Tipler named McDonald's All-American candidate

NEW MADRID -- New Madrid County Central basketball standout Dereke Tipler was named a McDonald's All-American candidate on Wednesday.

The nomination is the first step in the long elimination process it takes to play in the prestigious game, which features the top 20 high school players in the nation.

"Just being nominated and just being a candidate is a big honor for Dereke," said NMCC coach Joby Holland. "He's very deserving, not only with the ability he has, but also with the work ethic he has shown. We're really excited for him."

Tipler has led the Eagles to back-to-back Class 3A state championships, and is the team's leading scorer this season. Through five games, he is averaging 20 points with five rebounds and nine assists per game. His field goal percentage is 62 percent, and he's shooting 80 percent from the foul line.

In order to qualify for the ESPN nationally televised game in April, Tipler will have to make it past four more rounds of elimination.