Published: May 08, 2007 10:16 am      

Hammonds now a Crusader

South Laurel senior to further career at North Greenville

By Chris Parsons / Staff Writer

For most high school basketball players, choosing what college to attend can be a tough one.

Many times it is based on the school’s location and the promise of immediate playing time.

For South Laurel’s Jordan Hammonds, the above mentioned factors played a roll in his choosing North Greenville College in South Carolina, but he said the biggest reason was the most important to him.

“Their motto is actually ‘Christ makes the difference’ and that is really important to me as a person,” he said. “To know they are dedicated to promoting a Christian lifestyle is a really big thing.

“I also think I will be able to get some good playing time as a freshman, so that is a big plus,” he added. “I guess all-in-all I just felt comfortable with the coaches, the players and the overall atmosphere on my visit.”

For Hammonds, the signing puts a lid on a stellar high school career at South Laurel.

In five years (eighth-grade), Hammonds was a part of four region championship teams, five district championship teams and one Sweet Sixteen championship team in 2005.

During the process, Hammonds was named to the Region Tournament All Tournament team four times, while earing the 13th Region MVP for the 2006 tournament.

In his senior season, Hammonds was a McDonald’s All American nominee and received All-Sate honorable mention while averaging 17.5 points per game.

He also accounted for 7.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 2 steals per game throughout his final campaign.

On paper, Hammonds’ contributions are obvious to the Cardinals and South Laurel coach Steve Wright said the things Hammonds can do will benefit North Greenville in a big way.

“I personally think he (Hammonds) is going to be a steal for them,” Wright said. “He has a big body, he has skills and he is going to be able to runs the floor. From that level, I expect him to be very successful there.

“I think Jordan is such a, and I hate to use the word rat, but he is such a gym rat, he will continue to improve and get better as he grows,” he added.

For South Laurel assistant coach and father of Jordan, Dennis Hammonds, the occasion is even more exciting than when your average athlete takes the next step.

“The first thing the coach asked me about Jordan when he called was “is he a Christian”,” Dennis Hammonds said. “Right then, I knew it was a good school.

“We kept in contact over a two year period and Jordan prayed about it and this is where he chose to go.

“As a coach, I am very proud of him, but as a father I couldn’t be more proud of him for the things he has accomplished.”