QUITMAN HIGH SCHOOL Quitman High School girls basketball standout Chequira Bonner, as well as boys standouts Thurston McCarty and Josh Beard, all signed with junior colleges Wednesday afternoon. Bonner, who scored 19.3 points per game, eight rebounds per game, 2.8 assists per game and 2.4 steals per game, chose Jones County Junior College as the place where she will spend the next two years of her life. “It’s close to home, and I felt like it was my home away from home,” the senior guard said. “I liked the environment and just felt welcomed.” Having the opportunity to keep playing basketball is something Bonner said she will treasure. “It’s very special,” Bonner said. “I’ve been playing for a long time, since I was a kid. I’ve just grown to love it more and more.” McCarty, a forward who averaged 16.5 points, 12 rebounds and 5.5 blocks per game, inked with the ECCC men’s team. “I just liked the vibe, the fit and feel of it,” McCarty said. “When I went to visit, I just felt comfortable. Coach (Robert) Thompson made me feel like he was going to develop me into a better player.” Like Bonner, McCarty said he’s grateful for the opportunity to continue playing basketball. “Not many people get the opportunity to do that,” McCarty said. “I’m just glad, because I have a passion for the game.” Beard, a power forward, will be joining McCarty in Decatur next season. He averaged 12 points, 8.5 rebounds, four assists and two blocks per game as a Panther this past season. “I sat down with the president on my visit, and he didn’t want to force anything,” Beard said. “He wanted me to make the decision for me. He’s a really special guy — he’s really religious, and he wanted me to make sure God was leading me in the right direction. I really liked that about him.” He also echoed his teammate’s sentiments about not taking for granted the chance to continue his basketball career. “A lot of guys either deal with injuries or don’t get noticed, so it’s really special anytime anyone gets to play at the next level,” Beard said. Bonner is the daughter of Cassandra Bonner. Beard is the son of Melanie and Donnie Beard, and Thurston McCarty is the son of Lester and Lita McCarty.