Worth County basketball standout Anfernee McLemore commits to play at Auburn

SYLVESTER — It didn’t take Worth County High School basketball standout Anfernee McLemore long to make a decision.

When Auburn and coach Bruce Pearl offered the 6-foot-6 power forward a scholarship, McLemore committed to play for the Tigers late Tuesday night.

“I think it’s awesome,” McLemore said. “It’s a great opportunity. I can’t wait to get out there.”

A two-time member of the Albany Herald’s all-area basketball team as well as a member of the newspaper’s Super Six, McLemore has started for the Rams since he was a freshman. Last year, he averaged 19 points, 11.8 rebounds and 6.4 blocks per game. The senior recorded a handful of triple-doubles during the season and also helped Worth County to the postseason in 2013-14.

Commitments are non-binding. The NCAA’s early signing period for basketball runs from Nov. 11-18, in which McLemore intends to sign.

Rated a three-star prospect by many recruiting services, the Tigers are not only getting a strong player but perhaps an even better student. McLemore scored a 1670 on his SAT and sports a 4.0 grade-point average in advanced classes. He had considered Yale, Brown, Oregon State, Stanford and Georgia Tech. However, there was something that just felt right at Auburn.

“It came down to building relationships and I built a strong relationship with coach Pearl and assistant coaches Keith Golden and Chuck Person. I’m excited about it. I’m ready to get on campus and start playing.”

But before McLemore can set foot on campus, he has his senior year left at Worth County. The Rams also return standout Brandon Moore and should figure into the region chase under first-year coach Roney Mays.

McLemore said staying closer to home so his family could watch him play also factored some into his college decision.

“When I went on my visit, I think it was like two hours,” he said. “I just feel like it’s a place where I can go, play and develop.”