Jacksonville quartet has college plans

 Editor's note: This is the first part of the series of stories on recent college signings for area athletes.

A quartet of Jacksonville High School basketball players will soon be joining college programs.

Cardinal seniors Jeremy Hearst, Damien Williams, Curtis Brooks and Stephanie Rogers recently made it official their plans to play at the next level.

Hearst will play for Division II St. Andrews Presbyterian, Williams will join Pitt Community College's team, Brooks will walk on at Division II Pfeiffer and Rogers will play JUCO ball at Spartanburg Methodist College.

Hearst, a center who went on to share Daily News All-Area Player of the Year honors, averaged nearly 11 points and an area-leading 10 rebounds per contest to help Jacksonville to the NCHSAA 3-A Sectional final.

Meanwhile, Williams, a guard, notched about 12 points per showing while Brooks, a forward, tallied nearly nine points and seven boards per effort.

Rogers, a guard, tallied nearly six points and four rebounds per game to help the Cardinals into the state playoffs.

Hearst to St. Andrews: Hearst decided on the school in Laurinburg after his official visit, in which he saw the team's style.

After figuring he wouldn't need time to adjust, Hearst decided on St. Andrews, rather than Wingate, Mt. Olive and Campbell. The son of Charles and Patricia Hearst, Jeremy will receive financial aid for both athletics and academics.

Hearst knows what he can bring to St. Andrews.

"My rebounding, my defense and my inside presence," he said. "I hustle a lot and I am resilient."

But before joining the Knights, Hearst knows there are things he needs to progress.

"I have been doing a lot of running and weight lifting so that I am stronger and faster and where I am ready for the college level," he said. "I think it will take time to get a good name out, but if I work hard I will become better and hopefully they will make me better."

Williams to PCC: Williams chose Pitt Community College in Greenville following a visit.

"Everyone on the team is real good," said Williams, who also considered St. Andrews and Pfeiffer. "I also have family in Greenville."

But Williams does not have plans just for Pitt Community College.

"After Pitt I plan to transfer and play Division I ball," he said.

Until then, Williams will work on his game. Anticipating bringing "offensive and defensive intensity to PCC," Williams is aware his defense will need to improve.

"That's why I will be playing against some good scorers in the summer," said the 19-year son of Gloria Sherrod. "I'm real excited and I am ready to start the season now."

Williams will be receiving financial aid.

Rogers to Spartanburg Methodist: Rogers will garner financial aid for both basketball and academics.

She said she fell in love with the campus after a visit to the school located in Spartanburg, S.C. and appreciated the coach (Ralph Patin) because he was once military. 

"He was actually at Camp Lejeune and that allowed us to connect," said Rogers, who added that SMC is the only private JUCO school in South Carolina.

One thing Rogers liked about the hoops program was the fact she felt each player had something to contribute, meaning she will have to elevate her game in order to garner playing time.

"There were other places I looked at, but this team had other girls who were awesome, and that would make me more competitive," Rogers said. "They would make me work harder and I am looking forward to that.

"They were regional champions last year and I hope we can carry that into this year."

Rogers, 17, the daughter of Rebecca Rogers, credits her work ethic as the thing that propelled her into the college ranks. She has continued that habit in preparing for coach Patin.

"I need to improve my foot speed on defense," said Rogers. "I have always worked on my shot and dribbling on my own, but I have to work on defense because defense is something that sets everyone else apart."

Brooks to Pfeiffer: Brooks will walk on at Pfeiffer, located in Misenheimer, but plans on eventually earning financial aid through athletics. He will receive a grant via academics.

Brooks appreciated the Falcons' style on the court. He also considered N.C. Wesleyan and Methodist. 

"They win a lot," said Brooks of Pfeiffer. "I think I can bring energy and leadership down the line and my defense to the team. I also have a lot of heart."

But until joining the Falcons, Brooks is concentrating on improving his game. The 18-year old son of Curtis Sr. and Paula Brooks wants to improve on his jump shooting and his strength.

"And also my conditioning," he said.