More Juco Hoop Scoop Top 25 Previews – #16 thru #20
Teams included: Georgia Highlands, Pearl River, Connors State, Harcum, South Georgia State
#16 Georgia Highlands College (Rome, GA) – Chargers – Region 17 – Southeast District – #16 in final 2021 poll
Head Coach Jonathan “JJ” Merritt (BS-Shorter Univ, MA-Concordia Univ. Irvine) – 3rd year (40-11) previous 6 years as AC at GHC, hired in 2013-14-first year of competition for start up program, GCAA Coach of the Year – 2020-21
Asst. Coaches: Greg Schiefen, Julian Reinhart, John Williams, Raymond Savage
Last Season: 16-3 overall 14-2 Conference -Regular Season GCAA Champions
Games Broadcasted on YouTube: Chargers Sports Network
-Georgia Highlands College took the fast track course to success with their men’s basketball program. Following the outline straight from the The Evelyn Wood Speed Reading Book equivalent, “How to Play Winning Basketball Overnight.” The college, originally founded as Floyd Junior College in 1970, never had a basketball team, excuse me, never had any sports programs until 2012. By then the College changed names twice. It officially became Georgia Highlands College in 2005.
In the forward of the book they were learning from, it must have mentioned the the importance of hiring. One of the first things GHC did right was hire Phil Gaffney in 2012. Phil was a winner at all three of his previous stops before his arrival in Rome. And he had shown willingness and ability to build a team from scratch, with success.
Gaffney was given a year to recruit, hire, organize, and politic. You know…the important things you must do, and do well, when you are starting a program from ground zero. The first thing Phil did, also right, was hire JJ Merritt as his assistant. Merritt was local Shorter University standout, All-Freshman Team, 3-time All-Conference selection, and a 3-time NAIA All-American. The kind of folk your players will look up to, and listen to.
JJ was the Co-founder of Action Sport Academy, a post graduate school in Atlanta, and had been coaching up students to help them get basketball scholarships to all levels of play, Juco, NAIA, D2 and D1. In three years, he compiled a record of 86-27, while helping find scholarships for 23 out of their 28 student athletes. Action is still in business developing and assisting those wishing to further their education through athletic scholarships.
Coach Merrit didn’t start with GHC until their first year of competition, which was the 2013-14 season. That year was a break even for the Chargers, finishing with a record of 16-16. Since then, seven straight winning seasons, all but the last one (covid schedule limits) was 20+ wins. The “Highlands” record over that seven year period was 179-42 (81%). Gaffney was in charge for the first six years of that story, before he left to become HC at Gulf Coast CC (FL).
That’s when JJ Merritt was promoted to become the 2nd Head Coach in Charger history. Coach Merritt took control in 2019, and has not taken his foot off the pedal. The momentum he helped establish as the primary assistant, is very much in forward motion.
Since the beginning, GHC has accumulated 195 wins against only 58 losses. And even more remarkable, as a from scratch program, they’ve never had a losing season. Even year number one was .500.
Merritt won 24 games in his first year, going 13-3 in the GCAA (shared championship), but lost in the Region 17/Southeast District Championship by four, after leading by seven at half. Central Georgia Tech, the same team they shared the conference title with, beat them in that District championship game, and got the ticket to Hutch.
In his second season, the one that Covid took a big bite out of, JJ lead the Chargers to a 16-3 record, and claimed the GCAA conference championship with a 14-2 mark. Hosting the Region 17/Southwest District tournament, “The Highlands” were upset by East Georgia State in the quarterfinals, once again cutting their season short of making The Tournament in Hutchinson.
Will Merritt’s third year be the charm? Replacing Langston Wilson will be huge. But Coach JJ has a good mix of returners and transfers with experience and some solid newcomers to make an honest run. We might be able to answer that better in the first month of the season, however.
After starting things off vs. Chattahoochee Valley CC (AL) at home Nov. 1, and again on the road on Nov. 16, they have another home game sandwiched between on Nov. 11 against New Rock Prep. Then the gauntlet of playing five teams from Florida finishes out the month. Three of those five, Chipola, Eastern Florida, and Indian River CC were preseason top five in the Region 8 preseason coaches poll, as well as getting some love from the preseason pollsters.
