Two of Presbyterian Christian School’s most recent decorated basketball players signed their National Letters of Intent to play college basketball on Thursday.
TJ Hogan signed with Millsaps College, which went 17-10 last season, while Jeremiah Montgomery chose Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, which was a program that held a 14-8 record before the season’s end.
“TJ is the foundation of this program,” interim coach Kris Booker said. “TJ is the MVP of the team this past year. He was the heartbeat of the team and got us going every game, especially when things got tough. He had a lot put on him, and he is very tough, so he is very prepared for this opportunity.
“Jeremiah is the same and hasn’t been around this program as long but has been here for two years. He really came on under (head coach Joshua Sherer) and the discipline that he demands. Coach Sherer is a former college coach, so the defense that they have been taught is college defense, and he was a rim protector. He’ll be a rim protector at the next level.”
Hogan was nnamed to the MAIS 5A First Team Selection, a MAIS All-Star member, PCS’ team MVP and was an honorable selection in the PineBeltSPORTS All-Area team. In Hogan’s senior season, he averaged 10.8 points per game and 2.5 assists per game.
“It’s a new venture,” Hogan said. “Their coach and assistant coach has been talking to me since my junior year. I wanted to go there because it seemed like a perfect fit. I love their gym, and the atmosphere, plus they went really far into the playoffs this year.”
Montgomery was also chosen as the MAIN 5A First Team and a MAIS All-Star. In addition, Montgomery was the MAIS All-Star Slam Dunk Champion and was named PCS’ Defensive Player of the Year. On the season, Montgomery averaged 9.3 points per game, 6.1 rebounds per game and 1.9 blocks per game.
“(MGCCC) is close to home, and I get to be closer to my family,” Montgomery said. “It’s a great program. For me, coming out of my hometown, I know many people who go to that school. They work hard to get to where they are going, and all of them had a chance to go D-I after their first or second year. I looked at myself and thought I have a chance to do this and that I have a work ethic. I thought I would try my chances.”
Both Hogan and Montgomery credited PCS in helping and shaping their careers. For Montgomery, being able to practice his religious faith with his team left an impact on his PCS career.
“PCS has made a major impact on me,” Montgomery said. “Not just as a team player but also spiritually. A lot of people don’t have the privilege to do that in school and openly worship God on the court and in classes. As a team, it makes us stronger.”
Hogan, who has attended PCS for 14 years, hopes that he left his school and program better.
“I really do not know anything else,” Hogan said. “The coaches talk about foundation, and I think we built a great program here. I feel like I did leave something, but I don’t want it to be about me. I want to be about the program because without any of these people or my teammates, I wouldn’t be where I’m trying to go.”
