SC's RWs TO PLAY JUCO BALL

SCOTT CITY -- Ron Watson and Ryan Weatherspoon have a lot in common.

They both played basketball for the Scott City Rams this past season.

They both were named to the all-region team.

They both have the same initials.

And they both will be playing college basketball.

Watson and Weatherspoon both received scholarships and signed with junior colleges recently.

Weatherspoon will play at Mineral Area College in Park Hills and Watson will play at Shawnee Community College in Ullin, Ill.

"I'm very proud of both of them," said Scott City coach Derek McCord. "Both had outstanding careers and both were reasons we've had so much success that past few years."

McCord said both had offers from four-year institutions, but opted to try the junior college route in attempt to land at a Division I school in two years.

"I think it was the right decision for both," said McCord. "Both of these guys are winners and they can bring that winning attitude into both programs. I think both guys can go and play right away."

Weatherspoon was a second-team all-state selection this past season. The 6-foot-6 center averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds his senior year. He scored 1,278 points in his career for the Rams, but it was his defense that was so impressive. He averaged almost five blocks per game last season and 3.6 blocks per game the last three years.

"He's probably the best help defender I've had," said McCord.

Watson, a 6-3 shooting guard, was Scott City's leading scorer this past year, averaging 18.8 points per contest. He also dished out 3.1 assists per game and grabbed 3.8 rebounds.

"He really matured and came a long way his senior season," said McCord. "He's so versatile with his size. He can shoot the three and back down smaller guards. And he causes trouble on defense with his long arms."

Watson and Weatherspoon are the eighth and ninth Scott City graduates to play college basketball since 1994.