| Years at Northeast: | 1970-72 |
| Sports: | Men's Basketball |
| Occupation: | Student-Athlete |
Jerry Reno was the latest in a long string of talented basketball players to enter the halls of then-Northeast Mississippi Junior College when he first stepped onto campus in 1970.
The Ripley native earned respect quickly and was named team captain as a freshman. He served in the same capacity during his second season in Booneville.
The 1970-71 edition of the Tigers under the direction of NEMCC Sports Hall of Fame coach Kenneth Lindsey finished with a 20-6 record, only two losses of which were in conference games.
A high-powered Northeast offense eclipsed the century mark in points six times 90 or more in four other games.
Northeast won the North Half title by defeating Mississippi Delta Junior College and earned the right to host the Mississippi Junior College State Tournament.
The Tigers ran the tables to the championship game, but lost to Hinds Junior College to conclude the season.
Reno was named second team All-State and led Northeast in free throw percentage and assists.
He again led the Tigers in the same two categories as a sophomore in 1971-72 on the way to earning first team All-State honors.
Reno's play on the court was so sharp that he earned a scholarship to then-Bethel College in McKenzie, Tenn.