Fox Inks Two From In State

From UGA release...

University of Georgia basketball coach Mark Fox announced on Wednesday the signing of two in-state players to national letters-of-intent to attend Georgia and play for the Bulldogs next season: Donte Williams of Ellenwood, Ga., and Sherrard Brantley of Dublin, Ga.

Williams, a 6-9, 210-pound forward, is completing his senior year at Miller Grove High School in Lithonia. The Wolverines have been one of the most successful programs in Georgia during his career, including AAAA titles in 2009 (26-3 record) and 2010 (27-6). As a senior Williams averaged 13.1 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks per game. He was named the state's 4A Player of the Year by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

"We're excited to have signed a player of Donte's length and athleticism, but also a person of his caliber," Fox said. "He has the ability to affect a game from both ends of the floor. He's well-coached, comes from a great program at Miller Grove and he's been a big part of their success during his career."

Brantley, a 6-2, 170-pound guard, will come to Georgia after one year at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville, Fla. He will have three years of collegiate eligibility remaining. In his one season with the Raiders, he averaged 13.7 points per game, shooting 43 percent in making 113 three-pointers. NWFSC went 30-5 last season, won its conference and state titles, and reached the quarterfinals of the National Junior College tournament in Hutchinson, Kan. Brantley was named the Panhandle Conference Freshman of the Year at season's end.

Brantley completed his prep career as a key member of the 2009 Class AA state champion Dublin High School team.

"Sherrard is another player who's been a part of a championship program and he understands winning," Fox said. "He can really shoot the basketball from long range. His shooting ability can stretch a defense, which is very important for us to be effective in our offense."

Williams and Brantley join 6-8 forward Cady Lalanne of Orlando, Fla., as Georgia signees thus far this year. After signing with the Bulldogs last November, Lalanne averaged 20.9 points, 12.8 rebounds and shot 56 percent from the field to lead Oak Ridge High School to a 24-9 record and the 2010 state 4A championship game. He was named the state's Player of the Year in his classification.

The 5-week spring signing period began Wednesday and concludes May 19.