Here is the preview for the Georgia Highlands College Chargers:
Key Losses:
Cahiem Brown 6’5 G, 14.7 PPG, 5 REB, signed with Norfolk State, Former GCAA Co-player of the year
Langston Wilson 6’9 F, 9.5 PPG, 5 REB, Signed with University of Washington, Rated #2 player in Juco
Felix Gue 6’9 F, Signed with Salem State D2
Returners:
Chris Wright 6’2,180lbs, Sophomore, PG, Kingston, NY, next projected level: MM+ 12.1 PPG, 46% 3FG, 3.5 APG, 2.7 RPG, JUCO All-American Last year, one of the best play makers in the country, Super quick PG that can run the show, can score on all 3 levels, elite passer.
Bradley Belt 6’3, 200lbs, Redshirt Freshman, SG, Meridianville, AL, next projected level MM+, (Wyoming transfer) strong, Elite Shooter than can score off the bounce or spotted up.
Jarred Rosser 6’7, 190lbs, Sophomore, Wing, Newnan, GA, next projected level LM-MM, 7PPG, 4RBG, athletic wing, lockdown defender and great in transition.
Jarrel Rosser 6’8, 215lbs, Sophomore, SF, Newnan, GA, next projected level LM-MM, 9PPG, 5.5 RPG, strong, Big Wing that can beat you off the dribble and plays with a High IQ, Also a great rebounder.
TJ Horton 6’5, 190lbs, Freshman, G, Cartersville GA, next projected level D2-LM, 9PPG, 3.3 RPG, 41% 3FG, great shooter, capable of beating you off the dribble, High IQ
Brandon Barron 5’10, 170LBS, Freshman, Combo Guard, College Park, GA (NC A&T Transfer)Lightening quick guard, great on ball defender, shot it 38% from 3, next projected level LM-D2 7PPG
Joel Pullen 6’1, 175 LBS, Freshman, PG, New Heaven, CT, 10 PPG, Quick scoring PG that can score on all 3 levels, next projected level LM-MM
Kyree Harriston-Mitchell 5’10, 160 LBS, Freshman, PG, Pittsburgh, PA, 4 PPG, next projected level D2-LM
Newcomers:
Jayvis Harvey 6’5, 210lbs, Sophomore, SG, Durham, NC, next projected level MM+ (James Madison transfer) strong, elite defender, elite shooter, High IQ
Julian Dozier 5’10, 180lbs, Freshman, PG, Detroit, MI, next projected level LM-MM, (Fordham University transfer) quick guard that can beat you by scoring or passing, elite defender
TJ Porter 6’8, 220lbs, Sophomore, SF, Atlanta, GA, next projected level LM-MM+ (Charleston Southern transfer) athletic big wing that is great in pick and roll or pick in pops, high IQ, great Rebounder
Jordan Brown 6’0, 175lbs, Freshman G, Albany, GA, next projected level D2-LM, (Miami Dade transfer) 6 PPG, 2APG, quick, great shooter, lockdown defender
CJ Jackson 6’7, 200lbs, Sophomore, G, Atlanta, GA, next projected level MM-HM, (UMASS/Florida Southwestern transfer) long, athletic combo guard, can score on all 3 levels, High IQ, elite in transition
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#17 Pearl River CC (Poplarville, MS) – Wildcats – Region 23 – South District – #11 in final 2021 poll
Head Coach Chris Oney (BS-Ole Miss, ME-Louisiana College) – 6th season (103-20) – spent prior 4 years as an Asst. at PRCC
Asst. Coaches: Janard Estell, Landon Lewis, Tanner McGill
Last season: 12-2, MACCC co-champs, lost to Holmes CC in Region 23 semifinals
-Head Coach Chris Oney took over the reigns at PRCC for the 2016-17 season. The “River” was having decent success, BC (before Chris). But it had never made the big leap. Over the years, Pearl River had claimed five South Division Championships, 13 State Titles (since 1927), but never represented Region 23 or the Gulf District for that matter, at the National Tournament. No trips to Hutch for you, as the phrase goes.
