Final Juco Hoop Scoop Top 25 Previews – #21 thru #25
Including teams: Triton, Northwest Florida State College, Mineral Area College, Northeast Mississippi, Dawson
#21 Triton College (River Grove, IL) – Trojans – Region 4 – Midwest District – #18 in final 2021 poll
Head Coach: John Clancy (B & M – Concordia University-Chicago) – 1st year as Juco HC – previously AC at John A. Logan and Triton
Asst. Coaches: Brian Burns, Edmond Pryor
Last season: 20-4, Region 4 Champs, lost in District Champ to Mineral Area College
-Triton College was the D2 National Champions in 2017-18. They had become a power house team under previous HC Steve Christiansen, who took the reigns in 2004-05. Christiansen team’s put up 15 twenty win seasons out of the 17 he coached, the last 14 consecutive. The only year they finished below .500 was during the 2006-07 season going 14-18.
During his 17 year tenure, Christiansen had 5 season of 30 or more wins. His overall record was 443-111. Fourteen of those years were compiled while the Trojans competed as a D2 Juco. Their D2 record was 367-96.
After claiming the D2 championship, TC made the jump to DI the next season. Since joining junior college’s top division, the Trojans have posted records of 30-4 (2018-19), 26-7 (2019-20), and 20-4 in 2020-21 (covid limited).
That’s a total of 76 wins against only 15 losses. New HC John Clancy was on Christiansen’s staff for the 2019-20 schedule. That year the Trojans lost to new rival Highland CC in the Region 4 title game.
In those two District Championship games (2018-19 & 2020-21, Triton was playing at home in the Robert M. Collins Center Gymnasium, both times. In the first opportunity (2018-19), Triton was riding an 88 game home court winning streak. Region 16 Champ Moberly Area CC was supposed to the unsuspecting DI sacrificial lamb to compete the Trojans transformation from D2 champs to DI tournament qualifier.
Moberly had other plans. Behind sophomore All-American and Chicagoan Alonzo Verge, Jr.’s 42 points, the Greyhounds snapped that streak with a razor thin 96-92 win, punching their own ticket to Hutch.
Last season, Mineral Area College, the Region 16 Champions, brought their unblemished record to Collins Gym, and walked away with a fairly easy 17 point advantage.
Bring on John Clancy, who left Triton after one year as Christiansen’s assistant. Clancy was hired as this past summer to become the 8th Head Coach in TC history. Last season, Clancy was on staff of Kyle Smithpeters’ John A. Logan Volunteers. Logan won back to back Region 24 Titles, and during Clancy’s days with the team, played at Hutch as the #4 seed, losing in the sweet sixteen.
No doubt, familiarity of the state and Chicago are recruiting, and having success as an assistant at both of those quality programs, was instrumental in landing this promotion for Clancy. His only previous head coaching positions was at the high school level, but he did spend four seasons as an assistant at Southern Illinois-Carbondale.
The Trojans start the season with a home game Nov. 4 vs. College of Lake County before hitting the road to nearby Wilbur Wright College on Nov. 6.
For the record, Coach Clancy got his first career win in his first game as HC of the Trojans on Thursday, Nov. 4, 95-55 over College of Lake County.
