In his first season at Jackson State, Kelsey Howard has taken on some of the nation’s best players and programs.

The list includes three top 10 teams — Ohio State, Baylor and Florida — along with three more high profile clubs in Memphis, California and St. Mary’s.

The former Vicksburg High star hasn’t been an idle participant, either. He’s Jackson State’s leading scorer with 14.4 points per game, and has drawn the opposition’s best perimeter defender. While most games have seen Howard’s Tigers battle long odds as outmanned guests, there have been moments of joy.

The highlight came on Dec. 15 when the Tigers (2-10) upset SMU, 59-58, in Dallas. The win came on the seventh day of a nine-day trip that had started in Berkeley, Calif. Howard played a huge role in the victory, with a game-best 27 points. It was his best scoring game since a 37-point effort for Vicksburg in a Class 6A playoff game at Olive Branch in 2009.

Howard said he felt from the outset that it would be a good night.

“All the games have been tough, but this one was my best game of the season,” Howard said. “I hit my first two shots and I knew then I was going to have a good game. It felt a lot like that game I had up in Olive Branch.”

Howard led the Tigers out to a comfortable lead, but then the Mustangs mounted a comeback. With 20 seconds left and the game tied, Howard went to the free throw line for two shots.

“There was a lot of pressure to hit those free throws,” Howard said. “I just needed to step up and make them. I hit both. I got fouled again with 13 seconds left. I missed the first but made the second and we won by one.”

Howard said the victory made the long trip — which included losses to California, St. Mary’s and North Texas — worthwhile.

“It was a great win,” Howard said. “We seemed to find some chemistry in that game. I think all these good teams that we’ve played has prepared us for our conference.”

Before Howard and the Tigers look toward the beginning of Southwestern Athletic Conference play, he reflected on the season’s first half.

“It seems like we’ve been everywhere. Florida, Ohio, California, Texas,” Howard said. “It’s been exciting. I feel we’ve bonded as a team. We’ve gotten used to each other.”

It takes a special trait to see the good in what otherwise can be a painful experience. The Tigers lost big at Florida (99-59), Baylor (92-59) and Ohio State (85-41).

Ask Howard about the top 10 teams JSU has faced and one word comes back.

“Tough,” he answers. “Every team we play has good shooters, but what makes the big teams good is that they have better post play.

“Ohio State was the best team we’ve played. Not only do they have (Jared) Sullinger, but the rest of the team is just huge. They had No. 44 (William Buford) guard me. He was taller, bigger than me. That’s the one thing I found that I have to get better at and that is I need to get stronger. Sometimes I get pushed around. It is so much more physical in college than it ever was in high school.”

Jackson State took on Florida, considered one of the preseason favorites in the Southeastern Conference, in its season opener. The Gators were also one of the more unusual matchups for Howard and the Tigers.

“They came out shooting threes and never stopped,” Howard said. “They were all-around good.”

Baylor won Howard’s nod as the most punishing team.

“The most physical team,” he said of the Bears. “They really attacked the basket. Quincy Acy is tough.”

For good measure, Howard also got to play in an NBA arena when JSU played at Memphis.

Through it all, Howard said Jackson State coach Tevester Anderson has kept the Tigers’ attitude positive.

“Coach Anderson preaches to play hard, play defense and rebound,” Howard said. “He said SMU was a great win for the program and that we need to build on it.”