HICKORY, N.C. — The Catawba Valley Community College men's basketball team has announced the additions of six players to its upcoming 2018-19 roster.
These additions include Hunter Huss' Jahleer Black, Franklin's Zach De La Cruz, Harding's George Paul, Knightdale's Cole Johnson and Combine Academy's Jeremiah Keith. Keenan Rankin also returns to the Red Hawks after a two-year hiatus.
Black is a wing forward who averaged 10.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game this past season at Huss while playing for head coach Walter Wallace. Black helped lead the Huskies to 18-9 overall and 11-3 conference records, as well as an appearance in the second round of the 3A playoffs.
"(Black) is a very serious-minded student athlete who competes very hard," said CVCC head men's basketball coach Bryan Garmroth. "He's a very good athlete and has multiple skills."
De La Cruz is a strong two guard who averaged 15.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game as a senior for the Panthers, helping lead his team to a 16-8 overall record, a 7-3 mark in Mountain 6 2A conference play and a trip to the 2A playoffs.
"Zach is a good athlete who can really shoot the ball," Garmroth said. "He can also put the ball on the floor and score. Besides his ability to shoot, I like his strength and athleticism."
A former Harding standout, Rankin returns to CVCC this fall after missing half of the 2015 season and all of the past two seasons following a car accident that broke his femur.
"We are very excited to have him back," Garmroth said of Rankin. "He will give us an experienced point guard who can score the ball as well."
Another Harding standout, Paul is returning to the court after sitting out the past two seasons following major knee surgery.
"George is strong and a good shooter," Garmroth said. "
A 6-foot-4 wing player, Johnson helped the Knights win 19 games this past season and reach the third round of the 4A playoffs.
"Cole can really shoot the ball," Garmroth said. "He can also get the ball to the basket."
Keith, a 6-foot-3 wing, played for head coach Matthew Williams at Combine Academy in Charlotte, N.C.
"Jeremiah is a skilled player who can shoot and drive to the basket," Garmroth said.