By Mike Finnerty
mike.finnerty@surewestsports.com
Emotions filled the small auditorium room on the campus of Sacramento High School for Wednesday’s National Letter of Intent signing day.
Putting pen to paper and making their college commitments official were four Sac High Dragons basketball players that included Darius Graham (UC Davis), Erik Kinney (CSU Bakersfield), Jasmine Ware (UC Santa Barbara), and Jehiah Cook (UNLV).
Speaking first at the signing ceremony was Jehiah Cook, the 5’5” point guard for the defending Division III section champions. It didn’t take long for Cook to fight back her emotions as she stared down at the table, and struggled to voice her words of thanks to all those who supported her. Cook gathered herself and delivered a terrific speech.
The moment was also a time of reflection for Cook.
“I remember my first letter in the mail from San Diego State. I was just so proud. I just kept getting more, and more, and more and put them in my “Jordan Box” and I was just so excited.”
Cook averaged 4.6 points per game last season, but this year she’ll be asked to replace Fantasia Hilliard who is now the starting point guard for Sacramento State.
As for UNLV, Cook liked everything about the school.
“When I went there for camp, they showed that they loved me. It was a great experience. I love their coaching staff, they are supportive, and they care about the grades, and I could just see myself there in Vegas.”
Next to speak was 5’10” guard Jasmine Ware, but the emotions of the moment got to Ware as well.
“I think it’s really how much you overcame, and where you started from and where you are now,” said Ware. “Most people when they start off don’t think they’ll get this far, and when you do, it just takes over your emotions.”
Last year Ware was third on the team in scoring at 11.5 points per game, first in rebounds at 8.5 a game, and second in steals at 2.8.
Ware selected U.C. Santa Barbara for several reasons.
“Academics are very good. I really like the campus, beach is close to your dorms, and it’s close to family,” said Ware. “I decided after I took my first official visit. Once I went there I felt like I was at home. I really liked the team chemistry, the coaches, and it just made me feel like I was at home. I committed around September.”
Kinney (6’4”) and Graham (5’10”), the second and third leading scorers on Sac High’s Division III section championship team of a year ago, also signed Letters of Intent and battled those same emotions while delivering their speeches.
“At first last night, I couldn’t sleep,” said Graham. Thinking about playing as a little kid until now, it all came to me.”
Said Kinney, “It’s a team come true. It’s been a wonderful experience, hard work, and dedication.”
Kinney enjoyed the recruiting process, but indicated that CSU Bakersfield saw Kinney early on in the process and didn’t take long to make him an offer.
With so many to credit, Kinney gave high praise to long time Dragons head coach Derek Swafford.
“It’s been long hours and hard work, especially under coach Swafford. He’s real strict, but he makes you into a better man and a better basketball player,” said Kinney.
What does Kinney look forward to the most in college? With a chuckle, and a twinge of seriousness, Kinney replied, “I’m really looking forward to winning a National Championship.”
Graham gave a great speech as well as he looked in the eyes of his mother sitting in the front row. He also thanked his father, who was taking photographs in the crowd, and like Kinney, he too gave credit to Coach Swafford.
As for the recruiting process and the selection of U.C. Davis, Graham enjoyed it all and he likes what Davis has to offer.
“It was a great experience, it’s like a dream come true,” said Graham. “All the hard work I have put in, along with my cousin Jasmine and the scholarship seniors. It’s a real blessing. The academics, first of all, is real good. They’ll challenge me. The new coach Jim Les will turn around the program real quick. Being close to home also allows my parents, grand parents, and family to see my games.”
College talk aside, in asking all four players what they are looking forward to the most this coming season, the unanimous answer by each player was, “State Championship”.