Ama Arkoful will not play basketball for Warren Central this season.

The Mississippi High School Activities Association on Tuesday denied Arkoful’s appeal for eligibility following her transfer from Vicksburg High to Warren Central in November.

Rickey Neaves, Associate Director of the MHSAA, said the decision was based on a rule that prohibits athletes from playing the same sport for two different schools in the same season. Arkoful, the 2012 Vicksburg Post Player of the Year, played in eight games for Vicksburg before transferring to WC on Nov. 29.

“The rule simply states that if you transfer after the start of the season, you cannot play for two schools in the same sport,” Neaves said. “If she had not played basketball, she would have been eligible.”

The sophomore point guard was averaging about 18 points per game this season. Last season, she averaged 17.1 points, 3.6 assists and 2.4 steals.

The Missy Gators lost three straight games by double digits before Arkoful transferred. Since then, they’ve won two out of three, with the lone defeat a one-point loss to Warren Central. VHS beat Crystal Springs, 36-29, on Tuesday.

Arkoful will be allowed to participate in spring sports and offseason activities with Warren Central’s basketball team. She also will be allowed to play basketball for WC at the beginning of next season, rather than having to wait until a full calendar year has passed since her transfer.

“She will be eligible from day one next year,” Neaves said.