Port Huron Northern's Tyler Jamison named 2023 Michigan Mr. Basketball

DETROIT — Michigan has seen its fair share of greatness in boys high school basketball. But for all the legends who've played in this state, only 42 have had the honor of being Mr. Basketball.

Now the 43rd player joins the group. And he's from Port Huron.

Port Huron Northern's Tyler Jamison was named the winner of the 2023 Hal Schram Mr. Basketball Award, which recognizes the top boys basketball player in the state, on Monday.

"It's a tremendous honor to be considered Mr. Basketball in the state of Michigan," Jamison said. "It's something I've dreamed about since I was very, very young — pretty much as long as I can remember being around high school basketball. It's truly a dream come true."

Surrounded by family, friends, coaches and members of the media, Jamison was recognized at the Detroit Free Press. He's the first player from St. Clair County to win the award, which has been given out annually since 1981.

"(To see him win Mr. Basketball) goes beyond my wildest dreams," said Northern coach Brian Jamison, who is also Tyler's dad. "It's great for our school, our city and our area. This means a ton to (our family and community)."

Jamison was one of five finalists for the award. Voting took place earlier this month and was only open to members of the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan. He received the most points with 3,058, followed by Birmingham Brother Rice's Curtis Williams (2,004), Grand Rapids Catholic Central's Kaden Brown (1,918), U-D Jesuit's Sonny Wilson (1,883) and North Farmington's Ryan Hurst (1,811).

As a senior this season, Jamison averaged 26.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 3.3 steals per game. Having led the Huskies to a 20-4 record and a MAC White championship, he was named the league's MVP.

The 6-foot-5 forward, who will play at Fairleigh Dickinson University, spent a good portion of his acceptance speech expressing gratitude. He thanked the coaches who voted for him, those who considered voting for him, teammates, family, friends and the place he calls home.

"I'd like to thank our community, the Blue Water Area, Port Huron and St. Clair County," Jamison said. "(We have) some of the greatest fans in the world. They're just amazing. I really believe that we have the best fans in the state. None of this would've been possible without them either."

But he spent the most time thanking those who raised him.

"There would be no me without my family," Jamison said. "Ever since I was a newborn, I've been going to the gym with my dad. He's coached (me) my whole life. (My family) has done things for me that I can't even fathom … my mom, my biggest fan. She's my most vocal fan as well … (my family) was always there supporting me."

When asked what it meant to represent the Blue Water Area, Jamison made sure to give his peers a shoutout.

"There are a lot of hoopers in the Blue Water Area and St. Clair County that maybe don't get as much recognition," he said. "Because we play at some of the smaller schools. So I'm excited that people are looking at Port Huron and looking at the area now. Because I think that we don't always get the respect that we deserve.

"It's a cool thing to be able to say that from the area, we had Mr. Basketball. And we've got all these great players that are going on to play college basketball at every level — iron sharpens iron. I've been playing against those kids in my area for years. So that's something I hope they're proud of too. They've helped me grow as a player."

Monday was the culmination of a legendary high school career for the senior, whose name will forever be etched on the state's most prestigious prep basketball award.

"It's something that I've worked towards my entire life," Jamison said. "And it's something I'm extremely proud of ... it feels extremely good to bring (this award) home to Port Huron. Our entire area has contributed to what I'm doing. It's not just me."

Contact Brenden Welper at bwelper@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendenWelper.

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Port Huron Northern's Tyler Jamison named 2023 Michigan Mr. Basketball