Lion basketball signs Franklin duo

HENDERSON, Tenn. - The Freed-Hardeman Lion basketball picked up two new additions to its 2009-10 recruiting class with the signings of James Haddix and Michael Young of Franklin, Tenn.

The duo played together for four years for Coach Jay Johnson at Franklin HS, and also played AAU together on the Franklin Rage.

"Coach Johnson has continued to build on the tradition of Franklin High School basketball," said FHU head coach Jason Shelton. "They have a true program where players improve on and off the floor."

Haddix, a 6-foot-9 center, has seen his game develop tremendously over the last 12 months. As a senior, he averaged 13 points, seven rebounds, and two assists per game while behind named to the all-district and all-region teams.

"James is coming into his own as a player," Shelton said. "His size, strength, and athleticism will allow him to contribute as a freshman. He has a great desire to improve his individual skills within our team concept."

Young, a 6-foot-1 guard, started for the Rebels for three seasons. He completed his senior season with averages of 14 points, four rebounds, and four assists per game. He was named the District 11-AAA Player of the Year and was selected to the all-district, all-district tournament, all-region, and all-region tournament teams. Young was also named all-district and all-district tournament as a junior, and was a three-time all-region and all-region tournament player.

"Michael is a winner. He has a high basketball IQ and is an intense competitor," said Shelton. "He has physical toughness and good basketball skills but his mental toughness allows him to compete at a high level."

Haddix and Young join Jonathan Milewski (Evangelical Christian/Memphis, Tenn.) in the Lions' recruiting class.

"Both James and Michael come from very supportive families," Shelton said. "We're excited about having them in ours."

James is the son of Paul and Kathy Haddix; Michael is the son of Walter and Ginger Young.