Ottumwa -- When he was playing against Hofstra as a freshman at Siena College two years ago, Kenny Wormley probably never dreamed he would one day be on the opposite side of the rivalry between the two New York schools. However, following one season at Indian Hills Community College, Wormley will indeed be suiting up for Hofstra in the 2017-18 basketball season.
Wormley. from Landover, Maryland, this week signed a National Letter of Intent with Hofstra and will return to the NCAA Division I ranks after helping lead Indian Hills to Region XI regular season and posteason titles and a spot in the NJCAA National Tournament while earning all-region first team honors.
A 6'4" guard, Wormley averaged 8.9 points and 2.2 assists a game while starting 26 games for IHCC this past season. He led the Warriors in 3-point shooting percentage, making better than 46 percent of his shots from distance, and didn't hesitate when asked what was his favorite moment of his lone season for Indian Hills. "It was definitely the game-winning 3-pointer I made against Iowa Western," Wormley said, referencing the shot that beat the Warriors' Region 11 rival, 67-64, at the Hellyer Center in February.
Wormley said he liked the playing style of Hofstra, his new school, and also is excited about the coaching staff and the campus located in Hempstead, N.Y. He said he "learned a lot at Indian Hills and played for a great coach and with a great group of teammates." Wormley, who played mostly as a 2-guard with the Warriors, anticipates being moved back to the point guard spot with Hofstra.
The Hofstra Pride is coached by Joe Mihalich and he told the college's athletic website, "We are excited about bringing someone with Kenny's experience and winning attitude into the program. Kenny has been a major reason for his teams' success during his two years in college as both squads have advanced to postseason play. We believe Kenny is precisely what next year's team needs to be successful in the Colonial Athletic Association. He plays a complete game, has the ability to stuff the stat sheet in a variety of categories and his length at 6-4 will immediately improve our defense. More than anything, he is a winner."
Wormley said he will be working on "all aspects of his game" prior to arriving at Hofstra and said he wants to be a great leader for the Pride.
He is the first player from last season's IHCC team to sign with a four-year school for next year, but will be followed by seven of his IHCC teammates, all of whom are still sorting out their scholarship offers.