Mercer adds Peach State teammates
Mercer University inked a pair of Georgia prep stars with a wealth of winning experience. Wheeler High School seniors James Florence and BeJay Corley recently signed with the Atlantic Sun program.
Florence, a three-star combo guard, enjoyed a big senior season. He averaged 17.7 points, five rebounds and three steals and helped lead Wheeler to a 28-2 record. Corley was a work horse on the boards, pulling down 11 rebounds a game.
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"Coach (Mark) Slonaker said he wants to put the ball in my hands when I get there and run the point," Florence said. "He said he believes in me and needs me to help them out."
Florence was a hot target for a number of programs late in the game. He picked up offers from UNLV, Colorado State, SE Missouri State and San Diego after his showing at the Kingwood Classic. Florence said Mercer's tenacity helped win him over.
"There were some bigger schools from some bigger conferences that came in but I didn't know them like I know the coaches at Mercer," Florence said. "I just didn't have the time to get to know them. Plus, with Mercer it's not to far from home and the academics are great."
Corley actually signed with Mercer in April. Florence said Corley went to work on him as soon as the ink was dry.
"We talked about playing together a lot," Florence said. "I think he knew for a while but I just had to make sure."