William Penn's Derek Wilson heading to Cecil College

Less than a week after one member of the William Penn boys' basketball team received a scholarship offer, so did another.

Derek Wilson, the Bearcats' 6-foot-3, high-energy wing from this season's 27-4 team, committed Tuesday to Cecil College. His move to the Maryland junior college, which can offer an athletic scholarship and academic aid, comes just a few days after guard Tavon Parker committed to Millersville University.

It's the first time in seven seasons that William Penn coach Troy Sowers had two players receive full rides in the same year to continue their basketball careers -- a fact that makes the Bearcats coach especially proud.

"They're the cream of the crop in Division II community college," Sowers said, "and it's an ideal fit for him. And it's free."

The Seahawks finished 17-15 after qualifying for the NJCAA Division II National Tournament.

Wilson began to receive interest midway through this past season. He visited the campus for a first time a week ago with his mother, Jeanitza Barton-Mayo, brother, Jahaire Wilson, and Sowers.

Derek said his mother liked it because she heard more talk about academics than basketball. He plans to pursue a business management degree and hopes a few seasons with the school could lead to a four-year institution. Youngstown State is one of those schools interested, Wilson said.

But first, he's just happy to get a free education at Cecil, which is located in North East, Md.

"I liked it a lot," Wilson said. "It was a nice school. Nice and small. Reminds me of my school now."