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By BRANTLEY STRICKLAND
USC Salkehatchie head basketball coach Travis Garrett is known not to shy away from top players in his recruiting efforts. Anyone who would need further proof need look no further than the Indians latest signee.Darien Booker, a 6-foot-8, 240-pound center from Union High School, officially signed with Salk Wednesday, becoming the Indians biggest recruit to date.If the name sounds familiar, it should. Booker is the younger brother of former Clemson standout Trevor Booker.“Darien’s mentor is a good friend of mine, and he kind of let me know that he was available,” Garrett said. “A lot of the kids I’ve already recruited knew him too, so sometimes kids recruit other kids. He definitely gives us a high level type player. He has a chance to come in here and really make an impact. He’s got those Booker genes, so we know he will come in here and play hard and rebound.”Booker’s National Letter of Intent capped a huge seven days of signings for the Indians, who added three more players to their growing class.Jaleel Brown, a 6-3, 190-pound wing player from Hemingway signed May 27, while Donte Schuler a 6-1 combo guard from Dutch Fork was expected to sign Thursday. Schuler averaged 14.6 points per game during his senior season for the Silver Foxes.“He is a real tough-minded player,” Garrett said. We had him in for a workout a couple weeks ago, and he looked great. The big key is he will come in and play hard.”Salkehatchie also signed Sedrick Garrett, a 6-4, 215 pound guard from Beth Haven High School in Louisville, Kentucky. He averaged 18 points and six rebounds per game during his senior season.“He’s a physical guy,” Travis Garrett said. “He can play inside an out, and he’s a guy that can come in here and help us.”
