Pirates sign with Albany Technical College
by Glenda Bailey, Sports Writer

Melvin Patterson, seated, signs with Albany Technical. Standing, left to right, are Principal Ginger Webster, Coach Sylvester Patterson, Asst. Coach Kenny Williams, Coach Tim Martin, Aremo Jean Patterson and Marvin Patterson.

Last Tuesday, April 10, was a very busy day for Albany Technical College's new Head Basketball Coach Sylvester Patterson and his Assistant Coach Kenny Williams. These young coaches signed five high school basketball players to their new basketball team. Well, guess who signed from Miller County? They were Willie Butler and Melvin Patterson.

Willie Butler is the son of Mrs. Betty Bush. Willie averaged 12.6 points per game, 2 steals, 6 assists, and 2 rebounds. Butler is a 5 foot 10 point guard who was named an All-Region defensive player of the year for the 2006 season as well to the GACA Class A All-State team.

Melvin Patterson is the son of Mr. Marvin and Mrs. Aremo Jean Patterson. Melvin averaged 23.6 points per game, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. Patterson is a 5 foot 11 shooting guard who was selected to the GACA 1st Team All-Region.

Albany Technical College will be competing in Region 17 against colleges such as ABAC, Perimeter, Middle Ga., Coastal Ga., South Ga. Tech., and Truett McConnell.

In a recent interview with our own Miller County Basketball Coach Tim Martin, Martin stated, "Both of these athletes worked really hard this year, and are so deserving of this recognition. I am so proud of them. I look forward to seeing them play for Albany Technical College and give their coaches the hard work and dedication they gave to the Miller County Basketball program."

Other athletes who signed with Albany Technical College were Albany High's Bryan Chatmon, Turner County High's Rayshard King, and Crisp County High's Ken Williams.

On hand to see this event were Marvin and Aremo Jean Patterson, Lee Butler, Miranda Butler, Reva Butler, Shannon Butler, Javiah Powell, Zae Butler, Crystal Fountain, Berlisha Fountain, Markesha Hawkins, and Gerald Hawkins.

Congratulations, Willie and Melvin. Willie keep that smile and show Albany Tech how to slip in on that awesome shot you have, and Melvin show Albany Tech how to shoot the hoop with three pointers. All the Miller County Pirate Fans are very proud of both of you, and we wish each of you the best. Always remember this: Can't could never do a thing, but COULD could if you put forth the effort!