MCC basketball announces 2009 recruiting class

(MERIDIAN) – Meridian Community College men’s basketball head coach, George Brooks, announced the latest additions to the 2009 Eagles recruiting class.

Matthew Betts of Collinsville, MS; Cameron Bradley of Wiggins, MS; Deionte Dean of Jackson, MS; Emmanuel Donald of Lake, MS; Kendell Hosten of Houston, TX; Tory Johnson of Birmingham, AL; Edrico McGregor of Nassau, Bahamas; Rashad Robbins of Newton, MS; and Jermal Taylor of Waynesboro, MS have all committed to play for Brooks starting in the fall of ’09.

“We’re excited about this class,” said Brooks.

“Every player in this signing class brings talent and will help us compete for a championship.”

The Eagles are looking for their third consecutive winning season after coming off back to back winning seasons in 2008 and 2009.

Matthew Betts comes to Meridian by way of West Lauderdale high School. The 6 foot guard averaged 18 points per game with 5 rebounds and 4.5 assist per contest. He led the Knights to a 20-11 record his senior season and was named the team’s Most Valuable Player.

“Matthew is a very good shooter from behind the arch and a good decision maker with the ball,”

“He has a natural ability to score.”

Cameron Bradley comes to Meridian by way of Stone County High School. The 6 foot 5 inch forward is the nephew of former Parade All America, Bubba Wilson who stared for Mississippi State in the mid-90’s. Bradley averaged 15 points per game, 8 rebounds per game and 3 assist per game.

“Cameron is an athletic forward who will provide length and athletic ability,” said Brooks.

“He will also give us a consistent outside jumper to help out our perimeter play.”

Deionte Dean comes to Meridian by way of Forest Hill High School. The 6 foot 8 inch forward is a physical 240 lbs and led his team to the State Tournament with a 29-6 record in 2009. He was named to the Mississippi-Alabama All Star game after averaging a double-double his senior season, with 13 points per game and 10 rebounds per game. Dean also averaged 8 blocks per contest.

“Deionte is a big, physical post player with a great defensive presence and a lot of toughness,” said Brooks

“He is one of the top players in this year’s senior class because he was named a Mississippi-Alabama All Star.”

Emmanuel Donald comes to Meridian by way of Lake high School. The 6 foot 4 inch guard/forward averaged a double-double during his senior campaign. He averaged nearly 20 points per game (19.8) and 11 rebounds per game.

“Emmanuel has a great ability to create plays for himself and his teammates,” said Brooks.

“He is great off the dribble.”

Kendell Hosten comes to Meridian by way of Christian life Center Academy in Houston, TX. The 5 foot 11 inch guard averaged 11 points per game, 8 assist per game and 3 steals per game. He led his team to the National Association of Christian Athletes National Championship in 2009.

“Kendell played in a great league out in Texas,” said Brooks.

“He is a true point guard with great floor leadership and defense.”

Tory Johnson comes to Meridian by way of Wenonah High School in Birmingham, AL. The 6 foot 1 inch guard averaged 26 points per game, 5 assist per game and 4 rebounds per game. He was a First Team All State member in Alabama and led his team to a 20-8 record. He was named the team MVP his senior season.

“Tory is a combination guard- can play the point or the shooting spot for us,” said Brooks.

“He can really score, he is a pure scorer who had three 40 point games, and we are delighted to get him.”

Edrico McGregor comes to Meridian by way of Nassau, Bahamas. The 6 foot 8 inch 220 lbs forward was a member of the Bahamian National Team where he averaged a double-double with 18 points per game, 11 rebounds per game and 5 blocks per game.

“Edrico is a strong athletic forward,” said Brooks.

“He played on the 18 and Under Bahamian National Team.”

Rashad Robins comes to Meridian by way of Newton High School. The 6 foot guard averaged 22 points per game and 6 rebounds per game. He helped lead NHS to a 24-9 record.

“Rashad is an athletic three point shooter who played for a great coach in Crandal Porter at Newton,” said Brooks.

“He will really knock down some threes for us and those outside shoots will help our perimeter threat.”

Jermal Taylor comes to Meridian by way of Wayne County High School. The 5 foot 11 inch guard led the War Eagles to a 28-4 record and the MHSAA State Tournament. He scored 15 points per game, with 5 assist per game and 3 steals per game.

“Jermal will bring penetrating ability and a quick jump shot,” said Brooks.

“He will cause teams problems with his quickness. His coach Ron Norman coached one of our former guards, Reggis Huddleston who is now at Troy University. If you play for Coach Norman you’re going to come here well coached.”