September 18, 2015 - First year head coach Grant McMillan announced his 2015-16 recruiting class this week. The team will see major overhaul this upcoming year as the team has zero returners. Panola will feature 12 new players and two walk-ons. Highlighted by six transfers, Coach McMillan feels the class has major potential to be successful, “We had to make sure we got some guys in here that had experience. You win with your upper classmen, our three D1 transfers and three junior college transfers will provide us leadership and the ability to be competitive this year.”
New Panola players come to Carthage from division one schools Texas State, Niagara, and Tennessee State and junior colleges Motlow State, Harcum, and Haggarstown. “We did a tremendous job of finding the right mix of transfers and freshmen. It started in April and didn’t end until August, we made sure no stone was unturned,” stated McMillan. With six transfers and six true freshmen Panola will look to build off a 7-22 record last year. This year’s team will have four players over 6’ 7” including 7’ 1” Dejuan Harvey.
“I am excited to get all of our kids here on campus. Carthage can be proud of these guys in the community. We did a great job of getting high character kids that can compete in this league. We have labeled this year as the ‘New Era’ and we are excited to put the new Panola brand on the floor,” explained McMillan.
The Ponies will take part in the Mike Mitchell Blowout Classic at Colin County Community College in Plano, Texas on October 30th for their season opener. Their home opener is Wednesday, November 4th against Weatherford College in the newly renovated Johnson Arena. McMillan is assisted by Adam Blaylock and Ricardo Johnson.
Tope Arikawe – FR – 6-8 – Conyers, Nigeria
Tope Arikawe comes to Panola College after starting the last three seasons for Covenant Christian Academy in Marieta, Georgia. The Nigerian native averaged 13.8 points and 8 rebounds per game his senior year. Originally signed with Troy University, Tope was ranked the 16th best Nigerian player in the United States according to teamnigeria.com for the class of 2015.
Brandon Better – SO – 6-1 –Temple Hills, Maryland
Brandon transfer to Panola College from Hagerstown Community College. As a freshman, Brandon started 21 games and averaged 16.4 points per game. He shot 35% from the three point line and dished out 2.7 assists per game. Prior to Hagerstown, Better averaged 18.4 points a game his senior year for Crossland High School.
Arnas Dautartas – FR – 6-6 – Kaunas,Lithuania
Arnas comes to Panola after playing his high school ball for San Gabriel Academy in San Gabriel, California. He averaged double figures each year he was on varsity highlighted by 17 points, six rebounds, and six assists a game his senior year. Dautartas helped his high school team advance to the Southern California regional championships the past two seasons. His senior year he was selected to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune All-Area 2nd team and was a Pasadena Star-News all-star.
Dejuan Harvey – SO – 7-1 – Washington DC
Dejuan transfers to Panola after receiving a medical redshirt at Harcum Community College last year. He played in six games averaging just over seven points and four rebounds a game before suffering a season ending arm injury. Before Harcum, Harvey played his freshman year at Chipola College averaging just under five points a game. Harvey played his high school ball at Friendship Collegiate Academy where he was ranked in the top 100 by DMVelite.com.
Terry Holt – SO – 6-5 – Nashville, Tennessee
Terry transfers to Panola after playing his freshman year at Motlow State College last season. Playing for Coach Matt Sligh, Holt averaged 10.5 points and 4.8 rebounds a game while guiding Motlow to a 23-6 record last season. He had a career high 25 points against Dyersburg State while making 47 three pointers last season. While in high school, Holt led his East Nashville team to a runner-up finish in the Class AA state tournament. He averaged 21 points and 6.4 rebounds per game his senior year and was named first team all-district, all-region and all-metro; along with being named to the first team all-state tournament team and being selected as the region player of the year.
Ege Parlor – FR – 6-9 – Izmir, Turkey
Ege has spent time in the United States playing for Notre Dame Prep in Massachusetts. He has also been a part of Turkey’s 3 on 3 FIBA national basketball squad. One of the top Turkish big man in his high school class, Ege averaged 11 points and nine rebounds his final year of club ball.
Tyonte Roberston – FR – 6-0 – Cincinnati, Ohio
Tyonte graduated from Withrow high school in 2014. The Cincinnati, Ohio native averaged 11.2 points and 3.9 assists a game his senior year. He helped Withrow win two post-season games before losing in the Southwest District championship game. Robertson has been regarded as the top point guards in Southwest Ohio.
James Suber – SO – 6-7 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
James comes to Panola College from Niagra University. As a freshman, James appeared in 21 games while making one start. He had a career high eight points against Iona and brought down 51 rebounds last season. Suber averaged 11.5 points per game during his senior season at Philadelphia Electrical & Technology as he helped the Chargers advance to the Philadelphia Public School and Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Class AAA semifinals. Suber was named to the Daily News All-City Third Team and All-Public Second Team at the end of the season.
Charles ‘Cha Cha’ Tucker – SO – 6-1 – Lansing, Michigan
Charles transfers to Panola after playing at Tennessee State last season. As a freshman he made 18 starts, averaged 5.1 points, 2.2 assists, and 1.3 rebounds in 21.5 minutes a game. He was the team leader in assists. He scored a career high 16 points against Southern Illinois. He was named OVC Freshman of the Week on Feb. 2 after helping TSU to its first two conference wins the previous week. Tucker attended Montrose Christian High School where he led his team to a 19-5 record. During high school he was selected to the USA Men’s Development National Team comprised of the nation’s top under-16 talents. He did a postgrad year at ABCD prep.
Jonathan Wiley – SO – 6-6 – Houston, Texas
Jonathan appeared in nine games for the Texas State Bobcats last season. He had a career high six points against Appalachian State. Wiley played his high school ball at St. Pius the X High School in Houston. He averaged 17 points a game and 10 rebounds his senior year. Wiley was a two time district MVP and was first team All-State his senior year.
Chan Williams-Bey Jr. – FR – 6-5 – Hartford, Connecticut
Chan spent this past season at Shooting for Greatness prep school in Durham, North Carolina. He started every game for Coach Kyle Solomon while netting just over 14 points per game. In high school he averaged 15.7 points and eight rebounds a game for Wilbur Cross High school. He was named two-time All-Area, All-SCC Oronoque Division, Coaches All-State and New Haven County Tap-Off Club All-Area Team selection.
Devyn Wilson – FR – 6-3 – Brooklyn, New York
Devyn spent this past season at FCI prep school in Sebring, Florida for Coach Keith Leonardo. While at FCI, Devyn averaged 18.2 points per game during a 43 game national schedule. Wilson played high school basketball at South Shore high school where he was nominated for the McDonalds All-American game.
Walk-ons
Juan Parrilla – FR – 5-11 – Waterbury, Connecticut
DJ McMillan – FR – 6-2 –Fort Worth, Texas
