Sharp commits to JALC

Kyle Smithpeters has had his fair share of success with players from the Bluegrass State.

Smithpeters, who led the John A. Logan College men's basketball team to a 27-5 record this past season and a ranking of fifth nationally, was helped by a talented trio of three Louisville products in David Sloan, Clivonte Patterson and Jay Scrubb. Sloan, who led the nation in assists his two years at Carterville, left as an All-American and will play in the upcoming All-Star game. Scrubb is another returning All-American and late last week, Smithpeters got another commitment from Kentucky.

Hopkinsville 7-footer Jamarion Sharp signed his national letter of intent to hoop with the Vols when on Friday, he signed in a ceremony at Hopkinsville High School.

Sharp led the Tigers in rebounding at 7.9 per game and scoring 7 points per game for a Hopkinsville team that went 16-14 and fell to neighbor Christian County in the 8th District semifinals. Sharp was one of four Hopkinsville players named to the 8th District All-District Team

Sharp, a long-lanky defensive presence down low who has remarkable shot blocking ability, will help fill a void left by 6-7 sophomore Quamain Nelson and Patterson, a guard/forward combo.

In addition to the graduation of Sloan, Nelson and Patterson, Smithpeters also will replace Antwan Campbell, Jonah Jackson, Christopher Harris and Will Keller.

Spyder Dann covers prep and college sports for the Southern Illinois Local Media News Group. Follow him on Twitter: @spydieshooter.