MCC’s Brooks announces basketball recruits

(MERIDIAN) - The Meridian Community College men’s basketball head coach, George Brooks, announced that four players will join the Eagles for the 2008-09 season. The signing took place Wednesday afternoon in the Graham Gymnasium.

Jared Hudnal and Marino Thompson, both from Meridian, joined Joemarcus Fitts of Birmingham, AL and Josh Moore of Jackson, MS in signing their national letters of intent to play at MCC.

“I like all of them as players but I love them as people, they all come to us from great families and really good high school programs that win.” said Brooks.

“Clay Norton (Forest Hill), Johnny Patrick (SE Lauderdale), Randy Bolden (MHS), and Maurice Ford (Parker) are some of the most respected high school coaches in the south. They understand how to play the game and I am pleased to get players from those kinds of programs.”

Hudnal comes to MCC by way of Meridian High School. The 6’1 guard averaged 17 points per game and led the Wildcats to a 25-8 record his senior season.

“Jared is a really good offensive player that brings a special three point shooting ability to our team,” said Brooks.

“Anytime you average that many points in 5A you’re a special player, he’s going to give us an impact from a shooting standpoint.”

Thompson comes to the Eagles by way of Southeast Lauderdale High School. The 6’7 forward averaged a double-double for the Tigers with 17 points and 12 rebounds per game.

“Marino will bring much needed athleticism and length to our team,” said Brooks.

“He is an outstanding rebounder and shot blocker. He’s a solid offensive player but his length and athletic ability alone will aide us greatly.”

Fitts comes to MCC by way of Parker High School in Birmingham. The 6’6 forward led his team to the Alabama State Championship’s Final Four while averaging a double-double, 17 points and 10 rebounds per game.

“Joemarcus can play either small or power forward,” said Brooks.

“He can bring us an ability to score and handle to the ball. He is a skilled forward player with the ability to pass and make plays off the dribble.”

Moore comes to the Eagles by way of Forrest Hill High School. The 6’1 guard was named All-State after averaging 18 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals per game.

“Josh is a really explosive athlete with a really good three point shooting ability, he’s a rare combination of a great athlete with great shooting ability,” added Brooks.

MCC completed the 2007-08 season with a 16-10 overall record, a Runner-up finish in the MACJC’s South Division and a birth in the NJCAA Region 23 tournament.