MADISON- James Clemens senior Garrett Hicks signed with the Alabama A&M Bulldogs during a ceremony held at his school among family members and friends. The 6-foot senior for the Jets led the basketball program as a Third Team All-State selection after being named to the Second Team as a junior.

“Alabama A&M had the best offer for me and I liked the idea it’s close to home,” said Hicks, who also had offers from Tennessee State, Murray State, Mercer College and Belmont. “I liked the coaches at A&M and I feel good about my choice of schools.”

Last month the Bulldogs signed Dylan Howard as its permanent head coach after serving in an interim coach position since last June. Hicks said he was confident the program is on an upswing and is excited about joining the Bulldogs.

“This was a big day for me as I’ve been playing basketball since age three and my dad taught me everything I know about basketball,” said Hicks, who has a 3.5 grade point average and wants to study studio art where he hopes to continue his talents as an artist. “This is certainly an exciting time for me.”

Hicks, the son of Bryan and Kellie Hicks, scored over 1,000 points in his years at James Clemens and he and the rest of the 2018-2019 team were looking to have head coach Danny Petty retire on a winning note. The Jets came up a little short on their goal, but Hicks said they know they gave their best efforts as Petty excited the position as head coach at the completion of the recent season.

Receiving a full-ride scholarship, Hicks revels on the fact he’s living that dream of playing college basketball. His talents came to the forefront when he was in the second grade in his hometown of Louisville, Ky. During a recreational league he chose to play up to the fourth grade level and in one game in particular Hicks scored every point his team posted. Hicks added, “We lost the game, but it was that night I realized I was pretty good at the sport.”