But, things were about to change. After a mediocre first year 14-9, with Oney at the controls, the Wildcats began to start something special. In his second year (2017-18), Coach “O” and his Cats went 23-5 (10-4 in the MACCC), were crowned South Division Champs and claimed the State Championship.
Pearl River then made a successful run in the District Championship and faced-off against Holmes CC in the finals. To the victor goes the automatic bid to the National Tournament. Unfortunately, close but no cigar became a reality. Holmes defeated the Wildcats, ending their dreams of playing at Hutch for the first time in program history.
Then next season (2018-19) history was made. Going 26-4, PRCC won the South Division, Region 23 Title, and this time, the Gulf District Championship. The later is what catapulted them into their first appearance ever at Hutch. The Wildcats were defeated by #7 Seed Odessa College (TX), in their first round game. Losing is always bitter, especially when it ends your season. But one thing was certain. Pearl River had taken that next big step by reaching the National Tournament.
Then something bigger bestowed Oney and Pearl River in 2020. More history was made. The Wildcats ran the table to finish the season undefeated at 28-0, including another District Title, earning them their second appearance at Hutch in as many years. Not only did the Wildcats qualify, they received the #1 Seed, becoming the first Mississippi school to enter the National Tournament undefeated and receive the #1 Seed.
Last year, before the NJCAA announced the official At-Large selections, Juco Hoop Scoop had posted their list of projected At-Large selections on it’s Facebook page. We had Pearl River, even with playing only 14 games and having a record of 12-2, making the field as an At-Large. Call me crazy, but I calls em likes I sees em.
I had also projected Indian Hills to get an At-Large with a record of 21-3, Region 11 champ, runners-up in North Plains District, losing by one on the Champs home court, and ranked 6th in the final poll, where they were ranked basically all season. Maybe I am crazy.
Due to the size of the MACCC, and Region 23 (18 total with 2 Louisiana teams), the Mississippi Jucos have only one non-region opponent on their schedules. That doesn’t help teams showcase their strengths with Inter-region games, but they can only beat the teams that are on their schedule. Sometimes, that should be enough.
Pearl River will open with home games on Nov. 1 and 3 against William Carey JV and Baton Rouge CC. Then they return the favor to Baton Rouge by going to their place on Nov. 11.
Here is the 2021 Preview for the Pearl River CC Wildcats:
Returners
Jaronn Wilkens/Forward/6’8- Biloxi, NJCAA HM All-American, 1st team All-MACCC, 15.8ppg/6.4rpg/1.4apg
Cameron Brown/Guard/6’3 – 11.9 ppg /2.1 apg/ 5.1 rpg/ 1.4 stl/g/ 39.3 3FG%
Earl Smith/Guard/ 6’3 – 11.0 ppg/ 4.0 apg/ 4.2 rpg, 2nd team All-MACCC, 32 m/g,
Smith and Wilkens enter their third season as impact players on the Wildcat basketball team and Brown enters his second season as a starter
Wilkens averaged 15.8 points and 6.4 rebounds last season for Pearl River while played 28.3 minutes per game. His terrific season earned him an NJCAA All-America Honorable Mention selection, Second-Team All-MACCC selection and an All-Region 23 selection.
