The final horn sounded on a nondescript game between Warren Central and Meridian’s girls teams at the Jackson Public Schools Tournament, and the crowd suddenly roared to life.

The previous game had been a bit of a snoozer, but it wasn’t that bad.

A moment later, the reason for the crowd’s reaction became obvious ­— Callaway’s Malik Newman was about to take the court.

As if by magic, the half-empty stands at Forest Hill High School filled to capacity in a matter of minutes. The fans tingled with anticipation, and weren’t disappointed as Newman dropped 40 points on Holmes County Central.

That was the spectacle. The substance of Newman’s greatness as a player was evident Tuesday night, when he “only” scored 21 points — one his lowest totals of the season — in an 81-61 win over Vicksburg.

Newman put on his usual show by throwing down several crowd-pleasing dunks and hitting a few 3-pointers to help Callaway put the game out of reach before the Gators knew what had hit them.

What was most impressive about Newman’s performance, however, wasn’t what he did. It’s what he didn’t do.

The superstar guard, who had Kentucky coach John Calipari watching him in person a few weeks ago, who could go to any college he wants next season, who might be an NBA lottery pick in 2016, barely took a shot for the first five minutes or so.

Vicksburg coach Dellie C. Robinson designed a defense to keep Newman in check. So Newman rolled with it. He let his teammates do the work. They decimated the Gators for the bulk of the points during a game-opening 15-2 run.

Newman lit it up once the defense rotated back the other way, but he never once showed an ounce of frustration or resentment when it wasn’t his turn to shine in the early going.

It was a subtle and refreshing thing to see in this day and age, and one of the marks of greatness. A lot of talented players get fed up and whiny when they aren’t the focus of things. Newman seemed smart enough to know his time in that game would come, and was patient enough to wait it out. It’s a trait that will serve him well as he rises through the more advanced levels of basketball.

As for the other team on the court, all it could do was tip its collective cap. Robinson and the Gators will keep tinkering with their schemes and dreaming up ways to beat the best player — and team ­— in the state. They have to, if they want to do more than play for second place in Class 5A.

The Gators’ next chance comes Jan. 27 at home. If recent history is any indication, both the spectacle and substance of Malik Newman will be on display.

Last year’s game sold out before the junior varsity had finished playing, and this next one will likely do the same. The Gators will do their best, but will have to keep it up for four quarters to have a chance at besting the beast.

If you want to see greatness firsthand — or just be able to say you saw one of the best basketball players to ever come through Mississippi firsthand — head on out, but get there early.

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Ernest Bowker is a sports writer. He can be reached at 601-619-7120, or by email at ernest.bowker@vicksburgpost.com