Jimerson signs with State Fair Community College

sports@standard-democrat.com

NEW MADRID -- Willie Jimerson wasn't afraid to admit he messed up.

His work ethic in the classroom didn't match his determination on the court which left him searching the junior college ranks for his next destination.

But that's not to say the New Madrid County Central senior isn't excited about where he'll be next fall. The all-state guard with Division I talent chose State Fair Community College in Sedalia as a possible stepping stone to a four-year school in the future.

"I kind of slacked off but I'll take that as a learning experience," Jimerson said. "When I get to State Fair I'm really going to hammer down in the classroom and get to where I'm supposed to be."

Jimerson signed his letter of intent Wednesday after being named the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Player of the Year for Class 3 and leading NMCC to its second-best record in school history. Jimerson led the Eagles with an average of 24 points and helped NMCC (26-5) to a third-place finish during the Missouri Show Me Showdown in early March.

"The academics and coach (Kevin Thomas) just kept it real with me all through the recruiting process," Jimerson said about choosing State Fair. "When I visited it felt like home. Felt like New Madrid, but I kind of wanted to get away and get my feet wet in another place."

Jimerson joins a school that competes in Region 16 and had a record of 4-24 last season. The low win total was mostly because of the dismissal of several players due to content detrimental to the team.

"We had some guys make some bad choices and we had to dismiss several guys from the team," State Fair head coach Kevin Thomas said. "Second semester we had basically three scholarship guys. It was a tough year, a very humbling year for us, but we feel like the additions we've made and the guys that are back we should be able to compete in Region 16 again and hopefully get back to the national tournament."

In 2014, the Roadrunners made the NJCAA National Tournament falling in the second round. State Fair has sent two point guards to the next level in the last two seasons which include Kenny Chery, who transferred to Baylor, and Joe Thomasson, who's currently at Wright State.

"They produce a lot of good guards," Jimerson said.

Thomas was particular impressed with Jimerson's athletic ability around the basket as well as his potential to run the point guard position. Something his Roadrunners will need next season.

"He's a guy that can make others better," Thomas said about Jimerson. "I think that's what drew us to him and why we made so many trips down here to see him. That's exactly what we need. It's his competitiveness and his toughness and he's a guy that has a lot of upside. He's really athletic, bouncy, quick. He rebounds well from the guard position and can score. He does a lot of things."

Jimerson chose State Fair over Three Rivers College and Itawamba Community College in Fulton, Miss., among others.

"I think he's got a great opportunity," NMCC head coach Travis Day said. "Coach Thomas is good about getting kids to that next level and developing. Once Willie gets there he can work on his craft every day and whatever he needs to fix, he can. I think he's got a great chance at going to the next level."