With five players already signed with four-year schools for next season, Southwest Bears’ coach Casey Carter knew it wouldn’t be long before 6-foot-10 center Christian Robbins added his name to the list.
Robbins did just that Tuesday afternoon when he signed a basketball scholarwith Mississippi College. The Choctaws will officially make the move from the NCAA’s Division III to Division II, allowing Robbins to receive a full-scholarship to the school.
“They want me to be a primary big man for them,” Robbins said. “... I’m looking to get the bulk of the (big man) rotation.”
Carter discussed at length Robbins’ maturity and work ethic both on and off the court, explaining how it would benefit him in Clinton at MC next year. In two academic semesters at SMCC, Robbins recorded a perfect 4.0 grade-point average.
“Christian gives you everything he has every second of every day,” Carter said. “At the end of the day, that’s all you can ask for.”
The Southwest Lady Bears’ fresh off their first trip to the NJCAA national tournament in more than 40 years, also bid farewell to four student-athletes signing with four-year schools for next year. Sophomore guard and first-team All-State performer Katrina Littlepage signed a scholarship with Division II University of West Georgia, where she felt her skill set would be maximized.
“They have great facilities. I’m someone who likes to work hard in the weight room, and theirs is excellent,” Littlepage said. “I loved the coaches, and they do a lot of things similar to us like high screens, give-and-go, things like that.”
Forwards Tee Myers and Fredrikah Wilson also signed with schools Tuesday. Myers signed with the University of Mobile (Ala.) while Wilson put ink to paper with William Carey University, whose coaches were present for her signing.
Lady Bears’ coach Brent Harris said he thought all three players signed with schools that would maximize their skills and potential at the next level. Myers said she expects to be used as a versatile forward whose energy can carry a team. Wilson was excited to be used as a weapon at William Carey both in the post and on the perimeter.
“(The girls) allowed us to have good practices,” Harris said. “They never took days off. That allowed us to be successful and will allow them to be successful in the future.”
The three Lady Bears joined teammate April Levy in their departure from SMCC. Levy signed with Division I Lamar University earlier this month.
Robbins joins Chris Jones, Twymond Howard, Jamal Hester, Donavan James and Deione Weeks as Bears’ players to sign with four-year schools. Jones signed in the early signing period last fall, while the others signed with Levy earlier this month.
