Jake Reed is anxious to start playing basketball for theCopiah-Lincoln Community College Wolves. The Brookhaven Academysenior signed scholarship papers Monday during a ceremony in theschool’s library as teachers and fellow students applauded theevent.

“I’m looking forward to getting on the court,” said Reed. “It willbe an honor to play for Co-Lin.”

Reed’s basketball skills were strengthened last season by spendingextensive time in the weight room. He packs 200 pounds of muscle ona lean 6-foot-3 frame.

“Jake is strong and versatile,” said Co-Lin assistant coach CliffFurr. “We really think he can come in and help us. We have beenimpressed by his commitment to lifting weights. He has gained moremuscle by lifting weights.”

Reed agreed. “Lifting helped my game overall,” said Reed. “I’vealways liked Co-Lin. It’s the right fit for me.”

A National Honor Society member, Reed serves as treasurer of hisschool’s chapter. He is undecided on his major in college.

Reed and his family moved to Franklin County from Kentucky. Heenrolled at Brookhaven Academy in the eighth grade. His brother,Hunter, is in the eighth grade. His sister, Cassi, is a fifthgrader. His parents are Tim and Teresa Reed.

Reed was instrumental in leading the Brookhaven Academy Cougars toan unprecedented sixth straight MAIS Class AA State Tournamentchampionship. He averaged 18 points, six rebounds, three assistsand two steals per game as the Cougars finished 29-7.

His performance earned him Mr. Basketball and Most Valuable Playerrecognition on The DAILY LEADER’s All-Lincoln County BasketballTeam. In the MAIS Class AA-AAA All-Star Game, Reed scored 18 pointsand grabbed nine rebounds, earning MVP honors in the Southvictory.

Brookhaven Academy coach Dale Watts said he was happy to see Reedjoin Co-Lin coach Dennis Sims’ program. “I feel extremely goodabout Jake signing with Co-Lin. We are good friends with Dennis andwe will be able to see Jake play.”

Reed will join former BA star Blaine Roberts who started for Co-Linas a freshman.

“Jake is the best athlete I’ve coached,” said Watts. “He’s veryversatile. He can play any position. I know Co-Lin will be good forhim and he will be good for Co-Lin.”

The Wolves hope to rebound from one of their worst-ever campaigns.They finished 6-17.

Some of the latest Co-Lin signees are 6-foot-4 forward Chris Millerand 6-3 guard Maurice Williams, both of Vicksburg; 6-6 forwardDesmond Sims of Magee and 5-9 guard Jordan Stentiford ofMadison-Ridgeland Academy.