2014 Combined

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There is a new attitude in the men·~ basketball program at East Central Community College in Decatur, mainly due to the talent level on this year's squad. Robert Thompson, who is in his second year as head coach, said he expects much improvement from 2013-14, when the Warriors finished 9-14 overall and 4-10 in the consis tently tough MACJC South Division. "I am really excited about the upcoming season," said Thompson. "We worked really hard to increase our talent and I believe we have some players that will help turn our pro gram around." Thompson said the top returnee is Quinton Campbell, a 6-7, 190-pound forward. Campbell averaged 11 points, eight rebounds and shot 41 percent from the three-point line. Campbell came to EC from Mary G. Montgomery High School in Mobile, AL, where he was a first team All-American and All-Academic selec tion. "Quinton will be accompanied with three veteran guards who should bring great leadership to the squad," added Thompson. The returning guards are Ramone Tate (5-10, 176), a product of St. Stanislaus High School in Bay St. Louis; Kristian Clark (6-5, 160), of St. Martin High School in Ocean Springs; and Demarkus Jones (6-2, 190), who hails from Terry High School in Jackson. Tate received District MVP honors and was chosen Top Player by the Sun-Herald. Jone,., al.'o received District most valuable plaver recognition. AP?EARED IN:

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• women aim Other sophomore"' are guaras Desmond Morgan (5-11, 171) and Monte Bowie (5-11, 160}, both prod ucts of Morton High School; and Keon McKinney (6-0, 157 J, who hails from West Point High School. Morgan was an All-District and All-Tournament Team selection and was named the Panthers' most valu able player. Bowie was named on the Scott County and EC Classic All- 'Thurnament teams. McKinney received West Point's best defensive player award. Thompson said he is also pleased with the "new" Warriors, as well. "We signed 6-9 transfer Racine Talla from South Carolina Upstate, 6 9 Randy Phillips from Lanier High School out ofJackson, and 6-7 Derrick Dandridge from White Station High School out of Memphis. All three play ers will have a big impact on our pro gram," said Thompson. Talia comes to EC from Dakar Senegal, where the 190-pounder wa~ a standout at 22-Foot Academy. Phillips, at 247 pounds, plays cen ter. Dandridge is a 218-pound forward. pther newcomers are guards Prince McDaniel (6-6, 168) of Pascagoula, Roshad Collier (6-2, 160) of Brandon, Ravion Henry (6-3, 164) of_L~ake Central, and forwards Trey Williams (6-3, 175) of West Point and Isaiah Traylor (6-4, 180) ofTupelo. Collier was named the Bulldogs' defensive player of the year. Henry received District MVP hon ors. Devarus "Scooter" Walker returns as assistant coach.

Student assistants and their respective high schools include Kevin Kirk of St. Martin, Keise Kirkland of Yazoo City, William Snider of Winston Academy, Koren Butler and Sabrina Hewitt, both of Lanier; Terry Carter of Louisville, Joseph Patrick of Morton and Sarah Hardy of East Rankin Academy. Women focused on winning Expectations for success are high for this year's East Central Commu nity College women's basketball team, which includes two returning starters and a talent-laden group of freshmen. Also in the mix are several transfers who bring impressive resumes to the squad. The third year just might be the "charm" for head coach Crandal Porter, whose Lady Warriors finished

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SCOTT COUNTY TIMES

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