Red Wolves announce Jeffries’ signing for 2020-2021

Parkland College guard joins signees Wesley, Omier on A- State hoops program

astateredwolves.com JONESBORO — Arkansas State men's basketball head coach Mike Balado announced Saturday that Parkland College guard Carter Jeffries has signed a National Letter of Intent to join the program for the 2020-21 season.

Named the Mid-West Athletic Conference Player of the Year, Jeffries averaged 17.2 points while shooting 46.8 percent (183-391) from the field for the 23-7 Cobras. His 17.2 points per game and 72 (72-395) made 3-point baskets ranked second in the MWAC. Jeffries averaged 3.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocks over 30 games played. He reached double figures in 26 games, scoring 20 or more in 11 of those. He poured in a season-best 36 points at Kankakee, while also scoring 35 against Illinois Wesleyan and 31 points at John Wood in the Region 24 Tournament final.

In his freshman season at Parkland College, Jeffries averaged 6.3 points and 1.5 rebounds on 46.8 percent (59-126) shooting. The Cobras posted a 24-4 record advancing to the championship game of the Region 24 Tournament. He led the team with 1.2 made 3-point field goals per game, shooting 37.5 percent (33-88). Balado said, 'We are excited to have Carter join our Red Wolves family. His ability to score the basketball at three levels of the game will have an immediate impact to our program.

Carter is very versatile, can play multiple positions and can really shoot. He possesses unlimited range on his jump shot and is an elite athlete. He is a young man of excellent work ethic and brings great character to our program.'

Anthony Figueroa, Parkland College Head Coach noted, 'Individually, Carter had one of the best seasons since I've been the head coach at Parkland.

He's also been a part of 47 wins in two years and he's been a huge part of our success.”

Jeffries joins USCSalkehatchie forward Keyon Wesley and Miami Prep forward Norchad Omier as additions to the Red Wolves’ squad. The pair signed their National Letters of Intent to join the program in April.

'We are excited to announce the signing of two prospects,' Balado said when the signings were first announced. 'Both young men will not only come in and make an impact from day one, but both are of high character from great family upbringing. We are excited to have Keyon and Norchad join the program.'

Playing in all 31 games, the 6’9” Wesley made 28 starts for the 27-4 Indians that won the NJCAA Region 10 Championship. The Chesilhurst, N.J., native averaged 12.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Wesley shot 56.6 percent (145-256) from the field, 34.3 percent (12-35) beyond the arc and 73 percent (73-100) at the charity stripe.

He reached double figures in 22 of 31 games played, posting 20 or more points in five outings, including a season-best 25 on November 13 against East Georgia State. He finished the year with three doubledoubles and collected five or more rebounds in 26 games.

As a redshirt-freshman at USC Salkehatchie in 2018-19, he averaged 12.3 points and 5.8 rebounds. He shot 61.4 percent (86-140) from the field, 33.3 percent (6-18) from 3-point range and 81.5 percent (44-54) at the free throw line.

Balado said, 'Keyon is someone we have been targeting for quite a while. He is a hybrid forward that can play multiple positions.

Offensively, he can affect the game in many ways with his skill set. He can score around the basket, as well as step out and make jump shots with range.

What attracted us the most besides his character, was how hard he played and his competitive nature. He is an excellent defender that can rebound. We are blessed that he chose us to be his home over the next two years.'

Jake Williams, USCSalkehatchie Head Coach had high praise for his player.

'Keyon is a long, athletic and versatile player that brings tons of energy and effort to the game,” said Williams. “He can defend every position on the floor, and can score the ball at all three levels.”

Recording a double-double in all 46 games played for Miami Prep this season, the 6’7” Omier averaged 26.7 points and 20.3 rebounds per game. Helping the team to a 41-5 record, Omier shined against IMG Academy pouring in 40 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. Omier is the first student-athlete from Nicaragua to sign a Division I basketball scholarship.

'Norchad is just scratching the surface of his talent,” said Balado. “He has only been playing basketball for a couple of years. But he has a special gift, he is a tenacious rebounder. I haven't seen a young man pursue the basketball like him since I coached Montrezl Harrell .He has an extremely high motor and plays with great passion. Out-working opponents and his energy will make him a very unique player. We are thrilled to have him for the next four years at Arkansas State.'

Photo courtesy of Parkland College