Smith doubled his production from his freshman to his sophomore year, averaging 11 points, 4.2 rebounds and four assists. The guard was a mainstay on the court, playing 32.4 minutes per game. His season earned him an Second-Team All-MACCC selection
Brown took on a huge role for the Wildcats as a freshman, averaging 35.1 minutes per game. He averaged 11.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.4 steals
Newcomers
Brison Waller- 6’9″, Cleveland, OH, transfer from Northwest Florida State where he averaged 7.1 points per game and 2.8 rebounds per game. He’s expected to be a dominant part of the Wildcat starting five; Copiah-Lincoln transfer JD Allen (Brookhaven; Wesson), 10.5ppg/4.8rpg/1.8apg/1.3spg; University of Maryland Eastern Shore transfer Jair Currie (Albany, N.Y), 6’3″; The Moore School) and Harcum College transfer Nykie Jackson (Trenton, N.J.; The Patrick School), 10.3ppg/3.6rpg; Alex Jordan, 5’10” FR F, Hattiesburg MS; Dylan Brumfield, 6’4″ FR G, Hattiesburg; Carlous Williams, 6’5″ FR F, Hattiesburg MS; Jeremiah Foster, 6’3″ FR F, Clinton, MS; Preston Turner, 6’8″ FR C, Laurel, MS; Ankerion Gross, 6’6″ SO F, Sardis, MS, N. Panola HS, 12.8ppg/6.8rpb
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#18 Connors State College (Warner, OK) – Cowboys – Region 2 – South Central District – not ranked in final 2021 poll
Head Coach Bill Muse (BA-Ole Miss, MPE-South Alabama) – 30th Season (685 Wins and 246 losses)
Asst. Coach: Bill Muse, Jr.
Last Season:
Connors State College has had a lot of success on the hardwood. And for the past 29 years, Head Coach Bill Muse has been accountable for that problem. Well, it’s only been a problem for the their opponents, and the other Region 2, OCAC, and South Central District teams.
Connors State College men’s basketball is a storied program in the NJCAA. Their first trip to the National Tournament was in 1952, the first year it was played in the new Sports Arena in Hutchinson, KS. The first ever NT was in 1948, hosted at State College Arena in Springfield, MO. It moved to Hutch the next year, but played downtown in Convention Hall until the completion of the Sports Arena just in time for the 52 Championship.
Overall, the Cowboys have ventured Northwest the 300 miles to compete in the National Tournament 14 times, four of those coming by the year 1990. Bill Muse wasn’t the coach back then, but to some it might seem like he was. CSC won the National Championship in 1990, just before the arrival of Bill Muse as Head Coach.
Connors hired Muse to run the Cowboys program for the 1992-93 season, nabbing him from his Assistants job at Clemson Univ. Coach Muse didn’t waste any time re-establishing the Cowboys into one to be reckoned with. In his second year, 1993-94, the team qualified for Hutch and they hoofed it all the way to the final four. In all, Muse has taken CSC to the big dance ten times, and the trophy case has a lot of evidence of their success.
In addition to the ’94 final four run, Muse had two other final four teams, in 1996 and 2009. A fifth place finish in 1997. Add in a sweet sixteen trip in 2017, sandwiched between two quarterfinal showings in 2015 and 2018, which was their last appearance.
The winningest coach in CSC history, even entering his 30th year mentoring Pokes, Muse sets a high standard for success, on and off the floor. As the Head Coach at CSC, he has won 75% of his games, and his teams have captured eight Bi-State Conference Titles, seven Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference Championships, and then ten Region2/South Central District crowns, accounting for all ten of his trips to Hutch.
Throughout all that success, you won’t find him talking much about the awards HE has received, differing instead to talk about the awards earned by the team and the players.
As a regular attendee to The Tournament, I remember a special moment during the 2017 tournament involving his son Bill Muse, Jr., now his Assistant Coach. Bill, Jr., or Billy, was a sophomore on that national tournament team. His freshman year the team didn’t qualify for the trip to Hutch. He and dad had always talked about the thrill of them being together, on Sam Butterfield Court. The next year would be their only chance, and things didn’t start out to well for that team going 1-3 out of the gates. . But the team pulled together, won a lot of games in a row, won the District Championship, and with that, a dream come true for both father and son was in the making.
In their first game at Hutch, at 10:00 am on the first day of the tournament vs. Spartanburg Methodist College (SC), Billy (ave 10.7 ppg) took the court. At that moment, that dream they both shared, became a reality. Billy had always traveled wit the team, and at Hutch, he’d be on the bench as the team’s ball boy/mgr. for all of dad’s games. But now, at that moment in time, he was on the court, playing for his dad, and sharing that moment they had dreamed of.
