Western Harnett had a signing ceremony Monday for Darnell Carver and Jamar Butler, who are headed to Central Carolina Community College to play basketball. Seated from left are Roberta Carver (mother), Carver, Butler and Donyetta Butler (mother). Standing from left are Western athletic director Russell Taylor, varsity boys basketball coach Seth Womble, principal Chris Pearson, Ed Smith, Connor Graham, Tremayne Butler (dad), Colleen Graham and Brian Graham. Butler resides with the Graham family.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Al Myatt)
Central Carolina Community College men’s basketball coach Brad McDougald likes the skill sets and intangibles that Western Harnett players Jamar Butler and Darnell Carver will bring to his program.
Butler and Carver signed with CCCC on Monday (Feb. 26).
Butler averaged 15.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.0 steals for the 2017-18 season.
Carver averaged 13.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.3 steals.
“Jamar is a really, really quick guard,” McDougald said. “He shoots well. … His basketball IQ is high and he will bring a toughness to the defensive end that we really need. He understands spacing, which a lot of high school players don’t. He can knock down shots and he can dribble drive as well.”
McDougald likes Butler’s unselfish approach, too.
“He’s a really good team guy,” said the CCCC coach. “I’ve seen him get more excited when his teammates do good things than when he does something good himself.”
Carver came on strong during the Tri-County Six 3-A Conference portion of the Eagles’ schedule.
“He’s lightning quick,” McDougald said. “He can rebound for a guard and he’s a lock down defender. He can knock down shots from mid-range and he’s a good free throw shooter. He’s always engaged. Every timeout, he’s paying attention to what’s being said.
“He understands how valuable every possession is and he takes care of the ball.”
McDougald likes the fact that the Western duo also can perform in the classroom.
“Our (academic) standards are a little higher than the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association),” said the Cougars coach.
CCCC prefers an up tempo.
“They’ll fit in,” McDougald said. “I expect them both to compete for playing time next year.”
McDougald said he seeks to develop his players to transfer to four-year college programs.
In the meantime, the incoming pair from Western will be counted on to contribute against a demanding CCCC schedule.
Western coach Seth Womble has had the all-conference duo as starters for two seasons.
“They both have tremendous athletic ability,” Womble said. “We’re excited about the fact that they get to play at the next level. It’s great for Western Harnett and it’s great for them individually.
“They’ve been a big part in our growth. They’ve made us a very competitive basketball program. We’re happy for them. The fact that they can get an education and play is great. We wish them nothing but success.”
Western made the playoffs last year and were in a logjam in the Tri-County this season.
“We’re a good hedge on a ball screen away from being the No. 2 seed in our conference,” Womble said.
