POPLARVILLE — Pearl River's men's basketball program witnessed two of its integral pieces for the 2018-19 season sign to four-year schools Wednesday. 

Forwards Langston Powell (West Monroe, La.) signed with Louisiana-Monroe, while Kirk Parker (Vicksburg) signed Southern University. 

"Back in his neck of the woods, Langston was someone who people had an eye on. It's just the fact that he was young, so this gave him a chance to come in and get his nutrition right and get his weight up some while improving on his skills to where he could show the scouts what they needed to see. I'm happy for him," Oney said. "Kirk Parker is all about toughness. Southern has a new coach in Sean Woods and that is what he is all about so I think they are perfect for each other. Kirk is going to bring a certain level of toughness every single day he steps on that hardwood." 

LANGSTON POWELL

Powell took a circuitous route to sign with his hometown school.

Coming out of high school, Powell was actually set to join the UL-Monroe track team but instead decided enroll at Pearl River to pursue the sport he loves. 

"For me personally, I just love the game of basketball too much," he said. "I had to keep playing." 

It turns out his passion payed off as Powell immediately gained attention from multiple four-year schools. Powell decided to shut down his recruitment and commit to UL-Monroe before his first game as a Wildcat. 

"I came here and I had no scholarship offers but I had a lot of interest from some great schools," he said. "Deep down I knew I wanted to go back home. I wanted to be back in my city that has such a great fanbase."

 KIRK PARKER

For Parker, Southern University's at home atmosphere really made the difference in his decision. 

"Southern treated me like family," he said. "They brought my whole family in and it was a very comforting visit. It's not too far from my home as well so I felt it was a great spot for me. They have something great happening over there." 

Parker was a key reason the Wildcats secured their 18th state championship last year. In 28 games, Parker scored 5.8 points per game while hauling in 6.5 rebounds per game.

The Wildcats are back in action Thursday night when they take on Louisiana Christian School at Marvin R. White Coliseum at 7:00 p.m.

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