Sports

Sign the dotted line

• Randolph Southern’s Samantha Worthy and Randolph-Clay’s DeAndre Johnson both sign college basketball scholarships Friday.

Scott Chancey

CUTHBERT — When Randolph-Clay’s DeAndre Johnson signed his national letter-of-intent to play basketball at Valdosta State this fall, he realized it would be a transition to adulthood.

“It’s the first step to success,” Johnson said. “I started seeing myself as a young adult moving toward a new life.”

The 5-foot-5 elusive point guard who is the grandson of Joe Williams — who recently retired as the Red Devils’ coach after a 46-year overall career — helped lead Randolph-Clay to a region championship, the GHSA Class AA Elite Eight and a 28-1 record.

Meanwhile, another Randolph County school, Randolph Southern, had one of its star players sign with Darton. Samantha Worthy, who helped lead the Lady Patriots to a region title and the GISA Class AA Final Four, will play for the Lady Cavaliers this fall.

For Johnson, who was a Herald Super Six and honorable mention All-State pick, it was a family affair at his gathering.

“I loved it,” said Johnson, who averaged 23 points, eight assists, four steals and three rebounds last season. “My grandparents, my mother and father, and not to mention the whole senior class was there. It was really nice.

“I played for an AAU team also, the Georgia Blazers and Valdosta State’s nickname is the Blazers. Once a Blazer, always a Blazer.”

Valdosta State’s proximity was not the only factor in Johnson’s decision.

“I just loved the environment,” Johnson said. “It made me feel like I was at home. It’s close enough to where my family can come see me every now and then.”

Williams feels Johnson made a good choice.

“He was pretty happy with Valdosta, and even more happy because it’s closer to home,” Williams said. “He’s quick, he can shoot from long range and can handle the ball well and dish it off. I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t get plenty of playing time there.”

For Worthy, an All-State selection who averaged 19 points and nine rebounds for Randolph Southern, choosing Darton had a lot to do with its location — and Darton coach Laura Blackwell.

“I want my family to come watch me and support me,” Worthy said. “Support always helps. I’m very excited because I’m leaving a good program and want to continue to work hard and contribute to Darton as much as I can.”

Worthy likely will be auditioned for the shooting-guard position vacated since Charlotte Styles was a sophomore last season.

“I love her precision shooting and her hustle,” Blackwell said. “We had been looking for a player to step in and be ready to play on the court and we liked what we had heard about her. After going to watch her play, we are certainly glad to have her.”

Worthy admitted, though, she will have a lot of work ahead while playing for the Lady Cavaliers.

“(Coach Blackwell) is very energetic and I like that,” Worthy said. “A coach always helps you get motivated to win and get excited for basketball. I know she’s tough, but every good player needs a tough coach.”

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