By Mike London

mike.london@salisburypost.com

THOMASVILLE — David Tripp, a 6-foot-5 forward who graduated from A.L. Brown, is moving on to Bluefield College in the Virginia mountains.

He’ll have two years of eligibility at the NAIA program and will be coached by former University of Virginia star Richard Morgan.

Tripp has played at Davidson County Community College the last two seasons and helped the Storm go 60-10. DCCC won regional and district titles both seasons and made a  trip to the Elite Eight, and another to the Final Four.

Tripp, who jumps  well, averaged 11.9 points for the Storm on 56-percent shooting as a sophomore and pulled down 6.2 rebounds per game. Tripp had 17 double-digit scoring games and posted season highs of 24 points and 17 rebounds.

“I made a lot of improvement in my perimeter game this season, improving my jump shot and making better than 30 percent on 3-percenters,” Tripp said. “That was a big leap forward for me, and I also made strides as far as being a student of the game. I’ve learned a lot from Coach (Matt) Ridge. He’s been on tough on us, but it’s all been worth it. Now  I can see plays developing before they happen.”

Tripp was recruited by several schools, including Chowan and Lees-McRae, but Bluefield was the leader all along.

“Coach Morgan came down to watch me practice back in late August or early September,” Tripp said. “He talked about the future I could have with Bluefield and he made me feel like I was a priority recruit for them.”

DCCC guard Dominic Williams also has signed with Bluefield.

“He’s like a brother to me,” Tripp said. “That just makes it even better.”

Tripp plans to major in sports management. Ridge predicts more success for him at the next level.

“David listens and he’s coachable, so he keeps improving,” Ridge said.

“He’s learned to play the game fast and to think fast on the court. He’s a talented player and a good student. He’s a big reason we’ve been winning championships.”