JACKSON — As a key contributor on Vicksburg’s High’s 2008 state tournament team, Jaybri Williams gave coach Dellie C. Robinson options. Two years later, Williams is providing Belhaven University coach Tom Kelsey with much of the same.

Williams is a redshirt sophomore forward with the Blazers and has played in 12 of the team’s 13 regular-season games, plus a Dec. 15 exhibition against Mississippi State.

Williams is averaging just under 10 minutes, 2.5 points and 2 rebounds per game in a reserve role. Although his time on the court has been limited so far, Williams said he’s relishing the opportunity to continue his basketball career.

“All I wanted since I left Vicksburg was a shot to play college basketball,” Williams said after the Mississippi State game. “Belhaven gave me that shot. I think I’ve been able to help with their depth and I’m looking forward to our conference play.”

The Blazers are currently 7-6 after losing to Mississippi College and beating Rust College in the two-day Millsaps College New Year’s Invitational. Williams had four points and two rebounds in 17 minute in Friday’s 89-86 win over Rust in the consolation game.

Belhaven will head to the College of the Ozarks Tournament next week and then open Southern States Athletic Conference play on Jan. 13 at home against Auburn-Montgomery.

Kelsey said the 6-foot-3 Williams is progressing nicely.

“He’s done well for us,” Kelsey said. “He’s adjusted to our system and has a chance to be a real good player for us. I really like his skills. He can pass, dribble and shoot, plus he’s quick and very athletic. I see a good future with us.”

As a 6-foot-3 forward, Williams is a bit undersized, especially against a Southeastern Conference team like Mississippi State. Most forwards in the NAIA league are in the 6-4 to 6-6 range.

“Most of those guys playing Division I are 6-8. That’s why I didn’t see much time,” Williams said.

Williams played just the final two minutes in the exhibition game at the Mississippi Coliseum but still scored three points and grabbed a rebound. His season-high is nine points in the Blazers’ win against Truett-McConnell College in Columbus, Ga.

At Vicksburg, Williams split time in the frontcourt with Kelsey Howard, Maurice Williams, John Qualls, Charles Coleman and Mychal Ammons as the Gators went 29-8. That team, led by 2008 Player of the Year Jonathan Phelps, reached the Class 4A North State finals, where Phelps — now at Division II Missouri Western State University — suffered a season-ending knee injury.

With only a couple of days to prepare for the state tournament, Williams and the Gators put up a gutsy showing but lost to Moss Point in the state tournament.

Williams did not want his basketball career to be over.

“I enrolled at Jackson State, but after a semester I wanted to play again,” Williams said. “I looked at Tougaloo and then transferred to Wesley College. Last summer, I was invited to a tryout at Belhaven. I went and they offered me a scholarship.”

The son of Roy and Linda Williams of Vicksburg has since made his way back to the court.

“I’ve gotten to know the system,” Williams said. “I feel like I’m getting better each week. I want to see where basketball can take me.”