Here is the 2021 preview for the Triton College Trojans:
————— Projected Starters
Kimahri Wilson, 6-0 170, Freshman, Point Guard- North Chicago, IL, MM True freshman PG who held offers from UAB/SIU/UIC/UW-MIL – Great feel and IQ with tremendous passing and playmaking skills. Will be one of top freshman guards in JUCO;
Daylan Hamilton, 6-3 185, Sophomore, Houston, TX MM Late add transfer from D.1 Western Michigan – playmaking combo guard who will play a lot of PG this year. Explosive athlete who was highly recruited by the top JUCOs in country. OFFERS: UL-MONROE/IUPUI INTEREST: MIDDLE TENNESSE STATE/UIC;
Cobie Montgomery, 6-5 190, RS Sophomore, Guard/Wing, Louisville, KY MM Transfer from OLNEY CENTRAL where he was an ALL REGION 24 & ALL GRAC player. Averaged 11ppg 4rbg on 36% from 3. Explosive and dynamic athlete who can score the ball and defends well. INTEREST: EVANSVILLE/IUPUI/UT-MARTIN/SIU-E/WIS;
Cam Denson, 6-7 200, Sophomore, Wing, Compton, CA MM Transfer from ODESSA. Long wing who can put it on the floor and make plays. Strong defender who fills the stat sheet with points, rebounds, and assists INTEREST: TULSA/DEPAUL/GRAND CANYON;
Patrick Suemnick 6-8 220, Sophomore, Forward/Center, Green Bay, WI HM-MM Transfer big from D.1 Robert Morris. Played very well at JUCO top 100 showcase and has picked up interest from a BIG 12 & American schools. Strong and bouncy can score on block as well as bring defenders away from the rim and attack or shoot the 3. COMMITTED: WEST VIRGINIA (Big 12);
Other Key Players:
RETURNER Teonta McKeithen, 6-5 175, RS Sophomore, Combo guard, Detroit, MI, MM-LM Averaged 9PPG & shot 40% from 3 last year at Triton. Long & bouncy guard who can create own shot.
INTEREST: SWAC/MEAC;
RETURNER Deangelo Elisee, 6-9 235, Sophomore Center, Bahamas MM- Averaged 8PPG & 5RPG for 20-4 Triton team. Was named MVP of the REGION 4 tournament. Left-Handed & strong big who can score on block as well as block shots. COMMITTED: PURDUE FORT WAYNE (Horizon);
Christian Wells, 6-5 215, RS Sophomore, Forward, Indianapolis, IN LM- Transfer from Vincennes University. Averaged 9PPG & 7RPG. Lefty who is crafty & tough & can play on the inside & outside. INTEREST: MAC/SUMMIT;
Brandon Muntu, 6-4 180, Sophomore, Combo guard, Alberta, CA- LM- Transfer from Vincennes University. Averaged 7PPG & was 37% from 3. Lefty shooter with strong frame that is good straight-line driver. INTEREST: OVC/BIG WEST/WAC;
Daeyon James, 6’6 180, Freshman (QUALIFIER), Wing/Stretch 4, Atlanta, GA-MM ELITE shooter with size who is improving off the bounce. Already has mid major offers for next year. Will be one of best shooters in JUCO;
JJ Kalakon, 6-5 190, RS Sophomore, Wing, Louisville KY, LM- Transfer from OLNEY Central who averaged 9PPG 5RPG 3APG, versatile wing who can guard 1-5 & play 1-4 on offense. Fills stat sheet and produced at JUCO level. INTEREST: OVC/SWAC/BIG SOUTH/NEC;
BEST NEWCOMER:
Patrick Suemnick, 6-8 220, Sophomore, Forward/Center, Green Bay WI, HM-MM
Coach SUMMARY: There are multiple older transfers who have produced at NJCAA & NCAA D.1 Levels to go with two returners who both had good years for team that went 20-4 last season. New head coach who was at powerhouse John A. Logan as an assistant last year has put together one of top recruiting classes in JUCO. Team is deep, long, and athletic. If freshman PG Kimahri Wilson & WMU transfer Daylan Hamilton can run the show the team has a chance to not only get to HUTCH but make some noise. Could be among nation leaders of most D.1 prospects in country with 11 players with offers, interest or commitments.
Increased strength of schedule: Home & home with INDIAN HILLS, SOUTHEASTERN (IA) , MARSHALLTOWN
Neutral site games with: JOHN A. LOGAN/ VINCENNES/ THREE RIVERS/ MISSOURI WEST PLAINS
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#22 Northwest Florida State College (Niceville, FL) – Raiders – Region 8 – South Atlantic District – not ranked in final 2021 poll
Head Coach: Greg Heiar (Mount St. Clare) – 1st year (0-0), 6th overall (Chipola – 164-15)
Asst. Coaches: Nate Laing, Chad Donley, Carl Hall
-Coming off back to back losing seasons, the Raiders were ready for a change. That was something Raider fans were not very accustom too, especially while Steve Demeo was in charge. He spoiled them.
