| 02-03 Signings
The following is a list of all signings for the 2002-2003 season
starting with the most recent signing.
Norris Signs Basketball Letter
McPherson College has announced the recent signing of a basketball letter of intent by Jamaal Norris of Hutchinson, Kans. A 2002 graduate of Hutchinson High, Norris was a three-year starter for the SaltHawks, and in 2001, led Hutchinson High to an undefeated, Class 6A state title. Following his junior and senior seasons, he was named consensus, first team All-State, All-Class and Class 6A, as well as Ark Valley League MVP.
“Jamaal is a special player,” said McPherson College head coach Roger Trimmell. “We’ve had the opportunity to watch him develop during his Hutch High career and through three years of our fall league. We’re really pleased he’s decided to come our way. As one of the top five players in the state the past two years, I don’t think there’s much doubt that he is probably the best ‘high school’ recruit we’ve signed in my 21 years here.”
The 6’2” Norris, who will be participating in the KBCA All-Star game in Topeka in early August, averaged 18.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.3 steals a game during the 2002 season for the SaltHawks under coach Phil Anderson.
“Jamaal is a great athlete, and he’ll definitely be an impact player in our conference,” added Trimmell. “He is relentless on the boards, really quick off the floor, and is a great defender. He has the tools to be a Josh Alexander-type (first team NAIA All-American) of impact player for us. I believe we’ll be a good situation for him. He’ll have some very good players around him. He won’t be expected to do it all.”
“I’m really looking forward to being here,” said Norris. “McPherson is a great basketball town, and I know Coach (Trimmell) through the fall league. It seems a little funny that I’ll be playing college ball here in Mac since McPherson (High) was our big rival in high school, but I’m looking forward to it. I know people around here appreciate good basketball.
“I like the up-and-down, run-and-gun style of ball that McPherson plays. I had the opportunity to see parts of a couple of their games last year and I’ve really enjoyed playing ball with some of guys that I know I’ll be playing with.
“I like the idea of a small school. Knowing that when I walk across campus, I’m going to know who people are and that they’ll know me.”
Jamaal, who intends to major in broadcast journalism, is the son of Melvin and Lorie Norris of Hutchinson.
Jamaal Norris signs his McPherson College basketball letter of intent. Witnessing the signing are his parents Lorie and Melvin Norris along with McPherson College head coach Roger Trimmell.
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Five more join Bulldog basketball program
McPherson College has announced the signing of basketball letters of intent by Mark Hallowell of Pratt, Kans., Joe Biggs of Lincoln, Kans., Tim Cox of Lyndon, Kans., Lee Gustafson of Junction City, Kans., and Michael Kennemer of Paris, Texas.
“Lee (Gustafson) will give us a little size up front,” said McPherson head coach Roger Trimmell, “and others can all score and will give us more depth. These guys were all good high school players, and they’re biggest contribution will likely be beyond next season. We thought that about a couple of freshmen this year though before we got started, and they made major contributions. Now, we need to get these young men in here and start blending them in with the returnees we have coming back.”
Hallowell is 6’3” and was an All-Mid-State League performer at Pratt High School. Hallowell averaged 16 points and 7 rebounds a game for the Greenbacks.
Biggs stands 6’2” and received All-Twin Lakes League honors following his senior season when he averaged 12 points per game for the Lincoln High Leopards.
Cox, who will also compete in track at McPherson College, received Class 2A all-state and All-Lyon County League recognition following his senior year at Lyndon High when he averaged 19 points and 10 rebounds. The 6’3” Cox was a double gold medallist at the 2002 state track & field meet, winning the Class 2A 800-meter run title in a time of 1:57.65 and anchoring Lyndon’s gold medal 4x800 meter relay. He also anchored Lyndon;s 4x400 relay to a fourth place finish as the Tigers won the Class 2A team title.
Gustafson, a 6’6” forward, received Class 1A all-state and All-Eisenhower League honors this spring after averaging 19 points and 11 rebounds for the Rams of St. Xavier High School in Junction City.
Kennemer received all-district honors this season as he completed his eligibility at North Lamar High School in Paris, Texas. A 6’2” guard, he shot an amazing 61% (111 of 183) from beyond the 3-point arc this past season when he averaged 18 points a game. When he saw Kennemer’s 3-point percentage, Trimmell commented, “They needed to let him shoot more!”
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Morales Joins Bulldog Basketball
McPherson College has announced the signing of a basketball letter of intent by Adrian Morales of Turon, Kansas. A 6’0”guard, Morales will transfer from Dodge City Community College to McPherson College next fall, where he will join his brother Jose as part of the Bulldog basketball program.
“We are very pleased to have Adrian join us,” said McPherson head coach Roger Trimmell in speaking about the Langdon-Fairfield High graduate. “He’s a hard-nosed, fundamentally sound ball player that brings the experience that comes from playing in the Jayhawk Conference. We’re also glad that Adrian and Jose will have an opportunity to play on the same team again before they finish college.”
Morales averaged 3.9 points per game last season for Dodge City while shooting 50% from the floor including 40% beyond the 3-point arc.
Adrian is the son of Jesus and Maria Morales of Turon, Kansas.
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