PELHAM (AP) — Though his team came out on the losing end of Friday’s Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic, Selma High School’s Charles Eaton opened eyes with his performance.

Eaton lead the Alabama team with 16 points in the 85-74 loss.

Daniel Grieves scored 21 points to lead Mississippi to an 85-74 on Friday at the Pelham Civic Center.

Alabama held a 44-38 halftime lead before Grieves scored 13 points over a six-minute span to give Mississippi a 68-64 lead with 8:24 left.

Grieves, who was named the Mississippi MVP, was followed by Rodney Hood with 18 points, Deville Smith with 15 points and Mychal Ammons with 11.

Alabama MVP Ricky Tarrant  followed Eaton with 15 points and three assists.

Mississippi now leads the all-time series 11-10.

Eaton played forward for the Saints during the 2010-11 season and lead his team to back-to-back regional finals in AHSAA class AAAAA.

Eaton was the 10th player head coach Woodie Jackson has sent to the annual All-Star game as head coach of Frances Marion and Selma High School.

Heading into the game, Eaton said he was honored and excited to put his skills on display and reunite with old teammates from AAU.

“It’s a big honor,” Eaton said. “There are numerous players in Alabama, so just to be chosen is huge.”

Eaton’s coach Woodie Jackson has seen a bunch of great players in his years as a coach in Marion and Selma.

Jackson has sent 10 players to the Alabama-Mississippi game in its 20 years and said Eaton was one of those unique talents.

“Charles is just like an old-school jump shooter,” Jackson said. “He really get’s up on his jump shot, but he is able to handle the ball too. He has a great first step that really forces defenders to make a choice of to play aggressive or play off and he can beat you both ways.”

Eaton will go into the game with a sense of familiarity with some of his teammates on the Alabama squad.

“Two of my teammates from summer AAU ball are on the team too,” Eaton said. “So it’s gonna be fun having the opportunity to play with them again.”

While the honor of being chosen is there, Eaton said he is most excited to play with a higher caliber opponent.

“You’re playing the best (Mississippi) has to offer,” said Eaton.

“That’s the most exciting thing about being able to play in this kind of game is the competition. It’s the best in the state.”

The Alabama-Mississippi All-Basketball Classic will be Friday, March 18 at the Pelham Civic Complex at 7 p.m.