Messenger file photo by Chris McCarthy
Six Gadsden State Community College basketball players will continue their athletic career at four-year colleges.
Among the scholarship signings were Kintavious Dozier with Grambling State University in Louisiana; Parker Godwin (pictured at rigth) with Berry College in Rome, Georgia; Azaad Ben and Ryan Anderson with Oakwood University in Huntsville; D’Angelo Foster with Arkansas Baptist in Little Rock, Arkansas and Morrez Calloway with Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.
“I’m very proud of the accomplishments of these players,” said Gadsden men’s head basketball coach Deddric Tarver. “They have all worked so hard on the court and in the classroom. I look forward to watching them succeed at the next level.”
This past season, Dozier (pictured above at left) led the nation in points per game with 27.8, was third in the nation in total points with 751 and third in field goal shooting. He was selected as the Alabama Community College Conference North Division Co-Player of the Year. Dozier, who played guard, was named to the First Team All-Region Team and the First Team All-North Team. He was named ACCC Player of the Week for the week of November 15.
Dozier was twice named to the ACCC Dean’s List for maintaining least a 3.5 GPA and was twice selected to the ACCC Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll for his academic success. He earned a general studies degree in May.
“Kintavious is an exceptional young man,” Tarver said. “He not only excelled in basketball but surpassed many academically. I believe in him and know he will excel at Grambling State.”
A former ASWA Class 3A Player of the Year from Fyffe, Godwin has also proven to be a Gadsden State success story.
“Parker has been an outstanding guy from Day 1,” said Tarver. “He has demonstrated growth on a personal, athletic and professional level while he was here.”
Godwin was twice named ACCC Player of the Week. He made the Dean’s List once and the President’s List twice for a perfect 4.0 GPA. He was named to the ACCC Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll three times and recently received an associate degree in liberal arts.
“Parker is on the right track, and I believe he’ll stay on track,” Tarver said. “I know he will continue to evolve and flourish as a player at Berry.”
Ben was named to the ACCC Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll twice and recently earned an associate degree in general studies.
“Azaad is a well-mannered, hardworking young man,” said Tarver said. “I always appreciated his effort and the positive attitude he brought to practice every day. I enjoy coaching players like him.”
Anderson served as one of the team’s captains for the 2022-23 season. He was named to the ACCC Commissioners Academic Honor Roll for his success in the classroom. He recently was awarded an Associate in Science in general.
“I’m going to miss Ryan’s drive and the energy he used to keep the team on the defense on the court,” Tarver said. “He worked hard at Gadsden State, and I know he’ll do the same at Oakwood.”
Foster led Gadsden State in blocks in 2022. In 2023, he took a break from basketball to focus on his academics. He was named to both the Dean’s List and ACCC Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll. The Piedmont native recently earned a general studies degree.
“I know D’Angelo will continue to focus on his grades while cultivating his basketball skills at Arkansas Baptist,” said Tarver. “I am so proud of his accomplishments.”
Calloway played forward for Gadsden State for the 2022-23 basketball team.
“Morrez is a hard worker,” said Tarver. “He worked constantly to improve his game throughout the year and during the offseason. He has a lot to contribute to Stillman and will make a positive impact at the college.”