Clayton Announces 2008 Signing Class
June 20, 2008
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - The Carson-Newman men's basketball team has signed four players for the 2008-09 season, head coach Dale Clayton announced Friday.
The class is comprised of two forwards and two guards, all of which come to the Jefferson City campus with high-decorated resumes.
"We can't be more pleased with this class," Clayton said of the group. "It fits our needs for the way we want to push the tempo up and pick up full court."
Jared Stephens (5-9, point guard) is an East Tennessee product out of Oak Ridge High School. He averaged 15.7 points, five assists and four steals per game for the Wildcats this past season, while helping the team to a berth in the TSSAA Class AAA State Tournament.
Stephens was an All-State selection in 2007-08, earning district and region tournament Most Valuable Player honors in the process.
"(Jared's) quickness is impressive," Clayton noted. "He is going to cause a lot of problems defending on the ball."
Khamori Watts (Atlanta, Ga.), a 6-4 shooting guard from Westlake High School, averaged 16 points, six rebounds and four steals, while leading the Lions to a Final Four appearance in Georgia's 2007-08 Class AAAA State Tournament.
Watts was an All-Region selection this past season, and also competed in the Atlanta All-Star Classic and the AJC.com Slam Dunk Contest. He was a four-year varsity player, and Westlake advanced to the state tournament in each of those seasons.
"(Khamori) is a tremendous athlete in the open court," said Clayton. "He is a good finisher and three-point shooter."
Tray Okoth (Richmond, Va.) comes to Carson-Newman following a successful career at Cleveland State Community College. The 6-3, forward averaged 20 points and six rebounds this past season while reaping All-TJCAA honors.
During his high school career at Henrico, Okoth earned All-District, All-Region and All-State honors after averaging a double-double (18 points, 13 rebounds per game) for his senior campaign.
"(Tray) is a good penetrator that is strong and quick in getting to the bucket," said Clayton. "He'll be a real match-up problem in our league."
Darron Maxtion (Boligee, Al.) is a 6-5 forward from East Central Community College in Decatur, Mississippi. He averaged 10 points and seven rebounds for the Warriors during his playing career. He was the 2007-08 team MVP, while also earning All-State honors from the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges.
As a senior at Sparkman High School in 2005-06, Maxtion garnered All- Region and All-State awards.
"He is tough in the post," Clayton said of Maxtion's abilities around the basket. "He can score and rebound."
Carson-Newman went 18-9 overall this past season, including an 8-6 record in the South Atlantic Conference.
