by staff
CLEVELAND, Ga. (TMCSports)–Five recent signees to Truett-McConnell’s basketball program bring athletic abilities and academic accomplishments to the Bears’ roster.
The quintets’ GPA reflects a 3.4 average.
“We’ve been very blessed so far this offseason with this group of young men who are not only skilled on the court, but who fit perfectly with the mission and vision of Truett-McConnell College,” said Wade Mawdesley, head coach.
Whether the recruits join the varsity or junior varsity squad “depends on who is going to step up in this group next fall and compete,” Mawdesley said. “Either team offers a great opportunity for these young men, and we will let that be decided on the court when they get here.”
The five recruits include Kirby Kendall from Loganville, Ga., who graduated from George Walton Academy in Monroe, Ga., with a 3.3 GPA and a 1350 SAT score. The son of Ronnie Kendall – pastor of FBC, Loganville – Kirby plans to follow in his father’s pastoral footsteps and will major in Christian studies with a concentration in biblical and theological studies.
“Kirby is a great addition to our basketball program,” Mawdesley said. “He is focused not just on basketball and academics, but also on serving the Lord. We are glad to have him in our program, and we look forward to his development during the next few years.”
Jared Fulks comes to Truett-McConnell from Wren High School in Piedmont, S. Car., where he played for Fran Campbell, carried a 3.7 GPA, and scored a 24 on his ACT.
“Jared is in every way the kind of player and student we are looking for at Truett-McConnell,” Mawdesley said.
The son of a pastor and church planter, Fulks “is solid in his faith and is committed to academic excellence. He can also light it up from behind the 3-point arc as well. He is a significant addition to our program,” Mawdesley added.
Fulks will major in business management with a minor in music.
Joseph Sciberras of Norcross, Ga., graduated from Mount Vernon Presbyterian School with a 3.85 GPA and a 1601 SAT score. He plans to major in business or business management. Playing the point guard position, Sciberras averaged 13 points per game.
“Joe is a high-level student and an extremely hard worker who will be a leader for us on the court, in the classroom, and in the way he lives his life on campus,” Mawdesley said. “His intensity was impressive during our workouts, and we anticipate good things from that same intensity come game time.”
Thomas Shamblin of Morganton, Ga., graduated from Mountain Area Christian School with a 3.15 GPA, and will major in Christian studies with an emphasis on missions.
Averaging 19 points and four assists per game, Shamblin is a “quality young man with a heart for serving the Lord Jesus Christ. He is a dedicated student, and he hustles on the court,” Mawdesley said. “We are encouraged by the enthusiasm he brings as a player, but more important, as a young man who wants to lead by example off the court. We are blessed to have him in our program.”
Garfield Hart graduated with a 2.9 GPA from Gainesville High School, where he played for Coach Todd Cottrel.
“As an exceptional young man and athlete who is still developing in his game and talents,” Mawdesley said, “Garfield is a good student, and we are excited to have him as part of our program. His best playing days are ahead of him, and we are elated he will spend them in our program.”
Garfield plans to major in sports management.
“While I’m grateful for my brother Aric’s efforts in signing this group of recruits, I’m even more grateful for how these five young men have distinguished themselves and demonstrated stewardship over the opportunities God has given them,” Wade Mawdesley observed. “Our plan is to be equally good stewards of what these exemplary student athletes bring to our basketball program.”
Aric Mawdesley is assisant coach to Wade, and is sports information director for TMC’s athletic department.
###
