WESSON — Brandt Hood likes playing basketball close to home.That’s a primary reason the Wesson guard signed a basketballscholarship with the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Wolves.

Hood, a 5-foot-10, 145-pound sharpshooter, signed thescholarship papers during a ceremony in the Wesson AttendanceCenter library. He is the son of Perry and Linda Hood.

According to Wesson coach Ron Kessler, Hood is the first Wessonbasketball scholarship signee in several years. “Brandt is my firstcollege signee in my career as a head coach.

“Brandt is probably the hardest worker that I’ve coached in myeight years,” Kessler noted. “He’s one of the finest shooters inthe area.”

Kessler said he is confident Hood will contribute to Co-Lin’sfuture success. “Brandt will work hard this summer to get stronger.He’ll bring a lot to the Co-Lin program.

“He’s playing close to home so his teammates and I can go seehim play.”

Hood averaged 22.2 points, 5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 4 stealsper game for the Cobras. He was named to The DAILY LEADER’s 2007All-Area Basketball Team.

“I’m excited about signing with Co-Lin,” said Hood. “I’m lookingforward to playing at the next level. Co-Lin is local and thatmakes it better.”

Hood said he looks forward to playing for Co-Lin coach DennisSims. “I get along well with him.”

In baseball, Hood plays catcher on Wesson’s team. He batted .320and hit 2 home runs.

Co-Lin finished 19-9 this past season, finishing runner-up inthe MACJC State Tournament.

Sims also has signed Trent Hutchin, a 6-foot guard from WoodlawnHigh School in Baton Rouge. Woodlawn was the Class 5A StateTournament runner-up.

Ledell Eckles, a former Co-Lin All-American guard from 2005,played for Woodlawn.