Brayden Hellums, an Itawamba Community College commit, has been selected to play in the Mississippi Association of Coaches All-Star soccer game.

“It’s a huge honor,” Hellums said. “Not many people in DeSoto County get picked for it. I was the first boy from Center Hill Soccer to get picked in recent years.”

Hellums, a center defensive mid for the Mustangs, will play in the all-star game Feb. 16 in Brandon.

“I am extremely proud of Brayden,” boys head soccer coach Andrew Yeoman said. “He has started since his freshman year for me and it’s been fun to watch him develop as a player and a person. To be chosen to play in the state all-star game is a great accomplishment, and he is a great example of what hard work can do for you.”

Yeoman, who called Hellums a versatile player with “an extremely high soccer IQ,” said Hellums has other valuable skills.

“He brings leadership and communication, which is one of the best I’ve been around as a coach,” Yeoman said. “He organizes the team.”

Teammate Jay Price said Hellums also motivates the Mustangs.

“Brayden is an exceptional player on and off the field,” Price said. “He comes in every day and pushes himself and others around him to the fullest. If anyone deserves to go play in the All-Star game, it’s him.”

Staff Writer Sarah Claire Miller contributed to this story.