The Grand Bahamian players, Jason Williams and Jermaine Woodside, have signed letters of intent to play college basketball at Spoon River Community College in Canton, Illinois. The duo’s impressive performances on the court have earned them the opportunity to take their talents to the collegiate level.
Jason Williams, a 6-8 forward, and Jermaine Woodside, a 5-foot, 11-inch guard, both played for the Sunland Baptist Academy Stingers, one of the top high school basketball teams in the country. Throughout their high school careers, they have demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication to the sport.
Williams, who played for the Stingers for one year, expressed his excitement for playing college basketball, saying, “I started playing basketball in 2022 and I came to Sunland in 2023 for one year. It was tough to switch over from Abaco to Freeport, but I got through it.” He went on to attend a prep school in Orlando and eventually signed with Spoon River Community College.
Woodside, who served as the Stingers’ captain, was only with the programme for three years but left a lasting impact on the team. He expressed his gratitude to his family, friends, and coaches for their support throughout his journey.
“I want to thank God for making it possible for me to be in this position and I want to thank my family, friends, and Sunland Baptist for their support,” said Woodside. He also expressed his appreciation for his mother, who has been his rock throughout his basketball career.
The players’ achievements on the court are a testament to their hard work and dedication.
- Williams won a championship title for the Stingers in 2024, and Woodside won three consecutive Grand Bahama high school championships.
- Both players have also participated in the Hugh Campbell and Best-of-the-Best titles.
Their college journey will be an exciting one, as they look to make a name for themselves in the collegiate basketball scene.
| Jason Williams | Spoon River Community College |
| Jermaine Woodside | Spoon River Community College |
The Sunland Baptist Academy Stingers’ coaching staff, including head coach Marco Philippe, associate head coach Jay Cooper, and assistant coach Bonnie Basden, have played a significant role in the players’ development.
“These guys came into the institution with big hopes and dreams. They all say they want to play at the next level, and today, by the grace of God, they get to show themselves and to put themselves in a good position for their families,”
said Philippe. The players’ families have also been instrumental in their success. Desrah Mckenzie, Jason Williams’ mother, said she’s “super proud” of her son, and Shaleena Russell, Jermaine Woodside’s mother, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity that her son has been afforded.
As the players embark on their collegiate journey, they will have the opportunity to develop their skills and pursue their passion for basketball. With their hard work and dedication, they will undoubtedly make a lasting impact on the collegiate basketball scene.
What’s Next for the Players?
The players will be attending Spoon River Community College, where they will have the opportunity to play college basketball and pursue their educational goals. Williams has expressed his desire to major in education, while Woodside plans to study business.
In the future, both players hope to make a name for themselves in the collegiate basketball scene and inspire others to pursue their dreams. As they continue on their journey, they will undoubtedly face challenges, but with their hard work and dedication, they will overcome them and achieve their goals.
Coach Philippe’s Message
Coach Philippe, the head coach of the Sunland Baptist Academy Stingers, has a message for the players. “Jermaine has won three consecutive Grand Bahama high school championships and tip off classics, and Jason has won one for us and they both won Hugh Campbell and Best-of-the-Best titles for us,” said Philippe. He also emphasized the importance of staying focused and working hard to achieve their goals.
Conclusion
The signing of Jason Williams and Jermaine Woodside to Spoon River Community College is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the sport. As they embark on their collegiate journey, they will undoubtedly make a lasting impact on the collegiate basketball scene. With their passion for basketball and their commitment to their educational goals, they will be able to achieve great things and make a name for themselves in the collegiate basketball world.
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