Ahyaro Phillips gets release from James Madison, signs with Southern Mississippi

[LamarStatesports]

Ahyaro Phillips, the leading rebounder and shot blocker on the 2009-10 Lamar State College-Port Arthur men’s basketball team, won’t be going to James Madison University as previously reported.

The 6’-8”, 210-pound power forward originally signed with James Madison, then obtained a release from that school and signed with Southern Mississippi State University.

Phillips, who transferred to Lamar State from the University of Nevada-Reno, was one of four Seahawks who scored more than 300 points this year.

He set team records for rebounding (325 total, 11.2 rpg) and blocked shots (103). He had 20 double-double games and recorded Lamar State’s first-ever triple-double game with 20 rebounds, 12 blocked shots and 10 points against Lone Star College-Tomball.

His triple-double also included single-game record for rebounding and blocked shots.

Phillips ended the season ranked 11th in the nation in rebounding and blocked shots.

He was second in Region XIV in rebounding and shot-blocking, seventh in field goal accuracy and 29th in scoring.

Lamar State head coach Matt Cross noted that Phillips was Lamar State’s first Division I transfer player, and now is the college’s first NCAA Division I signee.

“We would not been able to have the best season in the college’s history without him,” Cross said. “Ahyaro will be a great addition to the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles. Conference USA is considered to be the top mid-major conference in the country. There is no doubt that Ahyaro can be a major contributor at that level. We wish him the best as he represents Lamar State College-Port Arthur in his continuing basketball career.”