LEXINGTON, Va. – With the early signing day period opening Wednesday, head coach
Andrew Wilson announced the signing of two members to its 2023 class in AJ Clark and Koree Cotton.
AJ Clark – Guard/Wing – Newport News, Va. – Menchville HS
Originally from Mississippi, Clark comes to Lexington from Newport News, Virginia, where he is a standout at Menchville High School. In his junior year, the 6-foot-4 guard averaged 10.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 3.0 steals per game en route to 5A Second Team All-Region and Second Team All-District honors. Leading his high school team in steals, Clark also competed in the Hoop Group Showcase League (HGSL) in which he was named Defensive Player of the Year while also garnering First Team recognition.
The son of Anthony and Roslyn – who served in the Army - Clark, AJ carries a 3.8 GPA and would like to pursue kinesiology or a related field. This season, Clark has been named Preseason 5A First Team All-Region and First Team All-District.
"We are really excited to add AJ to the VMI Basketball family," said Head Coach
Andrew Wilson. "He is a tremendous young man and will be a great addition to the VMI Community & embrace the challenges ahead. AJ is a gifted athlete and will bring excitement to Cameron Hall every time he steps on the floor."
Koree Cotton – Guard – Miami, Fla. – Miami Southridge HS
A 6-foot-6 guard, Cotton should provide some great versatility to the VMI lineup, averaging 19.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game in his junior season. For his efforts, Cotton was named to the All-Dade Second Team. Additionally, Cotton was a nominee for "Mr. Miami Basketball" and was one of five players to be named a 2022 Grassroots Basketball Finale Top Overall Performer.
"We are very excited about the addition of Koree," Wilson said. "He has tremendous size for a perimeter player and will bring great versatility to our program. We identified him early in the recruiting process and feel he will be a tremendous asset to the VMI Basketball family. Koree comes from one of the best basketball programs in the South Florida area and will bring a winning attitude & mindset."
