CCCC big man takes next step
Story compliments of The Daily Record of Dunn by Donnell Coley, Sports Editor
A former Central Carolina Community College center is continuing his budding basketball career.
Jackson Lavengood, Thursday, inked a deal to join the men’s hoops team at nearby Barton College in the fall.
The Western Harnett alum had a career year for CCCC this past winter. He played in 29 games with 19 starts, hauling in just over five rebounds per contest. The 6-foot-8 center also shot close to 60% from the field and helped CCCC advance to the quarterfinals of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 10 Division II Tournament in March.
Lavengood, who was named Cougar of the Year, has increasingly transformed into a coveted collegiate prospect despite playing just two seasons of high school ball.
He elaborated on the recent decision during a phone interview with the Record this week.
Q. How did this new recruiting process begin?
A. I emailed a lot of (college) coaches, I’d say over 20. He (Coach Joel Zimmerman) got back to me pretty quickly.
Q. What made you choose Barton?
A. It seemed like a good program. And I went for a visit, I was really impressed by the coach and what he wanted to do with the program. After doing some thinking and emailing some other coaches, I figured out this was the best spot for me.
It seemed like a small town and so, I feel like it’s gonna be very people-oriented. … Everyone wants to chip in, wants to be there for games, wants to really support the program. That’s what I really love.
Q. How did CCCC prepare you for this opportunity?
A. I learned a lot. I came in as a pretty raw prospect … It was definitely a learning experience, because my first year wasn’t really that good. I was like the youngest on the team and hadn’t had as much experience as all these other guys. But I think the second year, I really grew as a teammate, as a leader and definitely as a player.
Q. What more can you improve about your game?
A. I feel, offensively, I still got a lot to work on when it comes to low post, mid-range and 3-pointer. Defensively, I think having to play against guards is gonna be something that’s a little rough, but that’s something I’m excited (about) and look forward to. … I’ll also get to venture out with my game because I won’t be playing the 5 (center) anymore. I get to experiment and be a 4 (power forward).