Northwest Florida has two National Championship banners hanging from the rafters at Raider Arena. In 1995 the Raiders, called Okaloosa-Walton CC in those days, won their first title. The other came was in 2015 with DeMeo as helmsman.
During the DeMeo years (2013-14 thru 2018-19), NW Florida won 170 of their 197 games, claimed the 2015 National Championship, had another final four appearance in 2017, and made three trips to Quarterfinals (2016, 2018 and 2019). Definitely one of the top programs, if not THE top program in the NJCAA during that six year period.
All in all, NWF has made 11 trips to play in the National Tournament, all but one of those occurring in the last twenty years. After further review, eight trips since the 2009-10 season and five in a row starting in 2015. It was pretty clear that NWF had become one of most dominating teams in all of the NJCAA.
DeMeo left after the 2019 season to become an Assistant for Mike Anderson at St. John’s University. For a moment this summer, it was reported that he was hired to become the next head coach at Angelina College (Luftin, TX). But that must have been fake news.
Just prior to the start of school this year, DeMeo landed at East Carolina University as an assistant there.
Meanwhile, Butch Pierre, was running the show at Northwest Florida. In his first year, 2019-20, the Raiders finished at 12-16, and ran into some hard times. It was the Raiders first losing season in many years.
Midway through his second year, Pierre resigned due to a family medical crises. Asst. Coach Nate Laing finished out the season as Interim HC. The Raiders ended up at 6-15.
Before the end of that basketball season, school officials announced that Greg Heiar would become the next HC at NWFSC for 2021-22. Heiar, like DeMeo and Pierre, came to the program with a boat load of DI coaching experiences, being on staff at East Tenn. State, LSU, Southern Miss, Wichita State, among others.
Heiar’s resume also included a five year Juco head coaching stint at nearby Chipola College. Before taking full control in Marianna, Greg served as an assistant for one year.
While leading the Indians, his teams won 164 games, capturing five Panhandle Conference Championships. In addition, Heiar took Chipola to four appearances in the NJCAA National Tournament. In 2009, they recorded a record of 35-2, reaching the final four at Hutch, finishing 3rd.
A Juco Product himself, Coach Heiar started his college basketball career at Kirkwood CC in Cedar Rapids, IA, helping that team make it’s first ever DII national tournament.
The Heiar era at Northwest, is here. NWF opens play Nov. 5/6 with home games against Coastal Alabama – North and USC Salkehatchie. The following weekend the Raiders take on fellow Region 8ers, Polk State College and Indian River State College, in the St. Petersburg College Juco Shootout.
