MCC Eagles look for new coach to lead them

Jeff Walker leads talented group in 2010 - 2011

(MERIDIAN) - The 2010 - 2011 Meridian Community College men’s basketball team will have several new faces this season, including the leader, Coach Jeff Walker.

Coach Walker comes to MCC after having coached men’s basketball at the professional level, the four-year level and the junior college level.

“Coach Walker was impressive during the interview process with his wealth of experience coaching basketball,” said MCC Athletic Director, Hilary Allen.

“His experience at up-tempo basketball was the deciding factor.”

The 2010 - 2011 team will have plenty of new faces as well. Only 6’5”, Emmanuel Donald, from Lake and 6’2” Rashad Robinson, from Newton return with any collegiate playing experience. Both Donald and Robinson logged several minutes last year as freshman for the Eagles and both will be expected to carry a huge load again this year.

Edrico McGregor, a 6’8” freshman from the Bahamas, played in four games last year before getting injured and receiving a medical hardship. McGregor will have two more years and looks to become a presence on the inside.

Several other freshmen will see lots of playing time.

Deangelo Priar, a 5’11” shooting guard from Tchula, will be asked to score a lot of points and get out on the fast break.

Travis Fredimon, a 6’1” point guard, will be called upon to lead the up-tempo style of basketball.

“Our team will press and we will run the floor, “ said Coach Walker.

“We want to play 40 minutes of fast-paced action.”

Several players will be called upon to rebound and defend in Walker's new offense.

Pierre Crawford, a 6’7” post, will need to rebound and get that fast break started.

Lakin Ford, a 6’4” forward from West Point, and 6’3” Cortavious Vaughn, from Cleveland, may be undersized for the post position, but their strength will allow to them to battle for rebounds.

Trent Tucker, a 6’1 guard, Brandon Battle, a 6’4” forward, Ray Cager, a 6’1” guard and Julius Lanier, a 5’9” guard from Northeast Lauderdale are working hard to get playing time.

The Eagles must battle in the tough Miss/Lou Conference against opponents like Southern-Shreveport, Baton Rouge and Delgado in addition MCC will face a tough non-conference schedule against in-state rivals like East Mississippi and Jones County.

Coach Walker and the Eagles open up their season Wednesday against Wallace State-Selma at 8 pm.