By By Shawn Wansley/EMG sports writer
April 17, 2004
ELLISVILLE The Jones Junior College Bobcats filled numerous needs for its basketball program here Thursday afternoon.
The JCJC men added six players to its roster, while the Lady Bobcats signed four prep standouts to scholarships.
Signing for the men's team were Travis Stevens from Overall State Class 2A runnerup Heidelberg, Prince Trotter from Quitman, Vermon Barnes from Raleigh, Prince Holmes from Harrison Central, Palmer McDurfee from Central
Gwinnett, Ga., High School and Dwight Tolbert from Tifton County, Ga., High School.
Meanwhile, Lady Bobcat head coach Sandra Sumrall was pleased with her group of freshmen signees.
Future Lady Bobcats include Taphne Jackson from Overall State Class 4A champion Northeast Jones, Chelsey Sumrall from South Jones, Shawana Stevens from Heidelberg and Nikitta Smith from Biloxi St. Martin.
For the men, Barnes is a 6-foot-4, 210-pound center, while Stevens is a 6-foot-2, 175-pound forward and Tolbert is a 6-foot-5, 205-pound forward.
Holmes and McDurfee are both 5-foot-10, 150-pound guards and Trotter is a 6-foot-3, 185-pound guard.
The Bobcats won the South Division this past season, posting a 21-6 record and advancing to the Region 23 Tournament. McInnis said that's important to recruits.
Jones has been noted for its quick tempo approach and McInnis feels this group fits right in with his philosophy.
For the Lady Bobcats, Jackson is a 5-foot-3 guard, Chelsey Sumrall is a 5-foot-6 guard, Smith is a 5-foot-9 guard/forward and Stevens is a 5-foot-10 forward.
An added bonus for Sandra Sumrall is the addition of her youngest daughter, Chelsey, to the Lady Bobcat program. She coached her older daughter, Brittany, before at JCJC.