The Ponies first signee was 6'0 Guard Egbejiogu Dalu who is a native of Nigeria and finished his high school career in Senegal at the NBA Academy Africa.  "Dalu" is a tough and strong guard that looks to come in and make an immediate impact as a Freshman. Roland Houston, Head Coach at NBA Academy Africa, has this to say about Dalu: Dalu is a very strong guard that has valuable experience playing against elite level talent. He participated in the NBA's Basketball Without Borders Africa Camp and Global Camp.  He is a bright young man that will excel on and off the court.

 

Next, Panola signed 5'9 Guard Jacobi Lewis from OD Wyatt High School in Fort Worth, Texas. Jacobi averaged 12.4 PPG and 7.1 APG and led the state of Texas in total assists. Jacobi was a McDonald's All-American Nominee, TABC All-Region and the two-time District Offensive MVP.  He finished his high school career with over 1,000 career points and 500 career assists.  Head coach at Wyatt High School, Demarqus James had this to say about Jacobi: "We knew Jacobi was special coming in as a freshman. We gave him the keys and he's led us to the most successful four year run in program history. I'm confident that he will go on and make that same type of impact in college."

 

Panola's next signee was 6'8 Forward Troy Hupstead out of Mount Vernon, New York. Troy graduated from Mount Vernon High School and did a post grad year at Carolina Basketball Academy. At Mount Vernon, Troy averaged 21.5 PPG, 14 RPG, 3 BPG, and 2.5 APG.  He was a Top 5 All Section Honoree, Two-Time All Conference and the ConEd Scholar Athlete Award Winner.  Mount Vernon Coach Bob Commino: "Troy was a force in the paint for us since his Sophomore year.  His physicality pushed all of his teammates to new heights.  It is rare to have a player that is a beast and a gym rat like Troy."

 

Jaylen Wysinger was the Ponies next signee. The 6'1 Guard played at Cypress Creek High School where he averaged 14.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.6 APG, and 3.0 SPG.  He was First Team All District and helped lead the Cougars to the District Championship and the Regional Quarterfinals.  Coach Daniel Trocquet has this to say about Jaylen: "Jaylen is a true competitor and a selfless leader who is always looking to make his teammates better.  His style of play models someone who knows how to win and does not fear failure. He was a pleasure to coach and I know he will do great things moving forward beyond high school."

 

The Ponies then inked their first Division 1 Transfer of the year in 6'2 Guard William Mfum from South Dakota State University. The Columbus, Ohio native finished his high school career at Spring Creek Academy in Plano, Texas and then went on to South Dakota State.  At Spring Creek Academy, William averaged 18 PPG and 4.1 APG while shooting 42% from Three Point Range.  He was First Team All Conference and TCAL First Team All State.  Spring Creek Head Coach Mounir Benzegala had this to say about Will: Will led us by not only being the leading scorer but also being our best on the ball defender.  He brought a high level of intensity on a daily basis in practice and games. These qualities make me confident as his former coach that he is going to have a very successful year at Panola.

 

Next, Panola signed Bennie Amos III.  The 6'1 Guard graduated from LB Landry High School in New Orleans, Louisiana.  He averaged 23 PPG and 5 APG en route to earning District 10-4A Player of the Year. In addition, Bennie was All Metro, First Team All District, and First Team All State.  Coach Rob Wallace had this to say about him: "Bennie is a hard working kid with great character. I'm super proud of him.  As a coach, he is the player that you dream about.  He is always the first one in the gym and the last one to leave."

 

The Ponies look to finish up their recruiting class soon and add it to their list of returners for a much anticipated 2021-22 campaign.