JJ Merritt is Shorter's all-time leading scorer in men's basketball with 2,146 points and over his four-year career, averaged 17.6 points a game. Merritt was a three-time All-Conference selection as he led the Hawks each season in scoring. He holds several records including most field goals made (944) and most free throws made (429) in a career.

Merritt was also selected NAIA National Player of the Week in February of 1998. For his career, he scored in double figures in 106 of 122 games played. Merritt was a four-year starter for the Hawks and led them to a 23-8 record in his senior season.