By Staff
FUTURE STARS MCC coaches look on as three of their own sign letters of intent. Top row, from left; George Brooks and Hilary Allen. Bottom row from left; Robert Ivy, Tijwana Collins, and Sammie Cole Jr. Photo by Paula Merritt/The Meridian Star
By Jeff Byrd/The Meridian Star
Nov. 30, 2001
Three Meridian Community College basketball players were signed to NCAA Division I National Letters of Intent on Thursday by the University of Texas at San Antonio.
MCC sophomore wings Sammie Cole and Robert Ivy and MCC Lady Eagle Tijwana Collins inked scholarship deals with the Roadrunners.
For MCC Athletic Director and head women's Coach Hilary Allen, the signings show the continued growth of the Eagles' basketball program.
There is no doubt what the Roadrunners' men's program is getting with Cole and Ivy. Both are two of the leading scorers in the Mississippi Junior College ranks.
Ivy, a Northeast Lauderdale product, is pouring in 19.8 points per game. He had a 34-point game against Coahoma Community College and two other 30-point games.
Cole is pumping in 18.9 points per game and is the reigning Miss/Lou Conference Most Valuable Player.
Cole will have company with Ivy joining him.
Ivy was a role player last season for the Eagles. This year, he has taken his game to a new level.
MCC head men's coach George Brooks feels both Cole and Ivy will make a big impact on the Roadrunner program.
Collins is currently averaging 11.9 points per game for the 9-0 Lady Eagles. She scored a career high 30 points in MCC's season opener against Coahoma.
Collins, the daughter of Diane Collins and Walter Gibbs of Meridian, is the top outside threat for MCC with 15 made three-pointers.
Texas-San Antonio is a member of the Southland Conference. But before any of the three can worry about that, there is this season to finish.
Cole agrees.