Henry Daily Herald

Photo by Brian Paglia Eagle’s Landing senior center Desmond Ringer committed to play at South Carolina on Tuesday evening.

MCDONOUGH — Eagle’s Landing senior Desmond Ringer committed to play basketball at South Carolina on Tuesday evening.

The 6-foot-9 Ringer announced on his Twitter page: “I will be attending the University of South Carolina.”

When reached by text, he declined comment on the commitment. Ringer is the first player to commit to new Gamecocks coach Frank Martin this recruiting cycle. In early summer, Eagle’s Landing teammate Eric Wortham committed to Sun Belt Conference member Middle Tennessee State.

“We are thrilled about Desmond committing to South Carolina,” Golden Eagles coach Clay Crump said. “We think Desmond is their type of guy.”

Last season, Ringer averaged 11 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots to help the Golden Eagles reach the Class AAA semifinals for the second straight season. Crump said that Ringer has made improvements in his game each of the last three seasons.

“His skill level has continued to increase,” Crump said. “He truly works on his game. He has never taken the attitude of entitlement because he started as a freshman. I’m extremely excited about his future at South Carolina.”

The Golden Eagles are expected to be one of the top teams in Class AAAA with the return of Ringer and Wortham, who was named the Henry Daily Herald Henry County Player of the Year last season.

Added to the Golden Eagles’ talented roster is Chris Davenport, a 6-8 senior, who has transferred from Florida, and is being recruited by several Div. I schools.

Basketball practice begins on Oct. 29 with the team’s first game on Nov. 27 at Riverdale. Eagle’s Landing’s schedule includes games against Buford and Norcross. The Golden Eagles will play in the Memphis/Atlanta Challenge in Memphis on Dec. 7-8. There is also a trip to Florida to play in the City of Palms tournament and then to South Carolina to play in the Upward Classic in late December.