Two Vidalia High Indians Sign Scholarships

Courtesy of VHS

On Monday of this week, two student-athletes from Vidalia High School took a significant step in their athletic careers by signing their Letters of Intent to play at the next level. Surrounded by family, friends, teammates, and fellow students at the Vidalia High School Theatre, senior softball player Miya Howard (Brewton-Parker) and senior football player Jamarion Phillips (Allen University) committed to their respective colleges, continuing a time-honored tradition of athletic excellence at Vidalia.

Miya Howard

Miya Howard, a dedicated four-year letterman for Coach Ben Beck's Lady Indians, showcased her talent on the softball field, helping her team achieve an impressive record of 87 wins against 45 losses. During her senior year, she stood out as one of only three players to start all 31 games. Her tenure at Vidalia was marked by significant accomplishments, including being part of two Region Championship teams, two squads that reached the Final Four, and as a freshman, contributing to the team that competed for the GHSA State Championship.

In her final season, Howard concluded her year with a batting average of .263, a .300 onbase percentage, and an OPS of .563. She ranked among the top five players on the team in hits, singles, runs, and stolen bases, earning her a welldeserved spot on the 2024 Region 2A D-1 All-Region Team. Her commitment to excellence on the field, along with her sportsmanship, will surely make her a valuable asset to Brewton-Parker College's softball program.

Howard said, “I chose Brewton-Parker because it just felt right. It is also close to home, close to my friends and family, and it was a good opportunity for me. I just want to thank God, all of my coaches, and of course my parents for being with me through this journey.”

Jamarion Phillips

On the football field, Jamarion Phillips plans to apply his powerful playing style at Allen University in Columbia, S.C., where Head Coach Cedric Paul will guide him. As a fullback for the Vidalia Indians, Phillips was a two-year starter, amassing over 1,000 rushing yards throughout his career. His standout junior season saw him rush for 524 yards and earn a spot on the 2AA All-Region First Team.

Phillips concluded his high school career with an impressive total of 14 touchdowns and a remarkable average of 5.81 yards per carry, setting the stage for his collegiate journey. (Courtesy of Vidalia Athletics) Phillips stated, “Allen was the first school to offer me, and they just stuck with me throughout the season and I really made a connection with them. It is a great campus, the coaches are great, and they told me that if I really put the work in, I could start my freshman year. I want to thank God, my dad for staying on me and making me work, mom for being beside me, my coaches, and my teammates.”

(L to R): Jaron Phillips, Jamarion Phillips, and India Phillips (mother).Photo by Mike Branch