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By ZACH KEPLEY
Sports Editor
The Thomasville Times
April 12, 2008
TRINITY — Last year Davidson County Community College head coach Matt Ridge was scrambling to recruit enough players to put a team on the floor. So far this season things are running much smoother, with the signing of two quality Trinity players — Josh Jones and Eric Potts.
The senior tandem led the Bulldogs to the 3-A state championship game at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill, before losing to Kinston. They averaged 13 points and eight rebounds apiece, while helping the team to a 30-2 record. Both create a lot for themselves on the glass — something that was an Achilles heel for the Storm in its 22-7 season.
“There is no doubt in my mind these guys are mentally and physically tough on the boards on both ends,” said Ridge. “If you can’t rebound, you can’t win, and we are hoping these two will help us translate their toughness into a lot of wins at DCCC.
“They have been well coached and been coached hard, and that is another attractive dimension of these two guys.”
Winning is something the two are extremely familiar with the last two seasons. With a combined 55-5 record under head coach Tim Kelly, the Storm will be getting a pair of players that aren’t used to losing. That suits Ridge just fine, and both Potts and Jones hope they can come in and back up the incredible play they have wowed fans with in high school.
“It will be a great experience for us and I am ready to prepare to play,” said Potts.
Other than being exemplary young men who will represent the program well, both were recruited mainly for their rebounding. Though neither has a big frame or is extremely tall, they play much bigger than what the eye can see. Surprising the opposition in high school is one thing, but playing above the rim at the next level is a completely different story. That should not be a problem with these two considering the high level of play that was expected of them by Kelly.
“We hope we can just go dominate the boards down there,” said Jones.
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