Spartanburg ended the Cowboys season, but near the end of the game, when the outcome was certain, Coach Bill took out son Bill for the last time together as coach and player. As the two met on the sideline near center court, there was a pause, then an embrace…a special moment shared by a dad and his son, as well as all of us in attendance who knew what had just happened.
Connors State was voted #2 in the Region 2 Preseason Coaches Poll, behind NEO. NOC-Tonkawa, Eastern Oklahoma State, and Murray State rounded out the top five. Things should be real competitive in the Okie state this season.
The Cowboys get things started on Nov. 1, 2, and 3, hosting SW Christian University, Central Baptist College, and Mid-American Christian University.
Here is the 2021-22 preview for the Connors State College Cowboys:
Key Loses
No Major Key Loses
Key Returners
Jahcoree Ealy Wing 6’6″ Averaged 18 Points Per Game, 6 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 2 Steals, and 3 Blocks 2020-2021 1st Team All-Conference, Runner Up for Region Player of the Year, 2019-2020 OCAC All-Freshman Team, NJCAA National Player of the Week February 1-7, 2021 (Covid Sophomore)
Jordan Tillmon Combo (1 and 2) 6’2 Averaged 14 Points Per Game, 5 Rebounds, 3 Assists, and 1 Steal 2020-2021 OCAC ALL Freshman Team (Covid Freshman)
Mason Alexander Post 6’7 Averaged 7 Points Per Game, 5 Rebounds, 2 Assists (Covid Freshman)
Sammy Mike Post 6’9 Averaged 5 Points Per Game, 3 rebounds, and 1 Block (Covid Freshman)
Key Newcomers
D.J. Basey 6’10 Post University of Central Oklahoma Averaged 5 Points Per Game, 3 Rebounds, 1 Assist, and 1 Block (Covid Sophomore)
Greg Johnson 6’4 Guard Seward County Community College Averaged 10 Points Per Game, 4 Rebounds, 2 Assists (Covid Sophomore)
Marquel Sutton 6’7 Post Tulsa Rogers High School Averaged 20 Points Per Game, 12 Rebounds, and 2 Assists in His Senior Year of High School (True Freshman)
Xavier Glenn 6’4 Guard Bixby High School Averaged 25 Points Per Game, 8 Rebounds, and 8 Assists in His Senior Year of High School (True Freshman)
Makyi Boyce 6’0 Guard Marion High School Averaged 15 Points Per Game, 5 Rebounds, 6 Assists in His Senior Year of High School (True Freshman)
Jhamyl Fricas 6’3 Guard Worcester Prep Averaged 22 Points Per Game, 4 Rebounds, and 5 Assists in His Senior Year of High School
Xavier Brown 6’0 Guard Muskogee High School Averaged 18 points Per Game, 3 Rebounds, and 3 Assists in His Senior Year of High School (True Freshman)
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#19 Harcum College (Bryn Mawr, PA) – Bears – Region 19 – East District – #11 in final 2021 poll
Head Coach Drew Kelly (B-Villanova, M-College of New Jersey) – 17th year (392-99) 19th year overall (414-121?)
Asst. Coaches: John Ball Assoc. HC, Michael Cherry, CJ Scott
Last season: 17-1, Covid shut them down right before the District tournament and their season ended without the opportunity to make a run for the National Tournament.
-Harcum was a women’s only institution up until 2003. They went coed and added baseball and men’s basketball shorty there after. Drew Kelly was hired in Dec. of 2004 to build a program from scratch, giving him almost a year to get things together. And get things together he did.
Harcum, under the leadership of Kelly, finished 21-10 in that first year (2005-06) and the streak was on. The streak of 20 win seasons that is. Kelly and his Bears ran off 15 consecutive 20 win seasons, and if not for the covid shortened season and travel restrictions, and the covid shutdown at the end of the season, that streak would have been extended to 16 consecutive.
The Bears have appeared at the National Tournament in Hutchinson twice, in 2014 and 2016. The 2014 Bears won a school record 32 games and reached the final four, losing the last two games to Indian Hills and Vincennes to finish fourth.