Here is the 2021 preview for the Northwest Florida State College Raiders:
Key losses: Micah Thomas, 6’0″ FR G, 13.3ppg/3.5apg; Marseilles Caston, 6’3″ SO G, 12.3ppg; Marchelus Avery, 6’7″ FR F, 11.8ppg; Jordan Smith, 6’7″ SO G, 9ppg5.2rpg; Alonzo Gaffney, 6’9″ SO F, 8.4ppg/5.3rpg; Brison Waller, 6’8″ FR F, 7.1ppg
Returning: Fallou Diagne, 6’11” FR F, Senegal Africa, 7.5ppg/2.9rpg
Key Newcomer: Deshawndre Washington, 6’7″ SO G, South Suburban College transfer, NJCAA DII POY, All tournament team, All-American, 27ppg/13.5rpg/4apg/3spg/3bpg;
Other Newcomers: Michael Jefferson, 6’7″ FR G/F, Sulpher Springs, TX, Dohn Prep, 15ppg/7rpg; Shammah Scott, 6’2″ FR G, Cleveland, OH, 14.4ppg/3.5rpg/2spg; Cam Woods, 6’2″ SO G, Bessemer, AL, transfer from Troy U., 10.3ppg/3rpg/2apg, 3871 pt. scorer in HS; Brennan Rigsby, 6’3″ FR G, De Beque, CO, 9.6ppg/1.6rpg; Jaylon McDaniel, 6’8″ FR F, Kansas City, MO (Sunrise Christian Acdemy), 16.1ppg/7.8rpg/68% FG; Bretner Mutombo, 6’11 FR C, Congo, Hamilton Heights HS TN; Tre Clark, 6’3″ SO G, Covington GA, transfer from VCU, 6ppg/1.4rpg, 33 games over two yrs.; Issa Muhammad, 6’9″ SO F, Atlanta, GA, Daytona State transfer, 2 yr starter, 15.9ppg/11rpg SO yr; Jasper Floyd, 6’2″ SO G, Tampa, FL; Adam Scherbakov, 6’3″ FR G, Israel, Team Israel FIBA Europe, 5.2ppg; Patrick Iriel, 6’10” SO F, Columbia SC, transfer from S. Carolina, 13ppg/12rpg Flora HS; Mason Nicholson, 6’10” FR C, Gary IN, 6’10” FR C, 10ppg/6rpg
JHS summary: Raiders looking to get back on the map as Juco powerhouse after two year hiatus. Adding DII All-American and POY Deshawndre Washington late, was big. Deshawndre played HS at Morgan Park in Chicago. Basically replacing whole team from 6-15 2020-21 season. Only returner 6’11 FR F Fallou Diagne, who ave. 7.5 pts and 3 rebounds, started 8 of 20 games. Good mix of newcomers with six transfers, 3 from DI, two Juco, including Washington, and one from a Prep School. Raiders will be one of the taller teams in NJCAA with 8 players over 6’6″, five over 6’8″
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#23 Mineral Area College (Park Hills MO) – Cardinals – Region 16 – #2 in final 2021 poll
Head Coach Luke Strege (University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse) – 7th year (153-30)
Asst. Coaches: Assoc. HC Tim Walsh, Jonathan Livengood, Evan Robinson
Last season: 24-1, 8-0 MCCAC Champs. Region Champ. District Champ-beat Triton College at Triton by 17. #1 Seed at Hutch – lost in Elite 8 – beat Hutch in sweet 16, lost to eventual runner up Cowley.
-Mineral Area enters the 2021-22 season with a hard act to follow. Last year, under Luke Strege (his 6th with MAC) the Cardinals put together the best season ever in program history.
Going undefeated during the regular season (20-0) and winning 24 games in a row to start the season were firsts. But the highlights of the year were receiving the #1 overall Seed and getting the team’s first win in the National Tournament.
The Cards had three previous appearances in the national tournament, 1977, 2013 & 2015, but was 0-3 at the Sports Arena. Their first trip in 1977 was the product of long time HC Bob Sechrest, the college’s first Head Coach, and who’s name in on the side of the gym the Cardinals call home.
The last two trips were the works of Corey Tate, who was a standout for Tim Gray’s MAC Cardinals during the early 1990’s. Corey is now the Associate Head Coach at St. Louis University for Travis Ford. Tate guided the Cardinals for eleven seasons.
Strege, only the fourth head coach MAC has ever known, becomes the third to reach the Big Dance. Tim Gray, who played for Sechrest, is the only HC who didn’t land his troops in Hutch. Gray spent 26 years with Mineral Area, 19 as Head Coach and seven as it’s AD.
Supporting a lengthy and successful background as an assistant coach at several DI programs, Strege emphasizes a get-in-your-grill and guard hard style of play. He is also a master with the X’s and O’s and will coach up his players hard. They play without fear and as a seamless unit.
Losing the NJCAA Player of the Year, Malevy Leons, now wearing the Red and Black of Bradley University, will leave a huge hole to fill, no doubt. But don’t count the Cards out. Strege also loses two other starters that made major contributions in his teams success last season.
