July 25, 2007

LAURINBURG, N.C.—Billy Lee, Head Basketball Coach for the St. Andrews Presbyterian College men’s basketball team, has announced the addition of six new student-athletes for the upcoming 2007-2008 season.

“The Recruiting Class for 2007 brings us more size, which has been a nemesis for us in the past,” said third year Head Coach Billy Lee. “We have three players six-foot, six-inches or taller; and that will increase our size in the post and wing positions.”

The six newcomers help bring depth to all positions on a St. Andrews roster that is already returning 10 players from last year. The new recruiting class includes four local North Carolina freshmen and two college transfers.

“It will be very interesting to watch this class develop,” concluded Lee.

The Knights coaching staff will look to build on a pair of double-digit win seasons in each of Billy Lee’s first two years at SAPC, with the help of the six new playmakers in 07/08.

The new St. Andrews recruiting class includes:

Colby Poe comes to St. Andrews after transferring from Livingstone College. Poe, who is five-foot, ten-inch combo guard, graduated from Marlboro County High School in 2005. Poe averaged 15 points, six assists, and five rebounds per game while being selected as a three-time All-Conference selection, a 2005 All-Hoops Team award winner, and conference Co-MVP honoree his senior year.

“Colby is a dynamic scorer and shooter,” boasted Lee. “He is a player who brings versatility to the backcourt and he will be a good basketball player.”

Thomas McKinley graduated from Trinity Christian High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The five-foot, eight-inch point guard averaged 13 points and six assists per game. McKinley was a two-time First Team All-Conference selection and an All-State honoree in his senior year. McKinley was named the 2007 Fayetteville Male Athlete of the Year and MVP of the Trinity Christian Tournament.

“Thomas brings quickness and athleticism to the point guard position,” expressed Lee. “He also has a knack for finding the open man. He played for a former player of mine, Heath Vandevender, who was a good player for me at Campbell. Thomas is a team player and gives us more talent in the backcourt.”

Zach Perry graduated from Thomasville High School in Thomasville, North Carolina. The six-foot, six-inch wing averaged 12 points and six rebounds per game. Perry was the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Western Regional and Most Outstanding Player (MOP) in the State Championship Game for the 2007 North Carolina 1A State Champions.

“Zach is coming off a great year and he is a winner in every sense of the word,” commented Lee. “He will be a good inside/outside player for us.”

Drew Zimbro comes to St. Andrews after transferring from NCAA Division I Jacksonville University. Zimbro, a six-foot, five-inch wing, graduated from Lecanto High School in Lecanto, Florida where he became the school’s all-time leading scorer with more than 1,000 career points. Zimbro was named the district and conference Player of the Year by leading his team in scoring, rebounding, and blocked shots.

“Drew is a fundamental sound player who has played at the D-I level and has a great opportunity to be very successful at the D-II level,” predicted Lee. “He is a gym rat that loves the game.”

Josh Lanham graduated from Greensboro Day High School in Greensboro, North Carolina. The six-foot, seven-inch forward averaged 13.5 points and eight rebounds per game while leading his team in assists. Lanham, a McDonalds All-American nominee, was an All-Conference and All-State selection in his senior year. Lanham was also named to the Little 4 Invitational All-Tournament Team.

“Josh will contribute with his size and versatility to the power forward position,” stated Lee.

Zack Garst graduated from Hopewell High School in Charlotte, North Carolina. The six-foot, eight-inch post averaged 12 points and six rebounds per game in his senior season. Garst helped lead his team to the 4A Western Regional where they lost by one-point to McDowell.

“Zack brings needed size in the post and has some range on his shot,” explained Lee. “He is a versatile player and I am excited about him coming to St. Andrews.”