Commitments and signing are upon us as the Class of 2012 tries to figure out where they will be spending the next four years of their athletic and academic lives. Here are more commitments listed as we get them.
Zach Howard (Science Hill) takes his deft jumper over the border to Pikeville University in Kentucky. The Bears play in the Mid-South Conference and are coached by Kelly Wells. Howard, who helped lead the Hilltoppers to the second round of the Class AAA state tournament last season, will be a welcome addition for this NAIA program.
Also heading out of state, Jake Wright (Oneida) will head over another border to Berry College in Georgia. The Vikings play in NCAA DIII and are coached by venerable mentor Jeff Haarlow. Wright will be a welcome addition with his size, attitude and desire to become a more productive player.
Cannon Rhodes (Perry County), who helped lead his squad to the Class A finals this season has decided to stay relatively close to home and will attend NAIA member Bethel University. The Wildcats are coached by Jeff Britt and are a charter member of the TransSouth Conference. Bethel is located in Mackenzie, Tennessee.
The Scots of Maryville College continue to add quality players including Brandon Crabtree (Scott). The athletic combo guard follows in the footsteps of his high school mentor Jared Lavierdiere, who was a standout guard for the Scots only a few short years ago. The Scots are coached by legendary mentor Randy Lambert and are the standard bearer in the Great South Athletic Conference.
Staying in East Tennessee, King College completed a very fine incoming freshman class adding Calvin Walker (Knoxville West). The district and region player of the year, Walker is a tough hard-nosed guard who will fit perfectly into the pressing and fast paced style of the Tornado and legendary coach George Pitts. King College is a member of the Conference of the Carolinas and plays NCAA DII.
Finally we head to Virginia where Daniel Cartwright (Sequatchie County) will attend Fork Union Military Academy. One of the most decorated post-grad schools in the country, Fork Union is coached by legendary mentor Fletcher Arritt and have sent numerous players into the DI ranks upon the completion of their program.
