MEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Red Hawks' 6 signees include Hickory's Thurman - Hobbs Daily Report

Jaquan Thurman (center, front row), who averaged 15.5 points per game last season for Hickory High, was among six new players signed to play next season at Catawba Valley Community College. He’s pictured with his family and coaches./HICKORY PUBLIC SCHOOLS PHOTO

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HICKORY – Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) added six men’s basketball players on Monday, including a double figure scorer from Hickory High.

In a press release, the Red Hawks announced they have signed Jaquan Thurman of Hickory, Sal-Bey Young of Garner, Malik Leach of Perquimans, Justus Day of Cherokee, Jonathan McFall of

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School (Ga.) and Brandon Reeves, from Gaston Day, is transferring in from Mars Hill University.

Thurman averaged 15.5 points and 8.5 rebounds last season for Hickory. He made all-conference twice, scored 1,000 career points and the Red Tornadoes went 51-10 during his career at HHS.

“Jaquan is a strong, very active athlete,” CVCC head men’s basketball coach Bryan Garmroth said in the press release. “Jaquan’s ability to play hard, run the floor, compete and finish plays will make him a very valuable player for us. He brings a tremendous amount of energy to the court.”

Young, a 6-foot-5 post player, help lead Garner to a 26-2 record last season. The Trojans were unbeaten in conference play and got to the third round of the state 4A playoffs.

“He is long and very active,” Garmroth said of Young. “He has a real ability to defend, rebound and plays hard. He brings a lot of energy. He will also show an ability to score.”

Leach, a 5-11 guard, helped guide Perquimans to 11 wins and a 1A state playoff bid last season.

“Malik is a very quick and strong point guard,” Garmroth said. “He handles the ball and sees the floor very well.

“He also proved to be a very good scorer in high school. I feel he will be able to bring this ability to the next level as well.”

Day is a 6-2 guard from Cherokee who averaged 14 points for the Braves (16-6, 10-2 conference).

“Justus is a strong very athletic guard who has a tremendous ability to score from behind the 3-point line as well as driving the ball to the basket,” Garmroth said. “His size and athleticism should also make him an excellent defender.”

McFall, a 6-4 forward, comes to CVCC from Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in Georgia.

“Jonathan is a long wing,” Garmroth said. “He is very athletic and has a very good ability to score the ball. His length and athleticism should also make him a very good defender.”

Reeves, who is 6-4, played 25 games last season at Mars Hill and averaged 3.8 points and two rebounds per game.

“Brandon is a strong wing who can also play the four or five (position),” Garmroth said. “He is a good athlete who can make plays. He will also bring some experience to our team.”