K9 officer Horace Whitehead showed his skills on the basketball court by earning the game’s MVP for the Coahoma County Sheriff’s Department in a 67-56 victory against the Clarksdale Fire Department at the Coahoma County Expo Center Friday afternoon.
Admission was $3 that went toward the Coahoma County Youth Outreach program. There was also a 3-point contest, skill challenge and hot shot at halftime of the game.
While official scores were not kept, Whitehead, who played basketball for Tougaloo College, scored many of his team’s points.
“I had about 40, but who’s counting,” Whitehead said. “You know what I’m saying, regular day, man. I had an off night.
“It was fun, man. I went against my little brother (Tristian Whitehead). He’s still learning. You know what I’m saying. He’s not as developed as I am.”
Fireman Marquon Lee scored 7 points for the Clarksdale Fire Department.
“They’ve got a few superstars on the sheriff’s department, but I think both got out here and played hard,” Lee said. “We both did good. I’m just proud that we could all come together and do it.”
Lee believed the fire department could do well in a rematch.
“I know we could beat ‘em,” he said.
Coahoma County Sheriff Charles Jones felt the game went well.
“We had a good game,” Jones said. “They (fire department) won all the events, but they didn’t win the game. It was a good competitive game. Everybody had a good time. We look forward to doing it again.
“I enjoyed it. I had a good time. Just to get out and do something in the community is always good. Law enforcement being active in the community is always good.”
Athletes on both sides look forward to playing in similar games in the future.
“We had fun, man. It’s all in good fun,” Whitehead said.
“Anytime they need me come out here and get 40, man. You know what I’m saying, when I walk in the gym, just write it down.”
Lee expressed similar sentiments.
“I think that’s a beautiful thing,” he said. “I think serving the community is not just in our profession. It’s also doing things like this, getting out here and being here for the youth and just putting on an exciting event for people to have something to do.”
Jones said the entire department enjoys playing basketball.
“Anytime we’re called to come out for an event and function, my guys, they love to come out and interact with the community,” he said. “These guys love it. They love doing it.”
Jones said the next game for the Sheriff’s Office should be against the Clarksdale Police Department.
“Our guys play all the time,” he said. “Our guys play at least three times a week, so we kind of stay in shape. It’s having fun and also staying in shape, staying physically fit. That’s what we do.”