Another record setting year occured in the 2009-10 campaign. The Bears reeled off 25 straight wins, capturing the nations’ #1 ranking for the first time in school history, but also becoming the first Region 19 team to be ranked at the top since 1974.
Last year, Harcum was the only team from the East District who competed. The district was made up of three regions, 15, 19, and 20 with a normal total of seven teams. The three NY schools opted out due to covid, as did the teams from Maryland. That left Harcum as the only team in the original District.
The NJCAA made a few adjustments to accommodate that situation, as other teams in other District’s chose to opt out as well. Harcum was assigned to compete with the teams in the Region 10/Atlantic District.
After the bracket was arranged, and games were just days away, Harcum had too many players positive or contact traced with covid to field a team. A promising season, starting out 17-1, ended in sadness. With a legitimate chance to advance to nationals, the Bears had to sit in quarantine, their hopes and dreams obliterated by a virus.
Harcum opened their renewed season on Nov. 1 with a home win against CCBC-Catonsville, 130-82. They will then travel to Vincennes, IN to play Shawnee CC (IL) and Vincennes in the Kiwanis Classic Nov. 5/6.
Here is the 2021 preview for the Harcum College Bears:
Key losses: Nykie Jackson, 6’6″ SO G, Williamstown, PA, 14ppg/4.1rpg/1.6apg; Nichus Jackson, 6’7″ FR F, Trenton, NJ, 13ppg/4rpg/1apg; Oluwasegun Durosinmi, 6’9″ FR C, Nigeria, 10ppg/9rpg,4bpg, (St. Bonaventure)
Returners: Yazid Powell, 6’4″ SO G, 17.4ppg/7.1rpg/4apg/4spg; Tre Dinkins, 6’2″ FR G, Chester, PA, 12.8ppg/3.4rpg/1.5apg, 39% 3P; Jordan Martin, 10.1ppg/3apg; Louis Bleechmore, 6’6″ FR W, Australia, 9.3ppg/4.1rpb; Fatayn Wesley, 5’8″ SO G, Philadelphia PA, 7.6ppg/3.2apg; Khayden Stewart, 6’0″ FR G, Ontario, 1.8ppg; Abdul Shanunu, 6’5″ SO W, Ghana, 6.5ppg/4.4rpg; Anyang Madut Atem, 7’0″ FR C, Sudan, 3.3ppg/3.8rpg/1.3bpg; Raejon Figures, 6’2″ FR G, Hackensack NJ, reserve 1ppg;
Newcomers: Justin Owens, 6’9″ FR W, Queens, NY; Amahrie Simpkins, 6’4″ FR W, Brooklyn NY, 2020 HS grad, 17ppg/5rpg/4.5spg/3.6apg; Mohamed Wague, 6’10” FR F, Mali; Naji Hamilton, 6’1″ Fr G, Coatesville, PA; Derrius Ward, 6’6″ FR W, Philadelphia, PA
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#20 South Georgia State College (Douglas, GA) – Hawks – Region 17 – Southwest District – not ranked in final 2021 poll
Head Coach Cory Baldwin (South Georgia State College, Clayton State University ’00, Central Michigan University ’01, Georgia Southern University) – 13th season at SGSC (255-115), 15 seasons overall (308-142)
Asst. Coaches: DJ Hardy – 12th year, Ben Limbaugh (Student Asst.)
Last season: 23-4 – Southwest District Champs, won first round game at Hutch vs. #12 Seed Salt Lake CC, lost in sweet 16 to #3 Seed South Plains College (TX)
-2020-21 was a breakthrough year for the upstart Hawks. Formally know as Waycross College, SGSC won the Southwest District Championship over upset minded #8 Seed East Georgia State. EGSC had removed #1 Georgia Highlands and #5 Central Georgia Tech to make it a little easier. But that wasn’t the case. EGSC put up a good fight before falling to the Hawks 75-69.
That win put South Georgia State into the field of 24 at Hutch. It was the second time in program history to qualify for the national tournament, the first coming in 2011 as Waycross College. The name had changed, but the HC was the same.
