News and Notes: Dirty South hoop stars ready to ink on the dotted line

Ivan McDowell, Southeast/Mid-South Editor

April 24, 2007 - Signing day has come and gone and the commitments are starting to roll in. Two of North Alabama’s best ballers are set to sign letters of intent, while one of the top scorers in the state is mulling over his options.

Hazel Green High combo guard DeAnthony Hereford will sign with Faulkner University on Thursday, according to Lloyd Hereford, DeAnthony’s father. Hereford had received interest from UT-Chattanooga, Birmingham Southern and others. The 6’1 scoring point guard averaged 14 points and 3 assists per contest leading the Trojans 22 wins and the 6A area finals before losing to Austin High of Decatur.

“De just felt like they showed the most interest and he visited the school and really liked it”, commented Lloyd Hereford, DeAnthony’s father.

Getting in where he felt he fit in, Hereford will attend Faulkner University.

Hereford brings a high basketball IQ and the ability to both hit the outside shot and slither into the lane for scores or dime drops to teammates. The Eagles, an NAIA institution, will also be gaining a fine young man and student. Hereford scored a 22 on the ACT and has a 3.9 GPA.

Meanwhile, Butler High standout forward Diamon Alexander has chosen to play his collegiate ball at Holmes CC. Alexander chose Holmes despite overtures from Gulf Coast CC, Wallace State, Lon Morris and Shelton State. At a bouncy 6’6, Alexander finished well at the rim, while also being able face up from 15 feet and knock down the jumper.

“I felt comfortable when I visited there and they have a winning tradition”, said Alexander referring to the back-to-back state titles the Bulldogs just won.

Juco is the Alexander's course of action.

Alexander comes from a winning program himself; having played as a freshman on Coach Jack Doss’ Alabama 5A state championship squad in 2005. The Rebels were consistently considered the best team in the area in their class and Diamon was a big part of that, leading a balanced Butler squad in scoring and rebounding.

“I’m not sure if I want to stay one or two years. I haven’t made that decision as of yet.”

Lee High standout shooting guard Kurtis “Leto” Woods is holding out for greener pastures

Kurtis Woods is still evaluating his options.

The top scorer in the North Alabama area at 23 points per game, Kurtis combines fine athleticism with a high basketball acumen and a deadly outside shot. In previous seasons, Woods’ shot selections came into question, as he would hoist jumpers irregardless of the situation. This past season Woods elevated his entire game and the list of schools recruiting him denotes this. UTEP, Morehead State, Iowa Western and others all showed him much love during the process.

“I really don’t want to sign with the first program that offers me. I want to make sure whatever school I choose is the right one for me”, verballed Woods.

Another option for Woods is may be the junior college route, despite already being qualified.

“I’m seriously thinking about going the juco route to enhance my game and maybe then higher D-1 programs will take notice.”

Woods led Butler High to the 5A playoffs before losing to Erwin High.