from combined reports

The Meridian Community College basketball program announced the signing of six prep hoops standouts to its program Wednesday in the Graham Gymnasium.

Men’s coach George Brooks announced that four players will join the Eagles for the 2008-09 season: Jared Hudnall of Meridian, Marino Thompson of Southeast Lauderdale, Joemarcus Fitts of Parker in Birmingham, Ala., and Josh Moore of Forest Hill in Jackson.

“I like all of them as players but I love them as people. They all come to us from great families and really good high school programs that win,” Brooks said.

Hudnall, a 6-foot-1 guard, averaged 17 points per game and led the Wildcats to a 25-8 record his senior season.

“Jared is a really good offensive player that brings a special 3-point shooting ability to our team,” said Brooks. “Anytime you average that many points in 5A you’re a special playe. He’s going to give us an impact from a shooting standpoint.”

Thompson, a 6-foot-7 forward, averaged a double-double for the Tigers with 15 points and 12 rebounds per game.

“Marino will bring much needed athleticism and length to our team,” said Brooks. “He is an outstanding rebounder and shot blocker. He’s a solid offensive player but his length and athletic ability alone will aid us greatly.”

Fitts is a 6-foot-6 forward who led his team to the Alabama state Final Four while averaging a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds per game.

“Joemarcus can play either small or power forward,” said Brooks. “He can bring us an ability to score and handle to the ball. He is a skilled forward player with the ability to pass and dribble.”

Moore, a 6-foot-1 guard ,was named all-state after averaging 18 points, eight rebounds and three steals per game.

“Josh is a really explosive athlete with a really good 3-point shooting ability,” Brooks said. “He’s a rare combination.”

Meanwhile, MCC women’s coach Hilary Allen announced that two players will join the Lady Eagles for the 2008-09 season: Brittany Bohannon from Kemper County High School and Eryn Gray from Columbus.

Bohannon, a 5-foot-6 guard, averaged 15 points and 4.5 steals per game. She led her team to a 22-13 record and an appearance in the Class 2A Girls State Tournament semifinals.

“Brittany is a local kid that runs the floor extremely well and will handle the ball in our fast break system,” said Allen. “She is just a great athlete who will help MCC win games.”

Gray is also a 5-foot-6 guard. She averaged 12 points per game and led her team to an 18-10 record.

“Eryn, a shooting guard, is a left-handed player that likes to take the ball hard to the basket,” said Allen. “She is a hard-nosed defender that will help in our full court press.”