Wilmington, NC - With key pieces from last year's team that advanced to the National Junior College Athletic Association Championships, Coach Ryan Mantlo is excited about defending the Region 10 title with the addition of some new faces 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 eight players from last year's championship run and feel like with have added some terrific talent to go along with the returners.
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.Here's a list of the signees that will help shape the Sea Devils roster for the 2014-15 season.
TJ Evans: 6-foot-1, 175 pounds – Point Guard - Apex HS, Apex NC
Evans led his team to the N.C. High School Athletic Association 4A state championship where he scored 22 points in the championship game, earning Most Outstanding Player honors. Evans has been a 20-point scorer each of the last three seasons at Apex High, while earning Conference Player of the Year three straight years. He leaves Apex as the school's all-time leading scorer. Evans was selected to the NC Coaches Association East-West All-Star Game, which will be played in Greensboro next month.
James Tillman: 6-foot-4, 195 pounds – Forward - Kings Mountain HS, Kings Mountain NC
Tillman led his team in scoring and rebounds, averaging 17.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per contest for the Mountaineers as they reached the third round of the 3A state playoffs. A two time All-Conference selection, Tillman was selected 3rd team All-District as a junior and 1st team this past year. Tillman also garnered a McDonalds All-American nominee in route to being selected to the NC Coaches Association East-West All Star game.
Travis Barnes: 6-foot-8, 220 pounds – Forward - Charis Prep, Wilson NC
Barnes heads to CFCC after redshirting last season at Division-I Western Illinois University. Prior to his year at WIU, Barnes starred at Charis Prep where he averaged 13.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per contest.
Matt Lindsey: 6-foot-1, 175 pounds – Guard - N. Myrtle Beach HS, N. Myrtle Beach SC
Lindsey, a First Team All-Region VII selection, led his team in scoring averaging 18.8 points per contest. He was also selected to the 3A All State this past season.
Josh Lindsey: 6-foot-1, 175 pounds – Guard - N. Myrtle Beach HS, N. Myrtle Beach SC
Lindsey, a First Team All-Region VII selection, led his team in assists averaging 4.7 per contest while dumping in 16.1 points a night. He was also named to the Shootout by the Sea All-Tournament team this past season. Josh and Matt come to CFCC as identical twins.
Riley LaRue: 6-foot-4, 210 pounds – Forward - East Forsyth HS, Kernersville NC
LaRue averaged 10.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists during his senior campaign at East Forsyth HS, while also being named to the Frank Spencer Holiday Classic All Tournament team. LaRue is the son of former NBA World Champion Rusty LaRue, who won a title alongside legend Michael Jordan.
Tony McNeill: 6-foot-5, 200 pounds – Forward - Triton HS, Erwin NC
McNeill was named Conference Player of the Year while averaging 12.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per game for the Hawks. He was also named 2nd Team All-Region and 3rd Team All-District for his efforts.
Tyrek Coger: 6-foot-8, 230 pounds – Forward – Word of God Academy, Raleigh NC
Coger comes to CFCC where he will spend next season honing in on his grades. Coger originally committed to the University of Missouri his junior year of high school before signing with Middle Tennessee State University. While at Word of God, Coger averaged 14 points and 8 rebounds a night.
Thaxter Spruill: 6-foot-9, 185 pounds – Forward – Clinton HS, Clinton NC
Spruill was named 1st Team All-Conference both his junior and senior year as well as honorable mention All-District this past season. Spruill led the Dark Horses in rebounds and blocked shots the past two seasons.
The Sea Devils return the nation's 6th leading scorer in Anthony Vanhook along with the backcourt duo of Cordea Wilson and Demetres Abrams. The front court returns Aaron Thomas and Bradley James. Add to the mix last season redshirting class of Calvin Davis, Nate Sims and Parris Manning, and the Sea Devils have what they hope to be another team able to make a deep run in March.
"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," commented Mantlo.