It was a proud but sad moment for Dallas County head basketball coach Willie Moore Thursday, as four of his senior players signed scholarships to play basketball at the next level.

Jerrod Moorer, Kendell Motley, Keyonis Phillips and Javaris McGuire saw their dreams come to fruition, as they signed their names on the dotted line to continue playing the game they love.

“I’m happy for them, but I’m sad for us. You’re never really ready to see a group like this leave,” Moore said.

“They came in from day one and bought into our system, and they did everything we asked them to do. They are the hardest working group of seniors I’ve had since I’ve been here.”

The four seniors have seen success unlike any other class of Hornets to come through Dallas County High School.

During their four-year tenure on the varsity basketball team in Plantersville, the four have helped coach Moore compile a 104-18 record, win four area championships, two regional championships and one state championship, along with two straight appearances in the AHSAA Final Four.

“If I had to do it over again, I would enjoy the journey more. We were just so focused on winning each game and preparing to win each game, we really didn’t get a chance to enjoy it,” Moore said.

Moorer, who was the leading scorer for the Hornet’s this season, will play at Iowa Central Community College next season.

“It means a lot,” Moorer said after signing.

“I always wanted to go on after high school and play ball.”

While Iowa Central may be pretty far away from home for Moorer, he won’t be making the trip alone.

Kendell Motley, who coach Moore said was one of the best defensive players on the team, also signed to play at Iowa Central as a Triton.

“It means a lot to know I’ve got a teammate up there with me and to know I’ve got someone who’s got my back,” Motley said. “We’ve stuck together through thick and thin.”

Keyonis Phillips, who handled the ball a lot during his time as a point guard for the Hornets, signed with Vorhees College in South Carolina.

“Getting a scholarship is the best thing to ever happen,” Phillips said. “I’m glad to have a chance to go get a degree, and earn something that a lot of kids don’t achieve. It is just a blessing.”

Reflecting back on his four years at Dallas County, Phillips is quite proud of what he and his teammates were able to accomplish.

“It has been amazing with what we have accomplished,” Phillips said.

The fourth of Moore’s Thursday signees, Javaris McGuire, will play basketball in front of a home crowd at Wallace Community College Selma.

“Coach [Moore] trained us a long time for this moment,” McGuire said.

For McGuire, one of the biggest things he will need to get used to on the college level is his new teammates. In his four years at Dallas County, he has formed a bond with his teammates like no other.

“We barely used to talk to each other, but when we came together playing basketball coach couldn’t keep us out of the gym,” McGuire laughed.

“They’re like my brothers. I’d do anything for them.”

While the four will go their separate ways at the end of the year, they have surely left a lasting impression on coaches and classmates.

“This group of kids I’ve had here over the last four years has been more relentless than any group I’ve ever had here,” Moore said.

“Am I surprised to see them have this opportunity? No.”