Middleton’s Morgan Talley Signs to Become a Jackson State Community College Green Jay
It’s official! Middleton High School’s (MHS) Morgan Talley is a signed Jackson State Community College (JSCC) Green Jay basketball player. Talley, who graduated in the MHS Class of 2024, is on the JSCC basketball team roster and will be ready to play this fall.
“I am looking forward to the experience, meeting new people, and furthering my career,” said Morgan, who is expected to play forward on the team in the upcoming season. “I enjoy playing basketball, building a team and a family and working hard together to accomplish something great, that is always good. You create this bond with other people, and you make something good.”
Morgan was joined at the signing by her parents, Billy and Tamiko Talley, her brother, Raytavious Talley, who graduated from MHS in 2020, and extended family and friends that also included her uncle, MHS basketball coach James Burkley. Talley played her entire high school career under the coaching of James Burkley, who did not grant her any favors on or off of the court just because she was his niece.
“He yelled at me a lot of the time, but I definitely understand why he yelled a lot and pushed me a lot now that I have graduated and moved on,” said Morgan, who shared a sentiment held by many former players that Burkley has coached. “It was definitely needed and worth it!”
Morgan’s parents, who have enjoyed her passion, drive, and perseverance on the court, also shared similar opinions about Burkley’s coaching style regarding Morgan.
“Just being her uncle and not making her different. He treated her the same as all the rest. He is tougher and harder on her and I thank him for that, and just keeping up and making sure she is on top of what she needs to do, her grades and all of that. She wanted to give up, but she didn’t,” said Mrs. Talley.
“I enjoyed watching her play and her uncle coaching her. He was just as hard on her if not harder. I think she learned a lot from that, and I think that will help her be a better player when she goes off to college,” said Mr. Talley.
Morgan started playing Middleton basketball in middle school under the coaching of Monterrio Williams, who credits Morgan as one of the players who jump started the Middleton Middle School basketball team program.
“She is the one who turned the middle school program back around,” Coach Williams emphatically stated. “[We] started back winning with her and Raquel Harry. They came in and changed the game of basketball for Middleton Middle School. She [Morgan] loves to win, plays hard, and gives it her all. I won my first county with her five years ago. She sinked the last two free throws to end the game. She is a very humble young lady and handles her business first. She is a smart young lady and I think she is going to do great!”
While an MHS Lady Tiger, Morgan Talley lead the Lady Tigers back to a district championship game for the first time since 2018. She averaged 9.8 points; 8.8 rebounds; and 2.0 steals per game. Morgan was also selected to the All-District 13-A team, 2024 BCAT All-star West team that was played in Murfreesboro on March 23, 2024, and the West Tennessee All-star game played at Trinity Christian on June 1, 2024.
Having family and friends in the stands at each game and an uncle leading Morgan on the basketball court was a honor and experience for her as well as Coach James Burkley and their family. Coaching family members is a different experience and Morgan was not the first in Burkley’s family that he coached.
“It is always a little different when you are coaching a son or a daughter,” said Coach Burkley, who was also the basketball coach to his son, James Burkley, Jr. and Morgan’s brother, Raytavious. “I am so proud of the work and sweat that Morgan put into becoming a true example of a leader. There were times early in her career she could have done otherwise especially going through the (pandemic). But determination won. It paid off for her. Congratulations!”
Coach Burkley also shared that he thinks Morgan will stand out academically first, and playing wise, she will do well on the defensive end and rebounding, pointing out her work ethic is second to none, on and off the court. Not failing to mention, Morgan earned a 3.7 grade point average while in high school.
Morgan’s parents see greatness in her future academically and athletically.
“We’re looking forward to greatness! Great things certainly happen if you’re dedicated and do hard work. Perseverance is going to pay off and it certainly has,” said Mrs. Talley.
Her father shared the same hopes for Morgan.
“Looking forward to her just excelling in basketball and with her education,” said Mr. Talley.
Middleton High School shared the following comment about Morgan’s accomplishment.
“On behalf of Middleton High School we would like to congratulate Morgan Talley on a big achievement that few student-athletes attain. A scholarship to play basketball at Jackson State Community College. The Lady Tigers basketball program really appreciates all of your accomplishments that you received.”
Morgan will study pre-health at JSCC using the Tennessee Promise and plans to continue at either UT-Martin or the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in dental health.
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