When the lights dimmed over the football field at Madison‑Ridgeland Academy on September 2, 2024, the crowd’s anticipation was not for a touchdown but for a different kind of milestone. The school announced that it would retire the number 12 jersey of its most celebrated basketball player, Josh Hubbard, marking the first time a basketball athlete has received that honor.
A record‑breaking high school career
Over five seasons with the Patriots, Hubbard compiled 4,367 points, the most ever recorded by a Mississippi high school boy, and helped the team to a 34‑8 record that culminated in a MAIS 6A State Championship. He capped his senior year by averaging 27.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game, earning the 2023 Mississippi Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year — the first MAIS player to achieve that distinction.
At Mississippi State University, Hubbard continued to excel, posting 19.3 points per game over three seasons and reaching a peak of 22.1 points in the 2025‑26 campaign. His consistency earned him All‑SEC honors each year and three consecutive Howell Trophies, recognizing him as the state’s top collegiate player. In 2026 he also received the Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup for leadership, academic excellence and community service.
The retirement ceremony will take place at halftime of the upcoming football game against Hartfield, providing a public platform to honor Hubbard’s work ethic, humility and leadership. School officials say the tribute underscores the values they aim to instill in future student‑athletes.
Beyond statistics, Hubbard’s legacy is defined by his approach to the game and to life. His journey from a private school in Madison to the national stage has inspired teammates, coaches and fans alike, cementing his status as a true Patriot legend.