Faith Baptist Christian Academy’s Kirk Hill Jr. signed a letter of intent Thursday to play basketball for Trinity Baptist College in Jacksonville.
“I’ve been hoping for a long time that I would make it to the next level. I’m excited about the opportunity, but also a bit nervous,” Hill said.
One person who isn’t nervous about the senior joining his team is Eagles assistant coach Dillon Brown, who came down for the signing.
“We like his effort both on and off the court. He is very versatile and we will be able to use him in several different positions. He’s a respectful young man, and he has the three things we look for in a player — effort, ability and character,” Brown said.
His high-school coach, Jonathon Morgan, and athletic director/coach, Mathew Sellars, also praised their former player.
“He’s a great defensive player and always a team player. No one will give you more hustle and determination than Kirk, and he’s always doing what is best for the team,” Morgan said.
Sellars said, “He’s a 100-percent kid in the classroom, on the court and off the court. He will make a great impact for Trinity. His specialty is defense and at 6’4”, he can guard all the positions.”
Hill’s mother and father, Tonya and Kirk Sr., also attended the ceremony.
“We’ve emphasized the three B’s to him — the Bible, books and basketball — in that order,” Tonya Hill said.
“With Mom making sure he kept his grades up, all I did was keep him fed,” Kirk Sr. said. “But seriously, he’s always been a hard worker, and he is a good steward to his team and teammates.”
Hill, who helped lead the Crusaders this year to a 31-6 record and a top-10 ranking in Georgia by USA Today, will join an Eagle team that went 23-6 this year and won the NIT South Region Championship.
“I just want to thank coach Sellars and coach Morgan and also my mom and dad for always supporting me,” Hill said.
Lady Crusader Brittany Hall signed on to play college softball and basketball, and Hall’s teammate, Jerry Owens, signed to play basketball. Read Wednesday’s Courier to find out where they’re going.