Wingate University Athletics - Wingate signs six for 2012-13 season

Wingate University Athletics - Wingate signs six for 2012-13 season

Wingate signs six for 2012-13 season 5/30/2012 5:25:00 PM Wingate, N.C.----Wingate University men’s basketball coach Brian Good announces the addition of six student-athletes to the Bulldog roster for the 2012-13 season. The players are Jamahl Davis (Atlanta, Ga.), Tracy Gathings (Greensboro, N.C.), Jonathan Golden (Columbia, S.C.), Xavier Griffin (Charlotte, N.C.), Terrill Hilliard (Rocky Mount, N.C.) and Julian Varner (Atlanta, Ga.). Wingate went 21-12 in the 2011-12 season, winning the Food Lion SAC Tournament and advancing to the NCAA regional semifinals. Jamahl Davis, 5-9, Guard Atlanta, Ga. (Riverwood High School) Jamahl Davis was the team captain and MVP at Riverwood High School during his senior year. He averaged 16 points, 4.5 assists and 2 steals per game, earning first team All-Region honors. “Jamahl is a tough competitor that works hard every day,” Good says. “He is a true point guard with good quickness and savvy.” Tracy Gathings, 6-5, Forward Greensboro, N.C. (Ben L. Smith High School) Tracy Gathings averaged 20.2 points per game his senior year at Ben L. Smith High School, to go along with 10.8 rebounds per contests. He was named a North Carolina/South Carolina All-Star, while also earning NC Preps 4A All-State honors. “Tracy is a strong forward who is physically ready for the college game,” Good says. “He rebounds the ball well and knows how to score.” Jonathan Golden, 6-6, Forward Columbia, S.C. (Spring Valley High School) Jonathan Golden averaged nine points, eight rebounds, three blocks and one steal per game during his senior season at Spring Valley High School. He shot 68 percent from two-point range in 2012. “Jonathan is a strong, athletic forward that has his best basketball in front of him,” Good says. “He can rebound with anyone.” Xavier Griffin, 6-0, Point Guard Charlotte, N.C. (Victory Christian Center School) Xavier Griffin averaged 20 points, six assists and five rebounds per game during his senior season at Victory Christian Center School. A team captain last season, Griffin earned All-Conference and All-State accolades in 2012. “Xavier has the ability to get into the paint,” Good says. “He prefers to set up others but can score when needed. He has a chance to be a very good on-ball defender.” Terrill Hilliard, 6-6, Forward Rocky Mount, N.C. (Rocky Mount High School) Terrill Hilliard was an NC Preps 3A All-State selection during his senior season at Rocky Mount High School, averaging 19.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, leading Rocky Mount to the 3A state title. Hilliard was also a North Carolina/South Carolina All-Star in 2012. “Terrill is a long and athletic wing,” Good says. “He has great length for his position. He knows how to win and plays his best in big games. Julian Varner, 6-2, Guard Atlanta, Ga. (Frederick Douglass High School) Julian Varner averaged 18.1 points and 9.5 assists per game during his senior year earning Atlanta All-Metro honors at Frederick Douglass High School. “Julian is a combo guard that is very unselfish,” Good says. “He is a good passer, good shooter, and has a high basketball IQ.” WINGATE UNIVERSITY Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a comprehensive university with more than 2,500 students on three campuses in Wingate, Matthews and Hendersonville, N.C. The university offers 34 undergraduate majors, 37 minors and career concentrations, numerous pre-professional programs, graduate degrees in business, accounting, physician assistant studies and sports administration and doctorates in pharmacy and education. Wingate students gain the tools and support they need to excel in academics and apply that learning toward an extraordinary career and life. The campus community offers in-class learning, out-of-class experiences, strong mentors, a competitive yet caring environment and rewarding community service opportunities for a complete educational experience. Bulldog student-athletes compete in 19 NCAA Division II sports. Wingate University has won the South Atlantic Conference Echols Athletic Excellence Award for the past six years. Wingate University is ranked number three among NCAA Division II Academic All-America® producing schools in the 2000’s with 42 honorees during this millennium. Only Pittsburg State (Kan.) University and Truman State (Mo.) University have produced more Academic All-America® honorees during this time period. Wingate’s 51 Academic All-America® honorees (lifetime) is tops among all SAC schools.