By By Marty Stamper/The Meridian Star
April 11, 2001
DECATUR East Central Community College added two women and two men basketball players for the 2001-2002 season.
Newton's Mario Qualls and Thomastown's Carlton Dodd inked national letters-of-intent to play for the Warriors next season.
Qualls averaged 18.9 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and three steals as Newton went 27-11 and advanced to the Class 2A state tournament where the Tigers lost 83-82 to O'Bannon in the first round.
At Newton, the 6-foot-1 Qualls was All-Division 7-2A, All-South State 2A, and was chosen to the MHSAA Class 2A All-State team.
Dodd averaged 17.6 points for the Bulldogs of Thomastown who went 8-17 this past season.
ECCC women's coach Sammy Pace didn't have to go far to add Tamekia Foley and Lakelia Bogan of Newton County High School located just outside Decatur. The Lady Cougars were 27-5 this past season in the brutal Division 5-3A.
Foley, a 5-foot-9 forward, averaged 25 points, eight rebounds, three steals, and three assists. She was named the Most Valuable Player and Best Offensive Player and was an all-division selection.
Bogan, a 6-foot-3 center, averaged 12 points, seven rebounds, and three blocked shots.
The Lady Warriors participated in the NJCAA Women's National Tournament recently.