The Lee University men's basketball program signed Alabama high school star Michael McGuirk this past week.
McGuirk is a 6-foot-4 small forward who averaged 28.7 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists a game as a senior for White Plains High School, which went 24-6 and reached the Class 4-A state-tournament round of 16. He was an all-state selection and a finalist for 4-A state player of the year, as well as the Calhoun County player of the year, covering 16 high schools.
"In my 21 years of coaching at White Plains," Chris Randall said in a Lee release Friday night, "Michael is the best teammate I've had the privilege of coaching. He showed leadership and was always a team player."
McGuirk had a scholarship offer from NCAA Division I member Jacksonville State, according to the release, and picked Lee over Gulf South Conference rival Alabama-Huntsville.
"I really loved the coaching staff, and I really expect big things to happen during my tenure at Lee," McGuirk said. "I see myself as a shooter, but I can also drive for the bucket. I watched Lee play on a couple of occasions and really liked their system."
After hitting 80 percent of his free throws and 43 percent of his 3-point shots this past season, McGuirk may be moved to guard for the Flames.
"Michael really fits Lee in every aspect," Flames coach Bubba Smith said. " He put up some really good numbers and made some big shots this year and will be able to play and guard multiple positions for us. We're looking forward to big things from Michael."
GNTC adds two
Georgia Northwestern coach David Stephenson has added two recruits in recent days: defensive specialist Davantae Kimble from Ringgold High School for his men's team and Oakwood Christian's Tori Hall for his Lady Bobcats.
Kimble is a 5-11 guard who scored nearly nine points a game as a senior but is known more for his effort in preparation and on both ends of the floor in games.
"He has worked tirelessly on his game and spent a lot of time in the gym. He's a great, great kid," Ringgold coach Greg Elkins said in a GNTC release.
"He's got long arms, he can play defense and he doesn't try to do things he knows he can't do," Stephenson said. "I can see him really helping us on the press and stuff like that."
Hall was all-conference in the Southern Christian Athletic Association at the Chickamauga school and a first-team Walker County Dream Team selection this year after making the second team as a junior. She averaged 5.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.5 steals and 2.9 assists as a senior, and the Lady Eagles reached the SCAA final.
"They are getting one of the best leaders they can possibly get," Oakwood coach Kraig Givens said in another GNTC release. "She cares about her teammates, and as a coach her character is what you want in any player."
Stephenson said he could see the leadership right away, plus some definite skills.
"Defensively she gets her hands on a lot of balls," he said. "I really see her playing more of a 2 or 3 spot for us. Everyone is probably going to have to play just about everywhere, but I feel more comfortable about that going into next season because I think we have players that can do it."
Hall also was All-SCAA and a two-time Dream Team pick in volleyball and said she may play that sport also at GNTC.