Two Dillon High School players signed this morning (Friday) to play at the college level. Ja’Quan Knowlin signed to play basketball at Lenoir Community College. Malcolm Buie signed to play football at Globe Junior College in New York City. More will be in The Dillon Herald next week.
PHOTOS BY JOHNNIE DANIELS/THE DILLON HERALD
Ja’Quan Knowlin, the son of James and Angie Knowlin, signed on Friday to play basketball at Lenoir Community College.
Knowlin began playing basketball in the sixth grade. He was influenced most in basketball by his uncle, Donald Evans, who saw him playing in the yard and signed him up for recreation basketball.
Knowlin believes that he is a good fit for Lenoir because he feels the college and the classes are right for him. He plans to major in law.
Knowlin, who played center for Dillon High will be a small power forward at Lenoir College. He will bring his discipline and focus with him to the college level.
In his high school career, he has scored over 1,100 points and over 700 rebounds with limited playing time. This season he averaged 12 points per game and 10 rebounds with a limited number of touches. He has received a number of honors including Team MVP, All Region, All State, All Tournament, and Player of the Year for Region 2A. Knowlin received offers from Spartanburg Methodist, USC Appalachian, Coker College, Newberry College, and Morris College. Angie Knowlin, his mother, said they were very proud of him, and he has come a long way. “We expect him to continue his good work and excel. His family supports him in all his endeavors.”
Dillon High School Athletic Director Jackie Hayes told Knowlin that he had been provided another opportunity and that he should thank everyone who helped him get here. “You’ll be on your own. Mom won’t be there to take care of you. You must take care of yourself. Don’t forget what you’ve been taught,” Hayes said.
Head Coach Mike McRae, Jr., credited Knowlin with leading Dillon to the lower state game this year. “This is only the beginning for him. The ‘light bulb’ came on just before the region game. He corrected things he needed. I am very excited for him.”
McRae said that Knowlin was more than a player -he’s part of our family.
“From an early age, Dad took him in. Knowlin has had a lot of help from teachers, coaches, family, and others. We are very proud of him. It’s like he’s one of our own children,” McRae said. Knowlin helped his Dillon Wildcats teammates to a 9-1 mark in the conference in his senior year and an overall 20 wins and only 6 losses for the season. Knowlin led the team in field goal percentage in his senior year while making 132 of his attempted 205 field goals for 64%. He also led the team in rebounds in his senior year with 114 offensive and 106 defensive rebounds.
Dillon High School’s Malcolm Buie signed on Friday to play football at Globe Junior College in New York City.
Buie has played football since he began with recreation football at a young age. He was influenced most in this sport by his brother, Kwinton Smith.
Buie believes he is a good fit for this college because the defense is the same as Dillon High School. He said he will carry with him a better attitude and work ethic to the college level. He plans to major in sports administration.
Buie, who plays on the defensive line, earned All State honors. He also received an offer from Southern Prep in Louisiana. Terry Bethea said he was very proud of Buie and thankful that the injury did not stop him. “I’ll be by his side. Don’t give up,” he said.
Coach Jackie Hayes congratulated Buie on this opportunity. “You have been given a second opportunity. The Lord has blessed you as you recovered from your injury. I don’t want to see you back in Dillon next year. Apply yourself and excel.”