On the other hand, MAC returns two starters and 3 key reserves, which should allow him to keep things afloat while his talented newcomers, mostly transfers, adjust to his system.
Speaking of transfers, MAC has five entering the program this season. All bringing significant minutes and solid stats with them. Four come from DI Jucos, the other from Coppin State, who was a member of the MEAC All-Freshman team last season.
That group, listed below, was contributing an average of 20+ minutes per game at each of their previous schools, and are collectively averaging about 50 ppg.
Could be Strege and the Cards are set up well for another possible first this season. Back to back appearances at Hutch.
Mineral Area is 1-0 following their season opening home victory over Land Lake College (IL), 91-62. On Nov 5/6 the Cards will co-host at the Three Rivers Classic in Poplar Bluff, MO with match-ups against John A. Logan and Link Year Prep. Logan is ranked #6, right behind #5 MAC in NJCAA poll (JALC is #2 and #4 in new Juco Media Poll and JHS Poll).
Here is the 2021 preview for the Mineral Area College Cardinals:
Key losses: Malevy Leons – 6’9″ G/F, the Netherlands, 18.7ppg/9.5rpg/3.1apg, First Team All-American, All-Tournament Team, National Player of the Year, now at Bradley Univ.; Terrion Murdix, 6’0″ SO G, Springfield, IL, 9.8ppg/3.5rpg/6apg (Texas A&M CC); Kevin Stone, 6’5″ SO G, Santa Clarita CA, 9.7ppg/3.4rpg/2apg, (Biola University)
Key returners: Terry Ford, 6’0″ SO G, Rockford, IL, 6.8ppg/2.3rpg/2apg; Keonte Jones, starter, 6’5″ SO G, Madison, WI, 12ppg/5.6rpg/2apg/2spg/66% FG; Jamir Price, starter, 6’3″ SO G, Rock Island, IL, 8.4ppg/3rpg/2apg; Manu Musemena, 6’4″ SO G, Belgium, 5.4ppg; Lamontay Daughtery, 6’6″ SO F, St. Louis MO, 4.8ppg/3.2rpg
Key newcomers: Kenan Sarvan, 6’10” SO F, Netherlands, xfer from Coppin State, 5.8ppg/3.4rpg, MEAC All-Freshman; Brett Thompson, 6’1″ SO G, Oakland CA, xfer from Pensacola State, starter 30 m/g, 11.1ppg/3rpg/4apg/40% 3P; Gavin Harris, 6’4″ SO G, Jackson MO, xfer from Connors St., std 15/21 games, 14.8ppg/6.5rpg/2.4apg/44.6% 3P; Ibrahim “Ibo” Drame, 6’8″ SO F, Netherlands, xfer from Cloud Co CC, 11ppg/5.3rpg,20 m/g; Anthony Washington, 6’3″ SO G, Madison WI, xfer from Highland CC (IL), 6.4ppg/3.8rpg
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#24 Northeast Mississippi CC (Booneville, MS) – Region 23 – Gulf District – not ranked in final 2021 poll
Head Coach Cord Wright (Limestone Colleg- SC) – 9th season (138-73)
Asst. Coaches: Kyle Morris
Last Season: 15-4, 11-2, MACCC Co-Champs, lost in District final to Hinds
-Head Coach Cord Wright took over the Tigers after David Robbins left. That ws April of 2013, eight years ago. Now ready for his ninth campaign, Wright is trying to win at least one more game than he did last year. And I don’t mean 16 wins. I mean winning the District Championship game instead of falling it it.
That of course, would put NE in the National Tournament. In their history, the Tigers have made 9 appearances at Hutch, the latest was in 2016, choreographed by current HC Cord Wright.
Northeast beat East Mississippi in the District Championship game that year, 74-73. With a #20 Seed, the Tigers faced #13 Seed Salt Lake CC in the third game of the national tournament. Salt Lake ended the Tigers season with a 77-64 triumph. The Bruins went on to beat host Hutchinson to collect the First Place hardware.
