POPLARVILLE, Miss. — Year after year, Pearl River men's basketball finds itself in the conversation among the MACCC's elite.
Despite heavy roster turnover, the Wildcats will once again embrace their championship-or-bust mentality — a standard that's come to define the program under head coach Chris Oney.
"My expectation is always to win a championship or at least to play for a championship," Oney said. "This league is so tough and so balanced. There are always six teams going into the year that could win a title. Anything other than winning a title isn't what we're looking for."
While the Wildcats continue to find their identity on both ends of the floor, Oney has seen promising flashes early in the preseason.
"We're still trying to figure out our best way to play," he said. "I do think we'll score the basketball more than last year when we depended on two guys to bring us along. Now we have many more guys we can bring off the bench and help us in areas."
One of the biggest changes from a season ago is the team's improved depth — something Oney and his staff made a clear priority in recruiting.
"It was crucial to find the depth," Oney said. "Things happen — injuries, or kids don't adjust to the college game as fast as you would hope. We concentrated on getting guys who can come in and be ready for the moment and pressure."
ABOUT THE TEAM
The lone returner on the 2025–26 roster is Jayden Sampson (Cleveland; Cleveland Central). He featured in 31 games as a freshman, averaging 4.2 points and three rebounds. Sampson was especially strong down the stretch for the Wildcats, making a huge impact in the Region 23 Tournament.
"Jayden loves being a Wildcat and we're grateful to have him here," Oney said. "He's got a chance to be a voice in the locker room and give some insight."
Two players that Oney expects to lead the way are Christian Gilliland (Memphis, Tenn.; ABC Prep) and Daijon Leatherman (Slidell, La.; Legacy School of Sport and Sciences). Gilliland stands at 6-foot-2 and will run the point, while the 6-foot-9, 270-pound Leatherman will anchor the center position. Gilliland averaged 26 points as a senior, while Leatherman was an LSWA All-State selection.
"Christian is one of the fastest, most athletic kids I've ever coached. His first step is as quick as anyone I've seen," Oney said. "DJ is a load down low. He's hard to move and has tremendous touch for a guy his size. People have to double team him and that opens up opportunities for others."
Two additional out-of-staters for the Wildcats are Lazarus Mason (Atlanta, Ga.; Grayson) and Austin Fortune (Atlanta, Ga.; Dutchtown). Mason is a 6-foot-2 guard who won a 7A State Championship, while the 6-foot-8 Fortune transferred to PRCC from Cowley after averaging 2.4 points and 1.5 rebounds.
"Laz is our hardest worker. If he continues to shoot the basketball the way he has lately, it'll add to our punch," Oney said. "Austin has all the tools. He's shown glimpses of what he can do — it's about consistency."
Kemauri Oscar (Canton; Northwest Rankin) and Kamarion Mayfield (Waynesboro; Quitman) are both players who have been around the JUCO scene and will play key roles for PRCC this season.
"Kamarion has a world of talent — he's fast and athletic. He will be key as he continues to come back from injury," Oney said. "Kemauri's size and shooting ability are great. He's also played some point in high school, so we can move him around."
FRESHMAN CLASS
Oney's 2025 signing class features several high-upside freshmen who have already made a strong impression.
Dalton Jackson (Booneville) will take on a key backcourt role early in his career. He was a three-time 3A State Champion as a senior.
"Dalton is a winner," Oney said. "He's the most natural point guard on our roster and a tough competitor who's adjusted quickly to the college game."
Devonta Thompson (Bogue Chitto) provides quickness and energy at guard. He's fresh off a incredible high school career that saw him earn 2A Mr. Basketball as a senior.
"He's fast and tough with a good understanding of the game," Oney said. "Once his shot selection improves, he'll take another step forward."
At 6-foot-5, Kelan Rich (Pascagoula) gives the Wildcats a versatile option who can play multiple positions. He eclipsed the 1,000 point milestone in his high school career.
"We're hoping he becomes an even better player than what he was in high school," Oney said. "He's one of the best Mississippi kids we've signed in a while, and his versatility will be key."
Reece Garrison (Olive Branch) also brings flexibility to the rotation. He led Olive Branch to a 6A State Championship as a junior and a runner-up finish as a senior.
"He can play a couple of different spots — the point, the two, or the three," Oney said. "He's talented, tough, and we expect big things from him."
Two more freshmen, Jason Talbert (Cleveland; Cleveland Central) and James Griffin (Hattiesburg), will add valuable depth to the backcourt. Talbert is a 6-foot-4 guard, while Griffin checks in at 6-foot-2. Talbert was named 5A All-District four times. Griffin was a First Team 6A All-Region selection as a senior.
GETTING STARTED
Pearl River gets its season started Saturday at 1 p.m. as it hosts Spring Hill JV.
TICKETS
Basketball season tickets are available now for $103, granting access to all home regular-season games. Single-game tickets are $9 in advance and $11 on the day of the game. Tickets can be purchased at PRCCAthletics.com/Tickets.
TUNE IN
All home Pearl River basketball games are livestreamed for free at PRCCMedia.com/Gold. Fans who have Roku, Amazon Fire or Apple TV devices can also watch the Wildcat broadcasts by downloading the "Pearl River CC" channel from their app stores.
Games will also be available over the air in Pearl River County by tuning into 1320-AM and 106.9 FM. The radio broadcast is also available at WRJWRadio.com and by downloading the WRJW app.
For the latest on Pearl River Community College athletics, follow us on X (@PRCCAthletics) and Facebook (PRCCAthletics).