Monday, November 19, 2012

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Looking to bolster the backcourt for the 2013-14 season, Lipscomb men’s basketball head coach Scott Sanderson has announced the signing of standout guards Payton Hulsey and Matt Panaggio to national letters of intent.

A standout for powerhouse Southwind High School, Hulsey continues the tradition of players signing with the Bison program from the talent-rich Memphis area. Hulsey has led the Jaguars squad to a No. 9 ranking by MaxPreps.com and a No. 15 ranking by USA Today nationally along with a No. 1 ranking in the state.

“Payton’s a combo guard that controls the game,” said Sanderson. “He can shoot the basketball very well, guard multiple spots and is a good decision maker.

“We always like to get guys that can play multiple positions both offensively and defensively and he can do a lot of those things.”

As a junior last season, the 6-foot-5 inch Hulsey was named to the “Best of Preps” Class AAA boys team by the Commercial Appeal.

A standout at Father Lopez High School in Daytona Beach, Fla., Panaggio led the Green Wave to a 26-5 record as a senior before enrolling in Worcester Academy, a prep school in Worcester, Mass.

“Matt’s a very talented shooter and is very skilled on the perimeter,” said Sanderson. “He has a great feel for the game and is a hard-nosed defender.

“He’s very versatile as well and understands how to play and how to get open.  Both of them have a skill set, both offensively and defensively, that will be great for our basketball team next year.”

Named to the Orlando Sentinel All-Central Florida team last March, the 6-foot-4 inch guard averaged 16.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists last season.

The Bisons head to Ole Miss to take on the Rebels at Tad Smith Coliseum on Friday at 4 p.m. before returning home on Nov. 26 hosting Murray State at 6:30 p.m. at Allen Arena.