When Waycross College decided to add basketball, Cory Baldwin was chosen to lead the program, but from the ground up. In July, 2009, Baldwin’s accepted that challenge and became the first and the only men’s basketball HC at Waycross/SGSC.
With the successes both on and off the court, Coach Baldwin, who hails from Jonesboro, GA, just might have found a permanent gig in this Southeastern Georgia community. Only time (and more successes) will determine that. But right now, I bet, if you asked them, Coach Baldwin and the Hawks feel there is some unfinished business to attend to right there in Waycross/Douglas.
The Hawks were picked by the GCAA coaches as the preseason favorite to win the conference. Georgia Highlands, another Cinderella story in Juco ball, is right on their heels at #2. If you missed their preview, scroll back to the top, they were #16. I’m thinking it might be a dog fight this season in the Region.
South Georgia State finds Thomas University JV first up on their schedule Nov. 3 at the Douglas campus. Two days later, Reinhardt University JV pays the a visit, also in Douglas.
Here is the 2021 preview for the South Georgia State College Hawks from HC Baldwin:
• Summary of last season Last season was tough for everyone with Covid-19 issues, but SGSC muscled through and had some unbelievable accomplishments: a 23-4 Record, finished 2nd in The GCAA and then won the Region Tournament and District which had SGSC representing the Southeastern District at ‘Hutch’ The NJCAA National Tournament. Making the tournament was not enough for the Hawks, as SGSC went out and defeated #12 seed Salt Lake CC in overtime and then in the Sweet 16 battled South Plains to wire. With that kind of winning many awards and honors followed, 10/12 weeks either Receiving Votes or Nationally Ranked this season, Highest ranking was #19 on Week 5, February 22, 2021; 2 different guys named GCAA POTW (Jalen King received honors twice and Bryce Brown once), 1 1st team All-Conference: Jalen King, 1 Second Team All-Conference: Bryce Brown, 1 Honorable Mention All-Conference: Nick Jiles, 1 All-Defensive: Jayce Moore, 2 GCAA All-Academic (Daniel Parrish ‘DP’ & Malik Allen), 2 All-Tournament Team Members for the GCAA Conference tournament: Bryce Brown and MVP: Daniel Parrish ‘DP’, a NJCAA 3rd Team All-American: Jalen King, Had two NJCAA Academic All-Americans Malik Allen and Jesse Harbin, Defeated 3 NJCAA Nationally Ranked Teams this season (Georgia Highlands College, South Georgia Technical College, and Salt Lake City CC), Defeated Salt Lake City CC #12 seed in the NJCAA National Tournament at Hutch
Won 48 Games in last two seasons for a 24-win-per-season average,
16-1 at Home, 7-2 on the road, winningest Men’s College Basketball Team in the State of Georgia (any level) over the last 2 seasons. Picked by the coaches in the GCAA as Pre-Season #1!
The Hawks return 9 players from last season’s run. Jayce Moore the lone starter in HUTCH returning and a Pre-seasons All-GCAA selection. AJ Spencer who had an unbelievable summer and is also a Pre-Season All-GCAA selection, had big moments at Hutch. Nick Jiles, an All-GCAA 3rd team member last season will try to return from a knee injury. Zae Wiggins who had a huge game versus Salt Lake CC is back and joined by Turahn Thompson, Lay Davis, Justin Edmondson, Malik Allen, and Jesse Harbin. Robert Paul injured and did not play last season but was with the team. Added Northern Oklahoma Tonkawa transfer, Malik Crawford transfers in and another transfer Carlos Hart from a NCAA D2 Benedictine College. This season like most for The GCAA, will have a competitive top-heavy region with familiar faces: Central Georgia Tech, Georgia Highlands, and South Georgia Tech primed and ready to not allow SGSC repeat a visit to Hutch. “our league is always undervalued by those not in it. But those of us who have been in this league know no league game is easy and all road league games are almost impossible” Coach Baldwin says. “My biggest thing for this group is we are not trying to repeat; this team is different and new and we are trying to be the best this team can be”
Coach Baldwin is the only coach in the GCAA who has won a NJCAA tournament game with a 2-3 record out there.
