Trojan men sign five quality recruits to join elite program
By MOC Sports Information
Published in Sports on April 25, 2012 1:48 PM
MOUNT OLIVE -- Four decorated incoming freshmen and a junior transfer comprise the 2012 recruiting class for the Mount Olive College men's basketball program.
Joining the Trojans are Michael Moore, Dontrell Brite, Dominique Reed, John Wieland and Barry Tucker.
"We are very excited for Dominique, John, Barry, Dontrell and Mike to join the Trojan family," MOC head men's basketball coach Joey Higginbotham said. "All five are exceptional young men that will truly be an asset to our program and institution. They are all hard working and motivated to help us compete for championships."
Moore, a senior at James Kenan High School, signed a national letter-of-intent with MOC last fall. The 6-foot-7 forward averaged nearly a double-double this past winter (15.1 points, 8.9 rebounds) and guided the Tigers to a runner-up finish in sectional play.
Kenan emerged the Tri-County 1-A regular-season champion and concluded the year 20-9.
"I was very elated and happy for Michael upon learning of his decision to continue his education and athletic career at Mount Olive," Kenan head coach Jeff Lane, who was an assistant to Higginbotham two seasons ago, said. "Michael worked very hard to be in a position to play at the next level on and off the court."
A super athletic point guard, Brite pumped in 13.3 points and picked opponents for four steals a game this past winter at Nansemond River (Va.) HS. The 5-10 guard brings an "extra burst of quickness and defensive presence" to the Trojans backcourt, according to the MOC staff.
Brite had two 12-steal games this season.
Reid posted a double-double (19 points, 10 rebounds) during his senior campaign at Garner Magnet School. The Trojans logged 25 victories which included the Class 4-A Greater Neuse River regular-season and tournament championships.
Reid earned second-team All-State honors from the N.C. Coaches Association and has been selected to play in the annual East-West All-Star Game this summer in Greensboro.
"Dominique is an outstanding low post scorer with good hands that rebounds well and has a great ability to run the floor and defend," Higginbotham said.
Wieland, a 6-5 sharp shooter from Pittsboro Northwood, averaged a solid double-double (20.1 points, 12.1 rebounds) for the Chargers this season. Northwood won the Carolina 12 Conference regular-season championship and played in two N.C. High School Athletic Association 2-A state title games with Wieland in the lineup.
Wieland scored 1,715 points during his prep career and drained a whopping 357 3-point field goals. He was the league's player-of-the-year as a junior and was a first-team All-Carolina 12 selection as a senior.
"John is an exceptional outside shooter that will be able to help us spread the defense and expand the floor in our offensive approach," Higginbotham said.
Junior Barry Tucker red-shirted this past season after playing as a freshman and sophomore at Conference Carolinas foe St. Andrews University. The Knights are transitioning from NCAA to NAIA next season.
Tucker is a New York native.
"Barry is an exceptional athlete and is a very versatile player," Higginbotham said. "We will be able to use Barry in many different ways in our program."