West Florence’s Gardner chooses Cobras

FLORENCE — John Gardner is staying close to home to play college basketball.

The West Florence senior signed a letter of intent Monday to play at Division II Coker.

Gardner was a three-year starter for the Knights and averaged 13 points as a junior. This season, he averaged 16 points and seven rebounds and was named to the all-region team for the second straight season.

“He was the best all-around player I have ever had in 11 years of coaching,” West coach Bion Shoemaker said. “He got better every season.”

Gardner is definitely familiar with the Coker program. Shoemaker was a former player there under Dan Schmotzer and the Knights’ Princeton-style offense is similar to the Cobras.
“I’m really excited to test my skills on the next level,” Gardner said.

Schmotzer said he expects Gardner to contribute right away and is impressed with his outside shooting, work ethic and his work in the classroom.

Gardner will graduate in the top 10 in his class.

“We got a great student athlete and are lucky to get him. We need more kids like him,” Schmotzer said. “He has a commitment to individual improvement and is only going to get better.”