varsity boys basketball team earn district runner-up in the district tournament in Rossville, Tenn.
The Lee Academy Colts went on the play in the North State tournament.
One of Vassel’s best games was a 21-point night against Kirk Academy in January. Vassel outscored the entire Kirk team in two different quarters and tying them in a third.
Vassel also had a 22-point night against Tunica, that saw the Colts win a hard-fought game against a neighboring rival, 55-45.
Lee had four athletes who made All-District: DJ Vassel, Bryan Ray, William Walker and Nyriah Artis.
Vassel was coached this year by Michael Reans and the previous four years by Michael Peckham.
The following MAIS Class 4A-5A-6A All-Stars are listed by Name, School, Height, Position and Coach:
- Reese Aycock, Bayou Academy, 5’10”, PG-SG, Wesley Aldridge.
- Tiqi Griffin, Adams County Christian School, 6’2”, PG-SG, Matthew Freeman.
- Ross Polizzi, Lamar School, 6’5”, F-SG, Seth Cheatham.
- Reese Jackson, Starkville Academy, 5’9”, PG-SG, Andrew Howell.
- Tyler Fortenberry, Brookhaven Academy, 6’4”, PG-SG, Josh Watts.
- Ricardo Whitelow, Hillcrest Christian School, 5’10”, PG-SG, Brett Rutland.
- Walker Craddock, Jackson Prep, 6’4”, P, Tim Wise
- Cameron Dill, Oak Hill Academy, 5’11”, PG-SG, Lee Hazlewood.
- Skyler Hill, Presbyterian Christian School, 6’1”, SG-F, Joshua Scherer.
- D.J. Vassel, Lee Academy, 6’2”, P-F, Mike Reans.
- Dawson Pike, Hartfield Academy, 6’2”, F-P, Bill Ball.
- Nathan Fernholz, Magnolia Heights School, 6’6”, F-P, Don Skelton.
