All good basketball teams need quality perimeter shooters to separate themselves from the average teams. John A. Logan College women’s basketball coach Marty Hawkins hopes he has landed such a shooter in 5-foot-8 guard Moriah Kirkpatrick from Mount Vernon. At the very least, he has added a player with a strong work ethic who can help provide leadership to a young team.

“I think Moriah will be a good all-around player for us,” Hawkins said. “We have had some good players from Mount Vernon in the past such as Rasheeda Love and Janna Whisenhunt. Anyone who has played for coaches Sara Rennie and Jeff Lonnon have been well prepared for the next level.”

Hawkins said Kirkpatrick will contend for playing time as a wing or shooting guard, but can also play some small forward and handle the ball under pressure if needed.

“What I like about Moriah is that she is a smart player and will work hard to improve her skills. She definitely makes us deeper at the guard position.”

Lonnon, who took over the Rams program from Rennie, said Logan is a good fit for Kirkpatrick, who averaged 11 points per game last season and was named to the South Seven All-Conference team.

“Moriah’s just such a great team player and was a pleasure to work with here,” he said. “She has great character and was a team leader for us. She was the glue that kept us together.”

Lonnon said he is confident that Kirkpatrick is a good fit for the Vols.
“Both athletically and academically,” he said.

Kirkpatrick said she chose Logan because of its academic reputation and a solid basketball program.

“Everyone I’ve talked to has spoken highly of John A. Logan College, its teachers and programs. They offer accounting classes, which is what I plan to major in and which is something that wasn’t offered here closer to home,” she said. Kirkpatrick said she hopes to make a positive impact with the Vols team.

“I’ve only had a chance to meet some of the players once, but am definitely looking forward to the challenge of playing at the next level. I will do whatever it takes to get the job done. I believe Logan will be a good experience for me.”