Jessika Carter named Gillom Trophy winner

March 11, 2024March 11, 2024 Bob Bakken

Credit: Mississippi State Athletics

Mississippi State women’s basketball graduate student center Jessika Carter was awarded the 2024 Gillom Trophy by the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame on Monday, March 11.

Named after Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame inductee Peggie Gillom-Granderson, the Gillom Trophy is awarded annually to the best female college basketball player in the state. Marquesha Davis of Ole Miss and Domonique Davis of Southern Miss rounded out this year’s three finalists.

A three-time finalist for the honor, Carter earns her first Gillom Trophy award and is now the seventh recipient from Mississippi State over last 10 seasons. Mississippi State leads all in-state programs with 10 winners over 17 years.

Carter is currently posting a double-double average this season with 14.7 points on 52.1 percent from the field, in addition to 10.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 32.0 minutes per contest. She would be the first Mississippi State player since Teaira McCowan in 2018-19 – the season in which McCowan also earned the award – to maintain a double-double average.

The 2024 Second Team All-SEC selection has recorded 13 double-doubles this season – which surpasses her previous season-best total of 10 – and stands as one of six players in the conference to reach the double-digit mark. Her 41 career double-doubles rank third in program history and second among active conference players.

Carter became one of three players in program history to eclipse 1,500 career points and 1,000 career rebounds this season. Her now 1,700 points rank sixth, while 1,097 rebounds and 234 blocks are both third in the program record books.

She is converting on 52.1 percent from the field, which ranks second in the SEC. Her rebound average is also fourth, her blocks are fifth, minutes are ninth and her points are 10th among conference players.

MISSISSIPPI STATE GILLOM TROPHY WINNERS