Eagles Basketball Introduces Signing Class for 2022-23
Waleska, GA - Coach Newton and his basketball staff have been working hard after their 2021-22 season. They have some big shoes to fill with star players like Kristian Collins, Marcus Kirkland, Josh Press, and Keyshaun Street graduating and moving on. The Eagles had a great regular season finishing just behind Union and Montreat in the conference standings. The Eagles came up short in the AAC Tournament and failed to make it to the NAIA National Tournament even though they were one of the better teams in the AAC the entire season. Coach Newton looks to add players to returning starters including Jalin Wimberly, Nate Louis, Greg Hobbs, Tyler Smith, and Tafari Thomas - just to name a few... This team is still loaded with talent that should make a lot of noise this upcoming season and these incoming players should only help this cause.
Coach Newton and his staff have released the signing class for the 2022-23 season and it is an impressive group of young men. There are seven total players that will join the Eagles Basketball Program this fall. Coach Newton had this to say about the new class:
"I'm really excited about the class we put together. We lost a lot of really good players from last season but have some key returners back. We will be different this year. We will be younger in some ways but I've never been more excited about a group of young talented players as I have been this year. The guys coming in I believe fit perfectly on the foundation of what our previous players have done here. I believe Reinhardt Basketball has a lot to look forward to as we move the program forward."
The 2022-23 Reinhardt Basketball Signees
Brandon Barron 6'0 160lbs Combo Guard
Previous Schools: Georgia Highlands/ NC A&T/ Alpheretta HS (Georgia)
At Georgia Highlands, Brandon led GHC to a 37-15 Record in two years, Averaged 7.0 PPG, and shot 39% from 3-point land. Brandon Redshirted at NC A&T during the 2019-20 season. Barron was Freshman of the Year at his high school in 2016. By his senior season, he was a team captain. Going into the 2018-19 season, Barron was named preseason first-team All-State. He was a first-team All-Region and second-team All-State by the season's end after averaging 18.0 points. He led Alpharetta High School to 25 wins as a senior.
"I believe Point Guards are judged of wins and losses and Brandon has won a ton of games both in HS and college. Brandon has unbelievable quickness, athleticism, and is able to score in bunches at any spot on the floor. He also has playmaking ability to create for others around him. Brandon is coming off an injured season and is extra hungry to get back out there and help us win. He will be a big part of our team immediately."
Brasen James 6'3 185 Wing
Previous School: Evans High School (Georgia)
James averaged 20 ppg 8 RPG and 2 SPG at Evans in his senior year. He is a 3x All-Region Selection, 2X All-State, CSRA Area MVP, and was the MLK tournament MVP this year. James led Evans to a GHSA 6A Elite 8 Appearance and an overall record of 21-3.
"We are really lucky to have Brasen choose RU for his four-year home. He is one of the most decorated High School players we have ever signed. Brasen has big-time athleticism, size for his position, and a motor that runs to the top on both ends of the floor. The way he plays fits our style like a glove and we are really excited to see him in an RU jersey."
Damian Horton 6'10 225 Forward/Center
Previous School: Rockmart High School (Georgia)
At Rockmart HS Damian averaged 11 PPG 10 RPG 2 BPG his senior year and was named 2nd Team All-Region and led his team to a 17-9 season this year which was an 11-win improvement on the previous year. Horton was also named All-Region Honorable mention in his junior year.
"Damian has unlimited potential. He has legitimate Division 1 size, athleticism, and moves extremely well for his size which is rare at our level. His ability to rebound, defend and protect the rim will be an extremely valuable asset to our team. I believe he is a hidden gem in our state and I am really excited to work with him.
Mekhi Mawdesley 6'6 170 Wing
Previous School: Habersham Central High School (Georgia)
Mawdesley senior year he averaged 17 ppg 88% FT and 6 RPG while earning 1st Team All region (8, 6A) and Scholar-Athlete Honors. He led the team to their first winning season in a decade. Was second-team All-Region (2, 7A) his junior year. Over his 4 years he's helped lead 4 teams to the state playoffs, and two teams to the Elite 8.
"Mekhi was one of the best if not the best shooters in the state of Georgia. He is a coach's kid that understands how to play and has been successful at wherever he's been. He played for HOF Reinhardt Eagle Sam Allen's BCB travel team and was really good for them. Mekhi has already grown an inch or two and his athleticism has taken a jump since his senior year. His ability to space the floor and play multiple positions helps him fill several gaps on our team. We are really excited about his future here at RU"
Jordan Edun 6'3 170 Wing
Previous School: East Coweta
Edun is a 2x 1st team All-Region and helped East Coweta to runner-up in the region championship and hosted and won the first state playoff game since 1971. Before East Coweta, Edun was a standout at Northgate HS where he averaged 21 PPG & 3 steals.
"Jordan is one of the better scorers I've recruited. He is long, athletic, and can create opportunities for himself at all levels for himself and others. I think Jordans' best basketball will be ahead of him. I saw him on a backcourt in an AAU tournament put up 40 twice and made it look easy. He has all the tools to be a great player. If he works hard and is patient the sky is the limit for him. Really excited about his future here at RU."
Nekhi Fisher 6'4 170 Wing
Previous School: Parkview High School (Georgia)
Fisher averaged 9 ppg and 5 rpg for Parkview High School. Fisher helped lead Parkview to a state tournament appearance where he scored 16 points (4-5 from 3 against #11 in the Nation Pebblebrook HS.
"Nekhi is a late bloomer with a ton of potential. He has great size for his position and can really shoot the ball. His length, skill, and upside make him a perfect fit here. He will have to get stronger but that will come over time and we know he will work hard when he gets on campus!"
Cade Williams 5'7 150lbs Guard
Previous School: Chestatee High School (Georgia)
Williams averaged 11 ppg 5 APG, Lead the entire state in assists, and helped lead Chestatee to the State Playoffs for only the 4th time in school history. He was the recipient of the "Team Commitment Award" at Chestatee.
"Don't let his height fool you, Cade is one of the toughest dudes I've ever met and he didn't miss one practice for his team. He's an extremely quick and crafty point guard that has the ability to create for others. He really can shoot the ball and stretch the floor which makes him tough to guard."