NT signs Harold Stewart, Justin Howerton to LOI

OldTimer · November 11, 2004

ENTON (11/10/04) – North Texas head men’s basketball coach Johnny Jones has announced that the Mean Green has signed Texas high school standouts Harold Stewart and Justin Howerton to National Letters of Intent.

Stewart, a 6-8, 185 pound forward is set to lead 19th ranked Crowley High School in the upcoming season, while Howerton is a 6-10, 240 pound center that is set for his senior season at Howe High School after leading the Bulldogs to a 29-7 record and the Region II Semifinals last season.

"Harold and Justin both come from solid high school programs and we are thrilled to have players of their caliber joining our team as we continue to build a championship program," said Jones.

Stewart is the 26th ranked player in the state of Texas by TexasHoops.com and has also been named to the Ft. Worth Star-Telgram’s list of area players to watch in 2004-05. He is coming off his junior season in which he averaged 11.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.4 steals and 2.5 blocks on his way to earning second team All-Region honors.

Stewart led Crowley to a 19-13 record last season and is a big part of why the Eagles are ranked fourth in the area by the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram. While playing AAU ball over the summer, he received praise from The Sporting News’ Mike DeCourcy, who said Stewart was "one of the most dynamic athletes on the summer circuit".

Stewart was also recruited by the likes of Boston College, New Mexico State, SMU and Tulsa.

"We are excited about the addition of Harold Stewart to our UNT family," said Jones. "He is very versatile. His speed and quickness will allow him to play both forward spots. He has the strength to defend a power forward, the quickness to defend a perimeter player and the ability to score inside or outside."

Ranked No. 52 by TexasHoops.com, Howerton is also a highly touted recruit in the state of Texas. He is also a preseason third team All-State selection, which includes all classifications, by Texas Basketball Magazine.

Howerton averaged 16 points, 11.4 rebounds 3.8 blocks per game as a junior while leading Howe HS to a district championship under head coach Tim Rose.

"Justin has tremendous athletic ability," said Rose. "Not only is he big and very strong, he runs the floor really well. He is developing a touch inside and his range is improving."

Howerton was also recruited by schools such as Texas A&M, Texas State, Stephen F. Austin and TCU.

"Justin Howerton will be a great addition to our Mean Green family," said Jones. "He will give us an added presence inside next season with his ability to defend the low post, rebound and block shots. Justin has the strength to control a game down low, but also has the speed to run the floor like a small forward. He has excellent hands a knack for scoring around the basket. With his size and power, this should help solidify our center spot for the next few years."

Coach Jones also commended assistant coaches Kobie Baker and Fred Rike for their efforts in signing the two high school standouts.

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