With almost all Sophomores on the Ponies' 2019-20 Roster, Coach Aaron Smith knew he and his staff had their work cut out for the program when it came to recruiting for next season.  The coaching staff has already inked 12 student-athletes to Letters of Intent so far.  

 

The following is an alphabetical list and description of each incoming student-athlete.

 

Sherman Brashear: 6'4 Left Handed Guard

Sherman comes to us from Rockwall High School in Texas.  He was awarded 11-6A First Team All-District and is currently ranked #86 in Texas by Texas Hoops.  Coach Aaron Smith on Sherman, "Sherman is a smooth guard with great length that can shoot it and put the ball on the floor.  He has improved drastically from his junior year due to his tireless work ethic and we are very excited to add him to the Pony Family."

 

Cody Deen: 5'9 Guard

Cody comes to us from Bossier High School in Louisiana.  Cody "Duke" Deen helped lead Bossier High School to the 3A Louisiana State Championship.  He earned First Team All-State Honors and was also named the 2020 Shreveport Times Player of the Year.  Cody also played on the Nike EYBL Circuit with Pro Skills out of the Dallas area.  Coach Aaron Smith on Cody, "Cody is a bigtime playmaker with the ball in his hands.  His handle is very tight and he is lightning fast and has great shot-making ability. He is a great addition to our squad!"

 

Stephen Faramade: 6'8 Post

Stephen comes to us from Fort Bend Bush High School in the Houston area.  Stephen was ranked as high as #60 in the state of Texas by Texas Hoops.  Coach Aaron Smith on Stephen, "Stephen is a high motor big man that can really run and jump.  He is a very hard worker and has an extremely high ceiling.  We look forward to having him do work for us next year!"

 

BJ Francis: 5'10 Guard

BJ comes to us from Waxahachie High School where he led one of the best teams in the state of Texas.  In the toughest high school district in the state, BJ earned First Team All District 7-6A and is currently ranked #68 in the state of Texas by Texas Hoops.  Coach Aaron Smith on BJ, "BJ is an extremely tough and fast play-making guard that helps his teams win by scoring, dishing, and playing exceptional defense.  We are very excited to have him in the green and gold!"

 

Jalen Griffin: 6'0 Left Handed Guard

Jalen comes to us from South Grand Prairie High School, one of the best programs in the state of Texas.  Jalen averaged 17 Points Per Game in the toughest district in the state (7-6A) and shot over 40% from 3FG his senior year.  Coach Aaron Smith on Jalen, "Jalen is a tough left handed guard that can really shoot it and score it.  He is an aggressive on-ball defender and he knows how to win.  He will be a great player for us next year!"

 

Nicolas Hardin: 6'7 Forward

Nicolas comes to us as a transfer from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  "Nico" graduated from Spring Woods High School in Houston, TX in 2019.  He will come to Panola after Redshirted a year at NCAA D1 Southern University.  Coach Aaron Smith on Nico, "Nico is a strong forward that can really score in the paint and rebound well.  He has the ability to defend multiple positions and his motor will prove to help us in a big way next year!"

 

Michael Hogg Jr.: 6'2 Guard

Michael comes to us from Tenaha High School.  He had a standout senior season where he averaged 23 Points Per Game and 4 Assists.  He was named TABC Class 2A All State.  Coach Aaron Smith on Michael, "Michael is an aggressive playmaking guard that can really push the ball and score in bunches. We are excited to have him next year!"

 

Isaac Jackson: 6'4 Guard

Isaac comes to us from LaPoynor High School.  His senior year he averaged 25 Points Per Game and 12 Rebounds Per Game.  Isaac was named TABC 1A Player of the Year in the state and also earned All-East Texas Boys Basketball Player of the Year.  Coach Aaron Smith on Isaac, "Isaac is a high flying guard that can finish in the paint and on the fast break.  He will be a fan favorite.  He is a great addition to the Panola Family!"

 

Tytan Newton: 6'1 Guard

Tytan comes to us from Richmond High School in Richmond, Indiana.  Tytan was a First Team All Conference selection in the North Central Conference and averaged 13.7 Points Per Game and 4.4 Assists Per Game.  Tytan also played on the Nike EYBL Circuit with Chicago's famous Mean Streets program. Coach Aaron Smith on Tytan, "Tytan is a tough play making guard with great speed that can really score it and find his teammates.  We are very excited to have him with us!"

 

Esteban Roacho: 6'3 Guard

Esteban comes to us from The NBA Academy Latin America, which is an elite basketball training center in Mexico City for the top male and female prospects from throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, Canada, and South America.  Coach Aaron Smith on Esteban, "We are very excited to add Esteban to our team.  He is a very tough guard that brings energy and intensity to our program."

 

Jalen Williams: 6'1 Guard

Jalen comes to us from Virginia Beach Sports Academy where he played this past season.  He is a native of Charleston, SC.  Coach Aaron Smith on Jalen, "Jalen is a very mature guard that plays with great pace.  He is very good in the Pick and Roll and can score in bunches.  He really is a great addition to our program!"

 

Traymond Willis-Shaw: 6'7 Forward

Traymond comes to us from Westover High School in Fayetteville, NC.  Traymond, a highly touted prospect, was a First Team All District Selection in the PAC 9 (one of the best districts in North Carolina).  Coach Aaron Smith on Traymond, "Traymond is a special talent.  He has unbelievable length and athleticism.  His skill set and motor help set him apart.  Pony fans will be sure to love this young man!"

 

Coach Smith and the rest of the staff at Panola will look to bolster their front court with the remainder of this signing class.