CANYON, Texas – West Texas A&M Head Men's Basketball Coach Tom Brown has announced the addition of South Holland, Illinois native James Pennington for the 2017-18 campaign. Pennington joins Victor Lewis, Gaige Prim, Sterling White, Gach Gach and CJ Jennings as the first six members of the 2017 signing class following WT's run to the NCAA South Central Regional and Sweet 16 Appearance.
 
"James (JP) is an explosive combo guard that will be able to handle the ball and attack the basket for us on offense. He is also very long and will be able to get in the passing lane" said Brown "This along with a great work ethic will allow JP to play great on the ball and team defense."
 
Pennington comes to Canyon from Thornwood High School in South Holland, Illinois where he averaged 14 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals per game. He helped the Thunderbirds to an overall record of 17-11 as a senior with a 9-3 mark in conference play to finish second in the league standings. Pennington was an All-Southwest Suburban Conference selection along with an All-Tournament selection at the Thanksgiving Chicago Heights Classic. Pennington will join former Thornwood teammate and current Buffalo Drew Evans on the 2017-18 team.
 
"He played in a very tough league in Chicago and put up some very good numbers this past season, JP is a player you love to have on your team as he is a very team oriented player that is willing to make the extra pass" added Brown " Coach Slavich at Thornwood HS was instrumental in the recruiting process. JP is a leader in the classroom as well as on the court, we are excited to have him on our squad next season."