Anyone who has paid attention to basketball in Dallas County knows the name Charles Eaton.

The senior forward for the Selma High Saints led his team to back-to-back regional finals in AHSAA class AAAAA.

Even though the high school season is over, Eaton has one more game to play as a representative of Selma High in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Basketball Classic.

“It’s a big honor,” Eaton said. “There are numerous players in Alabama, so just to be chosen is huge.”

Eaton’s coach Woodie Jackson has seen a bunch of great players in his years as a coach in Marion and Selma.

Jackson has sent 10 players to the Alabama-Mississippi game in its 20 years and said Eaton was one of those unique talents.
“Charles is just like an old-school jump shooter,” Jackson said. “He really get’s up on his jump shot, but he is able to handle the ball too. He has a great first step that really forces defenders to make a choice of to play aggressive or play off and he can beat you both ways.”

Eaton will go into the game with a sense of familiarity with some of his teammates on the Alabama squad.

“Two of my teammates from summer AAU ball are on the team too,” Eaton said. “So it’s gonna be fun having the opportunity to play with them again.”

While the honor of being chosen is there, Eaton said he is most excited to play with a higher caliber opponent.

“You’re playing the best (Mississippi) has to offer,” said Eaton.

“That’s the most exciting thing about being able to play in this kind of game is the competition. It’s the best in the state.”

The Alabama-Mississippi All-Basketball Classic will be Friday, March 18 at the Pelham Civic Complex at 7 p.m.