MONTGOMERY, Ala. ---- Auburn University at Montgomery men's basketball head coach Michael Cheaney announced the addition of eight newcomers to his program for the 2017-18 season.
 
Joining the Warhawks for the upcoming season are freshmen Airen Brooks, Antoine Pitts, Brandon Thompson, Kyle Butts, OJ Merriweather and Trae Higginbotham. Also joining the team are junior college transfers Kenneth Keith and Matt McMorris.
 
"I really feel like this is one of our best recruiting classes since I've been here," Cheaney said. "We are really excited because they are all great students from winning programs. I think this class fits the culture that we want to set here. I think we have a really good group and this class is going to be really special."
 
Higginbotham, a guard from Snellville, Ga., graduated from Brookwood High School this spring. During his senior campaign for the Broncos, Higginbotham averaged 16.0 points, 3.4 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game. His play earned him second-team all-region and third-team all-county honors. Higginbotham also helped lead his team to an appearance in the Elite 8 of the state tournament his senior season.
 
"Trae is going to be one of the guys we're looking to play right away," Cheaney stated. "He comes from a great high school program and he's a great shooter. If we can get him open we'll have a great chance to score."
 
Brooks comes to AUM from Smith Station High School in Smiths Station, Ala. The 6-foot-7 forward averaged 19.4 points and 8.0 rebounds during his senior year. Brooks was named to the All-Bi-City First-Team by the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, the Opelika-Auburn News All-Area team. He also earned second-team all-state honors and was named to the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 7A All-Tournament Team.
 
"Airen has a really high upside," Cheaney said. "He can play almost every position and we're really glad he is here. The sky is the limit for him."
 
Keith, who missed last season due to injury, joins the Warhawks after playing two seasons at Lauren B. Wallace Community College in Andalusia, Ala. Keith recorded 14.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game during his sophomore year for the Saints. He was awarded second-team all-conference honors for his impressive season. In high school, Keith averaged 16.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists his senior year for the Opelika Bulldogs. His play earned him first-team all-area honors.
 
"Kenneth will bring a lot of leadership to this team," said Cheaney. "He is coming off of an injury last year, but he has worked extremely hard to come back from it. We are excited to see him on the floor. He will bring a lot of basketball savvy to the court."
 
A junior college transfer, McMorris joins the Warhawks after a year with South Georgia Technical College in Americus, Ga. McMorris graduated from Buford High School in Buford, Ga., where he averaged 13.0 points, 7.0 assists and 4.0 rebounds for his senior season. He led the Wolves to an appearance in the state tournament finals in 2014. McMorris received first-team all-region honors for his performance on the court.
 
"Matt is a guy that can play multiple position," Cheaney said of McMorris. "He is a skilled shooter and is a very accurate passer. We got a steal with Matt coming to AUM. We are happy for him to be here."
 
Pitts, a forward form Auburn, Ala., joins the team after graduating from Auburn High School earlier this year. Pitts earned all-area honors after averaging 8.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game. He helped lead the Tigers to a runner-up finish in the 7A state tournament.
 
"Antoine has a lot of upside," Cheaney said. "He is a smart and well-rounded basketball player. He comes from a great high school program and has a great deal of versatility. The sky is the limit for him."
 
Merriweather, a 6-foot-7 forward from Birmingham, Ala., helped Shades Valley High School to the Sweet 16 of the AHSAA State Tournament as a senior. Last year, he averaged 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks for the Mounties.  
 
"OJ is a tremendous athlete," Cheaney stated. "He has a soft touch and is extremely athletic in the paint. I am excited about watching him continue to get better."
 
Thompson joins the Warhawks from Chandler High School in Chandler, Ariz. He averaged 10.2 points and 3.9 assists per game last season for the Wolves. During his junior year he averaged 12.9 points and 4.1 assists. Thompson graduated as the career record holder for assists at CHS.
 
"Brandon has the heart of a warrior and is a fearless player," Cheaney said of Thompson. "I think he will be a great asset to this program and will continue to improve."
 
Butts enjoyed a standout prep career at Grayson High School, where he played for head coach Geoffrey Pierce. The 6-foot-4 forward from Loganville, Ga., was a four-year letterwinner for the Rams.
 
"Kyle is very athletic and is a strong student," Cheaney said. "He is a tenacious rebounder and will certainly help us on the glass. We are looking forward to helping him become an even better player."
 
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