Since taking over at NE, Wright has put seven straight winning seasons together, out of eight total. The only losing schedule was his first year (2013-14) with a record of 5-18.
Wright’s teams have won twenty games twice, their best record coming in 2019-20 when they went 24-3, 11-1 in the conference. However, the season ended with a disappointing loss to Northwest Miss. in district play, a team they had beaten twice during the regular season.
The Tigers received a #22 preseason ranking by the NJCAA, two sports higher than JHS rank. The newly formed Juco National Media Poll showed NEMCC as receiving votes.
Regardless of the actually ranking, one of the reasons for the early recognition is the fact they are returning four of their top five scorers from last years 15-4 MACCC championship team.
That group includes Zeke Cook, an All-MACCC selections Kylan Blackmon, Ken Lewis and Jalin Rice. Read more about those 4 below.
Two notables concerning the upcoming season. Region 23/Gulf District has always had one of the more confusing post season set ups. The MACCC used to have a North and South Division. For 2021-22 they have announced the divisional play will be discontinued. That might not help eliminate some of the confusion, but it might simplify the seeding process for the State Tournament.
Going into their home opener vs. Bevill State CC (AL) on Nov.1, the Tigers have a 22 game home court winning streak at the Bonner Arnold Coliseum.
That streak has been extended to 23 in lieu of their 105-54 win over the Bears last Monday.
Next up for the Tigers is a road game at Itawamba CC on Nov. 4, before heading to Vincennes, IN for the McDonald’s Classic where they will face #2 John A. Logan and Vincennes on Nov 12/13.
Here is the 2021 preview for the Northeast Mississippi CC Tigers:
Key losses: Deandre Hypolite, FR G, 8.7ppg/6rpg, Jacob Tracey, SO G, 7ppg/4.4rpg/4.7apg; Ladarrius Spears, SO F, 3.3ppg/4rpg
Returners: Kylan Blackmon, 6’3″ FR G, Oxford MS, 12.7ppg/3.9rph; Jalin Rice, 6’2″ FR G, Madison, MS, 11.9ppg/3.7rpg/4apg; Ken Lewis, 6’0″ SO G, Olive Branch, MS, 11.1ppg/39.3% 3P; Zeke Cook, 6’6″ FR F, Starkville, MS, 8.6ppg/9.9rpg 15th nationally; Javyvian Shaw, 6’4″ FR G, Calhoun City MS, 3.5ppg; Josh Mitchell, 6’7 FR F, Tupelo, MS, 3.3ppg; RL Mattix, 5’10” FR G, Columbus, MS
Newcomers: Steve Gentry, 5’10” FR G, Cincinnati, OH; Hobert Grayson, 6’4″ FR F, Gonzales, LA; Keithean Brooks, 6’4″ FR G, Tunica, MS 1K HS pts, 17ppg/8rpg/3apg; Cam Smith, 6’6″ FR F, Falkner, MS, All-State, Class 1A champs; Kameron Jones, 6’8″ SO F, Memphis, TN, Trey Tate, 5’10” FR G, Germantown, MS
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#25 Dawson CC (Glendive, MT) – Buccaneers – Region 13 – North Central District – not ranked in final 2021 poll
Head Coach Joe Peterson (BS-Rocky Mountain College, MSM – Northwestern State LA) – 7th season (123-65)
Asst. Coaches: Emmanuel Bland, Scott Nissley
Last season 23-3 and 19-2 in conference (Mon-Dak Conference, Region 13, and North Central District Champions; National Tournament Appearance in Hutch, lost first game to Indian River CC (FL)
Upcoming Opportunities:
December 3-5- Region XIII vs. Region IX Border Wars in Gillette, Wyoming including Miles, Williston, Casper, Western Nebraska, Western Wyoming (all 6 teams will play all 3 days)
December 27-29- Pima CC Invitational in Arizona including Pima, Central Arizona, Cochise, Eastern Wyoming and College of Southern Nevada
All of our games are on streamed on Synergy
-Under Joe Peterson, Dawson CC has gradually started creeping up on the mainstays atop the Region 13 leaderboard. Same goes for the Mon-Dak conference. Peterson started his career at Dawson in 2015-16. That team went 16-16, but lost in the Region XII finals.
