Americus-Sumter’s Juwan High and Dwight Harris sign scholarships

ALBANY — Americus-Sumter High School guards Juwan High and Dwight Harris, Jr. signed letters-of-intent Friday morning to continue their basketball careers in college. High signed with Albany State, while Harris signed with Chattanooga State Community College.

“It has been a blessing to coach them,” Americus-Sumter coach Michael Hoffpauir said. “They bring character and work ethic to the table. It was just a matter of unifying everything that we had. They’re great student-athletes and they’ve just been remarkable character guys for the program.”

Harris averaged 16 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals per game for the Panthers. Although a shooting guard in high school, Hoffpauir believes Harris might play the point guard position at Chattanooga State.

High averaged 14.6 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals per game. Growing up, he was inspired by Allen Iverson.

“I liked his heart and work ethic and he did it for short people,” High said.

With Albany State being his only scholarship offer, High decided to take it.

“I just fell in love with the campus and I felt that this was the best place for me,” High said.

After graduation, High said he would like to be a high school basketball coach.

Harris’ father, Dwight Harris Sr., played basketball at Tennessee-Chattanooga in the late 1980s. Harris had offers from Reinhardt, Concordia (Ala.) and was offered a football and basketball scholarship at Lawrence University in Wisconsin but chose Chattanooga State.

“I met coach Jay Price at a junior college showcase,” Harris said. “After I met him, he took me to see the campus and I really liked the campus. I liked the opportunity that he was providing for me.”

Harris said he’s already been accepted to Middle Tennessee State but is also interested in playing for Georgia State after his time at Chattanooga State is over.