With key pieces returning from last year’s team that advanced to the National Junior College Athletic Association Championship, Coach Ryan Mantlo is excited about defending the Region X title with some new players expected to take the court in a Cape Fear Community College jersey next season.
“We are absolutely thrilled with this year’s class,” said Mantlo. “We return nine players from last year’s championship team and we have added some terrific talent to go along with the returners. Practice is going to be a war. With so much depth and talent at each position, these kids are going to have to bring it every day.”
This year’s class boasts a Division-I transfer, a pair of twins, two East-West All-Stars, a State Champion, two conference Players of the Year, and the son of a former NBA player.
Below is a list of commits who will help shape the Sea Devils’ roster for the 2014-15 season.
T.J. Evans (6-foot-1, 175 pounds) led his team to the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 4A state championship in March. He scored 22 points in the championship game, earning Most Outstanding Player honors. Evans has been a 20-point scorer each season he has played varsity basketball at Apex. He was also the conference’s Player of the Year each of his three varsity seasons. Evans was selected to the N.C. Coaches Association East-West All-Star Game, which will be played in Greensboro next month.
James Tillman (6-foot-4) led his team in scoring (17.3 ppg) and rebounds (10.5 rpg) as the Kings Mountain Mountaineers (18-9) reached the third round of the 3A state playoffs. Tillman was also selected to the East-West All-Star Game.
Travis Barnes (6-foot-8, 220 pounds) is a transfer from Western Illinois University. Barnes averaged 13.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game at Charis Prep.
Matt Lindsey (6-foot-1, 175 pounds) graduated from North Myrtle Beach (South Carolina) High School where he was a 3A All-State Section. He earned first-team All-Region VII honors and averaged 20 points and four assists per game.
Josh Lindsey (6-foot-1, 175 pounds), also a North Myrtle Beach High School alum, received first-team All-Region VII honors and averaged 16 points per game.
Riley LaRue (6-foot-4, 210 pounds) graduated from East Forsyth High School.
Tony McNeill (6-foot-5) a Triton High School grad, averaged 12 points and eight rebounds a game.
Tyrek Coger (6-foot-8, 230 pounds) graduated from Word of God Academy. He committed to Missouri his junior year of high school before signing with Middle Tennessee State University. Coger spent last season at East Florida State College. He will redshirt for CFCC this year.
Thaxter Spruill (6-foot-9, 185 pounds) was Clinton High School’s star center. According to Mantlo, the Sea Devils will be gaining one of the top defensive players in the state and a great athlete. Spruill was known throughout the county as a great shot blocker and rebounder. He will redshirt this year.
Joe Catenacci is a sports reporter for Port City Daily and host of The Sports Connection on Port City Radio (103.7 FM). Reach him at [email protected].
