Three Hinds Bulldogs sign with Division One schools

Dontrell McQuarter, Ladarius Marshall, and Peyton Taylor, three members of Hinds Bulldogs basketball program, have signed national letters of intent to continue their basketball and academic careers at the NCAA Division One level.

Dontrell McQuarter signed with the Rider University Broncos.

During the 2019-2020 season, McQuarter started all 25 games for Hinds and led the team in multiple categories including: games started (25), total points scored (375), points per game (15.0), free throws made (85), and free throws attempted (120). McQuarter also tallied 151 rebounds, 72 assists, 25 steals and blocked 13 shots.

Additionally, the 6-foot-7 forward averaged 28.6 minutes per game and shot 56.5% from the field, 43.5% from the three-point line, and 70.8% from the free-throw line.

On top of being named to 2019-2020 NJCAA Region XXIII Men’s All-Region team, McQuarter was named MACJC First Team All-State and was a member of the NJCAA Region XXIII All-Tournament Team.

“I’d like to give the honor to God for blessing me with this opportunity, despite the obstacles that stood in the way,” McQuarter said. “I want to thank my family and loved ones who believed in me even when I doubted myself. I also want to thank all my former coaches, teammates, and the entire Hinds community. Lastly, I want to thank Coach Fitzgerald who became more than a coach to me these past two years. He gave me the only thing I could ever ask for from a head coach, his trust. I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my life at Rider.”

Rider University is located in Lawrenceville, N.J., and competes at the NCAA Division One level in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. Rider University was 18-12 during the 2019-2020 season.

“Dontrell was a phenomenal player and person for us at Hinds these past two years. He trusted me, listened to my guidance and put the work in to accomplish his dream of playing at the division one level. I couldn’t be happier for him. He’s going to play for a stand-up guy in Coach Baggett (Rider head coach) and gets to play in an outstanding basketball conference in the MAAC,” said Hinds head basketball coach Yusef Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald coached in the MAAC at Iona College prior to his hiring at Hinds.

Ladarius Marshall signed with the University of New Orleans Privateers.

Marshall finished the 2019-2020 season with an average of 11 points per game, shot 57.2% from the field, and 72.3% from the free-throw line. Marshall collected a team-leading 186 rebounds and 62 blocked shots. He also collected 14 steals and had nine assists.

“I want to first thank God for everything. Without him I wouldn’t be the person and player I am today. I am glad that he led me to a great place like Hinds and put me around a great coaching staff and group of people,” Marshall said. I also want to thank all of my coaches for always being there for me. Last but not least, I want to thank my mom and my family for supporting me since day one. I’m looking forward to this great opportunity at the University of New Orleans.”

The University of New Orleans) in located in New Orleans, La., and competes at the NCAA Division One level in the Southland Conference.

“Krunchy (Ladarius Marshall) left Southern Miss and transferred to us with the hopes of getting back to the NCAA Division One level at a program that was a good fit for him.” Fitzgerald said. “I’m glad he trusted me and was able to accomplish the goals we set for him. He’ll fit in great with Coach Slessinger (UNO head coach) and the well-respected program he’s built at UNO.”

Peyton Taylor signed with the Grambling State University Tigers.

Taylor finished the 2019-2020 season with an average of 9.1 points per game and made 41 out of 98 three-point attempts (42%). Taylor also collected 24 assists and 14 steals.

“I would like to thank God for blessing me with the talent to play the game of basketball,” Taylor said. “Secondly, I’d like to thank my family and coaches for helping me make this decision. Third, I want to thank my Bulldog family including Coach Nevol, Coach Ferrell and all my teammates. Lastly, I would like to thank Coach Fitzgerald for giving me a chance to show what I can do when nobody else did.”

Grambling State University is located in Grambling, La., and competes at the NCAA Division One level in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

“Peyton was kid who was under-recruited and came to Hinds with a dream of playing at the Division One level,” Fitzgerald said. “He worked extremely hard and developed into that Division One player he set out to be. I am so happy we were able to help him achieve that goal, and I look for him to have a great career for Coach Jackson (Grambling head coach) at GSU.”

All three sophomores were crucial for the Hinds Bulldogs in their historic 2019-2020 season where they racked up 16 total wins, finished just two games away from the NJCAA Men’s Division One Basketball Championship, and won their first MACJC State tournament game and first NJCAA Region 23 tournament game in over a decade.

“This doesn’t happen without all of the help and support from our president, administration, athletic department, faculty and staff, and everyone else who has invested in our program,” Fitzgerald said.