Hannah, Ayers sign with Paris


Thursday, June 15, 2006
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Hannah, Ayers sign with Paris

By BARRY BURLESON
Editor

Clevin Hannah and Brandon Ayers will remain teammates on the college level.

The two former Holly Springs High School Hawks have landed in Paris, Texas, where they will suit up for Paris Junior College.

“Clevin and Brandon are two highly recruited junior college players,” said Ross Hodge, new head coach of the Dragons. “We’re fortunate that both wanted to come here together.”

Hannah and Ayers helped Holly High capture the Class 3A state championships in 2004 and 2005. The Hawks were beaten in the state finals in 2006, the pair’s senior season. In the three seasons, coach Naylond Hayes’ Hawks put together a 98-7 record.

Hannah, who averaged 19 points, nine assists and three steals per game, was named to the 2006 all-state team. He scored 37 points against Ripley and 37 again the next night versus Nettleton in North State Tournament wins. He led the Mississippi high school all-stars to a win over Alabama’s all-stars.

Ayers averaged 15 points, five assists, eight rebounds and six steals per game. He was first team all-district and honorable mention all-state. Ayers scored 31 points for the North in the Mississippi all-star contest played in the summer prior to his senior year.

“They were high on our priority list (as far as recruiting),” Coach Hodge said. “We tried to get to know them and their families.

“We’re very happy to have them here.

“It’s obviously great to get off to a good recruiting start with Clevin and Brandon. They’re two really good high school players.”

Hannah and Ayers are already enrolled in summer school at Paris Junior College.

The Dragons won the national championship two years ago and the conference crown last year. They finished 24-7 in 2005-06, and six players will return next season.

“We’ve had success here,” said Hodge, a former player and assistant coach at Paris. “I think that helps greatly in the recruiting process also.”

He fully expects Hannah and Ayers to improve athletically and academically and then advance.

“Both will be able to play mid- to high-level Division I basketball when they leave Paris,” Hodge said.

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