Kendrick Johnson, a junior college transfer from Bossier Parish Community College, has signed with the Troy State men’s basketball team for the 2002-2003 season.

"Kendrick should make an immediate impact at the small forward position," said Troy State assistant coach David Felix, who was responsible for signing Johnson. "He is capable of scoring inside and out. He has great range for his jump shot and also has solid post moves." Johnson, a 6-foot-5, 195 lbs., comes to Troy State after playing two seasons at Bossier City, joining teammate Greg Davis in signing with the Trojans.

Last season at Bossier Parish, Johnson averaged 14 points and seven rebounds per game while leading Bossier Parish to a 23-10 record.

"He is intense, aggressive and can shoot the three," said Bossier Parish head coach Jason Tinsley. "He is a solid player who can score from the post as well as on the perimeter. If he continues to work hard, he will be a great player for Troy State."

A native of Colfax, La., Johnson started at Montgomery High School in Montgomery, La., leading Montgomery to a 22-7 record his senior year. As a starter that season, he averaged 29 points and 12 rebounds per contest, earning first-team all-state and all-district honors. He was also a nominated for the McDonald’s All-America award.

"Kendrick is a hard-nosed player like Donnie Pemberton," said Troy State head coach Don Maestri. "Kendrick has a lot of talent and is going to step in and help us immediately next season. He is a three-pointer shooter and will give us some depth at the forward position."

Johnson joins the Trojans after claiming the 2002 Atlantic Sun Championship, their second conference title in three seasons. Troy State loses three starters from last year’s team, including first-team all-conference performers Robert Rushing and Lamayn Wilson.

"We lost a lot of talent from last year’s team, but with the addition of Kendrick to our program with our other signees, we feel that are going to have a good team next season," Maestri said. "Kendrick is a solid player and should make the transition to Division I basketball seamlessly."

Matt Terry named new golf coach

Matt Terry, who recently led Shelton State to the Division II junior college national championship, has been named head men’s and women’s golf coach at Troy State on Thursday.

Terry takes over for long-time head coach Barney Burnett, who is retiring after 17 seasons at Troy State.

"We’re very excited about Matt coming to Troy State," said Troy State athletics director Johnny Williams. "We are very fortunate to be able to hire someone who’s as dedicated to his profession as Matt. His accomplishments speak for themselves, and he is going to be a tremendous asset to our golf program."

Terry, a native of Moulton, Ala., has served as the head coach at Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa, Ala., for the past three years. In each of his three seasons, Terry led Shelton State to the national tournament, claiming third place twice before winning the 2002 title.

"I’m extremely excited to get the opportunity to take over for Coach Burnett and build upon the success that he brought to Troy State," Terry said. "The golf program is storied program and has a lot of tradition, and I look to build upon that. With Troy State being at the Division I level, it doesn’t get any bigger than this, and the potential is there to be able to tee it up with the best in the country."