By Chris Parsons / Staff Writer
For most high school basketball players, choosing what college to attend can be a tough one.
Many times it is based on the school’s location and the promise of immediate playing time.
For South Laurel’s Jordan Hammonds, the above mentioned factors played a roll in his choosing North Greenville College in South Carolina, but he said the biggest reason was the most important to him.
“Their motto is actually ‘Christ makes the difference’ and that is really important to me as a person,” he said. “To know they are dedicated to promoting a Christian lifestyle is a really big thing.
“I also think I will be able to get some good playing time as a freshman, so that is a big plus,” he added. “I guess all-in-all I just felt comfortable with the coaches, the players and the overall atmosphere on my visit.”
For Hammonds, the signing puts a lid on a stellar high school career at South Laurel.
In five years (eighth-grade), Hammonds was a part of four region championship teams, five district championship teams and one Sweet Sixteen championship team in 2005.
During the process, Hammonds was named to the Region Tournament All Tournament team four times, while earing the 13th Region MVP for the 2006 tournament.
In his senior season, Hammonds was a McDonald’s All American nominee and received All-Sate honorable mention while averaging 17.5 points per game.
He also accounted for 7.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 2 steals per game throughout his final campaign.
On paper, Hammonds’ contributions are obvious to the Cardinals and South Laurel coach Steve Wright said the things Hammonds can do will benefit North Greenville in a big way.
“I personally think he (Hammonds) is going to be a steal for them,” Wright said. “He has a big body, he has skills and he is going to be able to runs the floor. From that level, I expect him to be very successful there.
“I think Jordan is such a, and I hate to use the word rat, but he is such a gym rat, he will continue to improve and get better as he grows,” he added.
For South Laurel assistant coach and father of Jordan, Dennis Hammonds, the occasion is even more exciting than when your average athlete takes the next step.
“The first thing the coach asked me about Jordan when he called was “is he a Christian”,” Dennis Hammonds said. “Right then, I knew it was a good school.
“We kept in contact over a two year period and Jordan prayed about it and this is where he chose to go.
“As a coach, I am very proud of him, but as a father I couldn’t be more proud of him for the things he has accomplished.”
Local Sports
Hammonds now a Crusader
South Laurel senior to further career at North Greenville
- Local Sports
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Cards stand ground
It took a team effort, but South Laurel was able to make the big play late to defeat Harlan County, 5-4, and advance to the semifinals of the 13th Region Baseball Tournament.
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Moving on
It wasn’t easy, but North Laurel managed to sneak by Corbin, 2-1, during the first round of the 13th Region Baseball Tournament Monday.
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Lady Cards slip past Clay County
James Burns’ South Laurel Lady Cardinals continued a recurring theme in the first round of the 13th Region Fastpitch Tournament — scoring runs with two outs and nobody on.
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Bell eliminates Knox Central
Bell County built a comfortable 3-0 lead heading into the bottom of the sixth inning against Knox Central in first round action of the 13th Region Fastpitch Tournament Monday, but still needed a leaping catch by centerfielder Alisha Russell to seal the deal on the Lady Bobcats’ win over the Lady Panthers.
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Errors lead to Barbourville’s 15-0 loss to Harlan County
A crucial error in the second inning led to five unearned runs for Harlan County, as the Lady Black Bears cruised to an easy 15-0 win over Barbourville in four innings Monday during first round action of the 13th Region Fastpitch Tournament.
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Knox Central puts up fight before losing to Middlesboro, 6-2
Middlesboro’s Nick Capps took care of business and managed to hold off Knox Central, 6-2, to advance to the second round of the 13th Region Baseball Tournament Monday.
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North runs win streak to 19 games
The North Laurel Lady Jaguars were clicking on all cylinders Monday during first round action of the 13th Region Fastpitch Tournament as they defeated Corbin in five innings, 12-0.
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Tigers drop 10-2 decision
Clay County was forced to put the ball on the ground, but once they did they were able to get going as they defeated Barbourville, 10-2, during the first round of the 13th Region Tournament Monday.
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Who really are the favorites this year?
Corbin and North Laurel High Schools’ first round match-ups in both the 13th Region Baseball Tournament and 13th Region Fastpitch Tournament will highlight Monday’s first round action.
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Fantastic Finish
Brandon Hillard’s Knox Central Panthers almost pulled off a shocker before falling to rival Barbourville, 7-6, in the finals of the 51st District title game Thursday.
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