Sports

Randolph-Clay star trio to sign with Valdosta St.

• Herald Super Six and Randolph-Clay hoops stars DeAndre Johnson and Precious Peak, along with teammate Brian Thornton, all verbally committed recently to VSU.

Scott Chancey

CUTHBERT — It did not take long for DeAndre Johnson to choose Valdosta State as his place to play college basketball.

The same went for teammate Brian Thornton and Lady Red Devils star Precious Peak as they all plan to sign with the Gulf South Conference school within the next month. The regular signing period for college basketball is April 16-May 21.

“It was a relief,” said Johnson, the grandson of legendary Randolph-Clay coach Joe Williams, who won his 1,000th game last season. “It’s stressful to find what school to go to.”

Johnson averaged 23 points, eight assists, four steals and three rebounds for the Red Devils who were ranked No. 1 and undefeated before losing against Dublin.

The senior, however, is putting the heartbreak from that loss behind him.

“I love the environment (at Valdosta State),” Johnson said. “It made me feel like I was at home. It’s close enough to where my family can come see me even now and then, too.”

Thornton, who also played a key role during the Red Devils’ season, averaged 12 points, 10 rebounds, four steals and three assists. He may, depending on his test scores, instead sign with Okaloosa-Walton (Fla.) if he doesn’t fully qualify. After originally wanting to play football for the Blazers, the hardwood now appears to be a welcome destination.

“I just love the game,” Thornton said. “And I’m going with one of my teammates. You can’t ask for anything better than that. I just want to keep playing in front of a crowd.”

Peak, who was part of Randolph-Clay’s run to the Final Four, is ready to play college basketball just after her older sister, Aldrany, completed her senior season at Albany State. The Lady Blazers, who reached the South Region final before losing against Delta State, graduate seven of their 12 players, and that proved attractive to Peak.

“I have a good chance of playing next year,” said Peak, who made two trips to the Final Four during her career at Randolph-Clay. “But I’m more focused on my education. I’m majoring in sports management, and they have one of the best sports management programs in the country. This is a place I’ve thought about going to since the 10th grade.”

Peak averaged 15 points, eight rebounds and six assists during her senior year.

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