In Coach “Pete’s” third season, the Bucs went 24-9, 9-3, a 9 game improvement from the previous season. They also flipped the numbers in conference play going from 3-9 to 9-3.
Once again, the season came to a close in the Region Championship game. Similarly, the 2018-19 season was another 20 win year (11-3 in the Mon-Dak), only to fall short again, falling in the Region semifinals.
Finally, in the 2019-20 season, Peterson and his Bucs broke through the Region Championship barrier which had stymied their post-season aspirations four years running.
That year Dawson compiled a 27-7 overall record and posted an undefeated (14-0) conference record in route to the best season to-date in program history. The Bucs captured the Pre-season conference title, the Mon-Dak regular season title, and the Region 13 championship for the first time in 49 years.
Facing a 940 mile, 13 and 3/4 hour trip to Ottumwa, IA for the District Championship, Dawson would have a chance to advance to the National Tournament with a win.
Now, that wasn’t going to be an easy task. Indian Hills CC was ranked #2 and was trying to make to Hutch for the seventh consecutive year, oh, and their wining percentage of home games in about 98% (estimated).
Whether it was the long journey to the game, or the Warriors high octane full court pressure, steal and score style, the Bucs ran out of gas and succumbed 92-65.
This past season, however, was the breakthrough. Putting together a 23-3 regular season, and 19-2 conference mark, Dawson added one additional championship that was missing from their 2019-20 accomplishments. And that was winning the District Championship and with it, qualifying for their inaugural trip to Hutch.
It was revenge for Dawson, as this time, facing the same team who eliminated them last year, Indian Hills, the Bucs returned the favor. Dawson raced to a big lead in the first 30 minutes of the game, but Indian Hills climbed back in the game, and with ten seconds left, down by one, had the chance to pull it out.
Dawson survived, as IHCC missed four shots, three from close range, and the wait was over. For the first time in the program’s 63 year history, the Bucs were Hutchinson bound.
At the National Tournament, I’m not sure whether it was luck of the draw, or an ironic coincidence. First timers Dawson was matched-up with another first timer, Indian River CC (FL), the Region 8/South Atlantic At-Large rep.
It was unfortunate that both teams in their first ever national tournament would meet up in the first round. Only one team would win and advance. It would’ve been more poetic with both teams having a chance to advance without eliminating the other, but The “River” shipwrecked the “Bucs” 75-65, ending Dawson’s historic season.
Dawson (1-0) won their season home opener, 110-59, over Rocky Mountain College JV (Joe Peterson’s alma mater. Next up is the Mon-Dak Preseason Tourney in New Town, ND on Nov 5/6/7. Dawson takes on United Tribes Technical College
Coach Pete’s Summary:
We return 9 guys from a team that went 23-3 last year, beat Indian Hills for the North Central District championship, and made it to Hutch for the first time in school history. We look to build on that success, especially returning with 79% of our scoring and 73% of our rebounding from last year. We’ve signed some good pieces that will complement our returners well with their shooting and athleticism. We will be very tough defensively in the full-court and half-court and play a fast, wide open style.
Key Losses
– Only 6’11 All-American Center Charles Lampten- averaged 10.1 ppg, 8.7 rpg and 2.9 bpg- playing at College of Charleston now
Key Returners
• Mike Jok, 6’5, 190 lbs, RS 2nd year Freshman, Guard/Wing, Melbourne, Australia, LM/D2…Good scorer who can really fill it up from long range and has good ball skills and is a strong defender. Very solid all-around player with a high IQ. Works hard and puts in the time.
