Remembering..The “Dean of JPS Basketball”

Special to The Mississippi Link

 
The "Dean of JPS Basketball," who was beginning his 20th season at Jim
Hill, Fred Harris had the longest tenure of any JPS boys' basketball
coach.
Throughout his career, Harris worked tirelessly to build the Tigers into
one of the most respected programs in the state. Harris' teams were
known for being well-prepared and hard-playing. Without question, he was
respected among his peers; Harris was described as an ethical person, a
strict disciplinarian, and a defensive-minded coach. In 2004 and 2005,
Harris was named District VI Coach of the Year. In 2005, he was selected
South All-Stars Coach for the Mississippi High School All-Star
Basketball game. He was serving as chairman of the JPS Basketball
Committee.
A devout student of the game, Harris strived to hone his skills by
attending coaching clinics. Most recently, he had attended clinics at
University of Alabama, University of Kentucky and the Nike Championship
Coaching Clinic.
Under Harris, the Tigers played in five State Tournaments - 1999, 2001,
2004, 2005 and 2009. The 2004-05 team won the South Mississippi 4A
Championship, reached the 4A State Finals and finished with a record of
24-12. The team ranked #5 in the State. However, one of Harris' proudest
accomplishments was having ten former players sign Division I
scholarships.
Harris was a native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and the son of Mr. And
Mrs. Willie Harris, Jr. He was a standout high school basketball player
at the once powerhouse, Vicksburg High. During Harris' senior year,
1980, his team compiled an amazing 40-5 record, capturing the District
6, State AA, Delta Big 8, and overall State Championship. Harris was
named to the All-County, All-South State, and All-State Tournament
teams.
In 1980, Harris signed a basketball scholarship with Jackson State
University, fulfilling a childhood dream of becoming a Blue Bengal Tiger
and playing for the legendary Paul Covington. While attending JSU,
Harris was a true student/athlete. He was a three-year letterman and
named Scholar Athlete in 1983 and 1984.
Known for his commitment to students and their academic success and for
his desire to maintain a safe and orderly environment, Harris was in his
fifth year as assistant principal at Jim Hill.
Harris was a member of Cedar Grove M.B. Church in Vicksburg,
Mississippi, and he regularly worshiped at College Hill M.B. Church in
Jackson, Mississippi. He also was a 12-year veteran Jackson Reserve
Police Officer, a member of the Mississippi Association of Coaches and a
life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Harris is married to Areda R. Cockrell and is the proud father of four
children: Bracey Shalease, Morgan Ashleigh, Cole Frederick, and Madison
Alline.