Haggerty, Edwards prefer small-campus life ... for now

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on May 11, 2012 1:49 PM

• Print
• Email

Spring Creek High School's basketball success over the past two seasons was tied primarily to two players.

Adam Haggerty and Rashawn Edwards propelled the Gators' program to new heights on the court and the pair have accomplished a first during Taylor Jones' tenure as head coach. The duo inked their respective national letters-of-intent to play college basketball next fall.

Haggerty will be making the short trip to Pinehurst where he will join Division III JUCO national champion Sandhills Community College. Edwards will join Catawba Valley Community College.

"I am really excited for the two of them because I know how hard they have worked," Jones said. "It's the first time we have had two guys move on to play college basketball."

Haggerty weighed offers from several Division II programs, but decided that the opportunity to play right away at an accomplished program was too good to pass up.

"A lot of schools looked at me but a lot of them wanted me to redshirt or sit out a year," Haggerty said. "I have always wanted to play basketball in college and going to a great community college will hopefully lead to more looks after a year or two."

Former Goldsboro High School forward James Williams will also be joining the Sandhills program next season. Williams and Haggerty waged several battles during their prep days.

"I know James and I know what he brings to the table as a player," Haggerty said. "Our games are very different, but I think we will compliment each other well."

A move to shooting guard will pose several challenges for Haggerty during the next four months. Over the summer Haggerty plans on working in the weight room to improve his strength as well as his ball-handling ability. He will have to share the equipment with Edwards, who also pointed to getting stronger as his top priority.

"I am probably going to be playing the small forward spot and that means I have to get more physical in the post," Edwards said. "I know what the coaches at Catawba Valley expect out of me when I get to campus and I know how much work it is going to take to get there."

Edwards hopes that Catawba Valley will be a step toward a potential chance to play at Fayetteville State. The Broncos showed interest in Edwards during his senior season, but were prepared to redshirt Edwards if he came to Fayetteville out of high school.

By going to a community college, Edwards will get to play as a freshman and still be eligible to transfer to FSU at a later date.

"Catawba Valley made me feel comfortable with their program right away," Edwards said. "I met with the players and coaches and watched them practice a few times. I can't wait to get there and get started."

Edwards plans on majoring in engineering. Haggerty plans to major in landscape design or business.