1st year stats- 11.5 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.6 apg
All-Conference 1st team
• Kennedy Brown, 6’8, 220 lbs, 2nd year Freshman, Forward/Center, Chicago, Illinois, MM…Strong, athletic attacking big who has good touch around the rim and can step out and hit mid-range jumpers consistently. Played in the JucoAdvocate JA48 Showcase over the summer and has gotten a lot of attention.
1st year stats- 10 ppg, 5rb/gm, 1blk/gm, 57% FG, 71% FT
• Cordell Stinson, 6’5, 220 lbs, 2nd year Freshman, Wing/Forward, Reno, NV, LM/D2…Athletic forward with long arms that allow him to disrupt passing lanes and clean up the boards. Has well rounded offensive game, can attack off the bounce and shoot the 3 or a pull-up. Can guard any position in the full-court or half-court; great natural instincts
1st year stats- 6.3 ppg, 5 rpg, 1.2 apg
• Reggie Martin, 6’2, 165 lbs, 2nd year Freshman, Guard, Vivian, LA, LM/D2… Versatile guard who can play both guard spots, very long and athletic, quick off the ground and has a knack for scoring and making plays
1st year stats- 9 ppg, 5 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.5 stls/gm
• Jajuan Tot, 6’0, 170 lbs, 2nd year Freshman, Guard, Plano, TX, LM/D2…
Strong, true point guard who runs team and gets others involved, but also has the ability to score at all 3 levels when necessary. Hit 49% on 2 attempts/gm from the 3pt line last year.
1st year stats- 8.8 ppg, 2.7 apg, 2.5 rpg, 1.7 spg
All-conference 2nd team
• Riley Spoonhunter, 6’3, 210 lbs. 2nd year Freshman, Wing, Browning, MT, D2/NAIA…Really good shooter (41% 3PT on 5 att/gm, 96% FT) who has a great feel and understanding for the game.
1st year stats- 9.4 ppg, 2.0 rb/gm, 1stl/gm
• Jalen Tot, 6’0, 160 lbs, 2nd year Freshman, Guard, Plano, TX, D2/NAIA…
Feisty, quick and competitive guard who has a knack for making plays on the defensive end (jumping passing lanes, taking charges). Uses his athleticism to get to the rim and streaky shooter from 3 (made 4 3’s at Nationals).
1st year stats- 7.3 ppg, 2.2 apg, 2.0 rb/gm
• Kose Egbule, 6’3, 185 lbs, 2nd year Freshman, Guard, Houston, TX, D2/NAIA… Tough, hard-nosed kid who can really defend and rebound for a guard. Good at getting to the rim, drawing contact and getting to the FT line. Missed a month last season with a bad ankle injury, but came back to help us in the post-season.
1st year stats- 6 ppg, 2.6 rb/gm, 1 stl/gm
Newcomers
• Joe Mpoyo, 6’4, 190 lbs, Freshman, Guard/Wing, Boise, ID LM/D2…Good shooter with good IQ. 2nd leading scorer on a state championship winning team, 1st Team All-State 5A Idaho
HS Stats- 17 ppg, 5 rpg
• DeAngelo Horn, 6’5, 210 lbs, Freshman, Wing/Forward, Aurora, CO LM/D2… Good shooter with great athleticism, Can score inside and out
HS Stats- 12.5 ppg 6.2 rpg and 1.8 apg; earning 1st Team All-Conference honors
• Lieb Yat, 6’11, 220 lbs, Freshman, Center, Melbourne, Australia LM+… Long athletic forward who moves well and is very versatile for his size
• Aidan Fishell, 5’11, 160 lbs, Freshman, Point Guard, Scobey, MT D2/NAIA… High IQ point who can handle, pass and finishes well; can also shoot the 3.
HS Stats- 15.3 ppg, 4.6 apg, 3.6 rpg; shooting 56% fg, 38% 3’s, 76% ft. Team went 102-3 over his four year career; 51-0 and 2 state championships in his last 2 years.