“New season of life, and it is time to have new experiences, grow, and learn so we can be successful. I have a goal to see nothing less than another championship and the end of the journey” Jayce Moore said when asked about this season.
Projected Starters
#24 Jayce Moore 6’3 185 / Douglas, GA / Coffee County HS
Covid-Sophomore LM-MM
Played in all 59 games while here at SGSC, this season played and started in all 27 games
1st in The GCAA in minutes played (784),1st in The GCAA and 2nd in the NJCAA in steals (87),1st in The GCAA and 4th in the NJCAA in steals per game (3.3),
2nd in The GCAA and 20th in the NJCAA in assists (116), 8th in The GCAA in total block shots (18), 4th in The GCAA in total offensive rebounds (64), 10th in The GCAA in total defensive rebounds (98), 7th in The GCAA in total rebounds (162), 6th in The GCAA in Field Goal Percentage (53.9), Career high in points (31) at East Georgia State in a win, 1 of 2 guys to score 30 or more points in a game this season for the Hawks, 1 of 12 guys in the history of Hawks/Swamp Foxes to score 30 or more in a game, Scored double-digits 14 times this season, 2 over 20 points and 1 over 30 points, Improved 3-point shooting from 24% to an unreal 43.5% in just one season, Career high in rebounds (14) at Albany Tech in a win, Had 3 double-digit rebounding games this season (14, 12, 10)
Career high in assists (10) vs Edward Waters JV in a win, had 11 games with 5 or more assists in a game, Career high in steals (8) versus Andrew College in a win,
Had 12 games this season with 4 or more steals in a game, had 4 double-doubles this season (3 points and rebounds and 1 points and assists), and Jayce is a true leader for this team an is a swiss-army knife as for as being able to contribute in so many ways.
#3 Turahn Thompson 6’5 200 / Atlanta, GA /Central Gwinnett HS/ Utah State U-Eastern
Covid-Sophomore LM
Transferred in from Utah State University Eastern, played in 25 of the 27 games, season high in points (15) twice versus Edward Waters JV and Southern Crescent Tech, both in wins; Season High in rebounds (7) versus New Rock Prep in a win, Season high in steals (7) versus Hope Christian Post Graduate Academy in a win, Season high in assists (4) versus East Georgia State in a win, and with Turahn’s athleticism and size on the perimeter he is looking to have a break-out season.
#4 AJ Spencer 6’4 200 / Shiloh, GA / Harris County HS
Covid-Sophomore LM
Played in 44 games over the last two seasons, played in all 27 games this season, scored his career high 13 points twice this season: vs. Hope Christian Postgraduate Academy and Combine Academy, career high in rebounds versus Hope Christian Postgraduate Academy (10 rebounds), Recorded a double-double 13 points and 10 rebounds in win over HCPGA, Scored 7 points and had 5 rebounds in the historic win over #12 Salt Lake CC in the NJCAA National Tournament, Made unbelievable inbound pass to set up the game-tying free throws, which he made to send the game into overtime and win over #21 Georgia Highlands College, AJ helped the Hawks to a 48-11 record in two seasons, and had an unbelievable summer of improvement and is primed for a tremendous season. AJ will play 2-5 this season for the team and guard all 5 positions at some point.
#14 Zae Wiggins 6’1 180 / Monticello, FL / Lincoln HS
Covid-Freshman LM
Played in 25 games this season, Season high in points (15) in a win versus Gordon State College, Scored in double-digits twice this season (both wins) versus Gordon State (15 points) and versus Salt Lake CC (11 points), In his huge come-out game at the National Tournament (Hutch) Zae was 3 for 3 from the 3-point Line, Season high in assists (7) in a win versus Gordon State College, and Season high in steals (3) in win versus Central Georgia Tech, and Zae is a scoring point guard.
#12 Nick Jiles 6’0 175 / Lakeland, FL / Lake Gibson HS/ United Tribes Tech College
Covid-Sophomore MM
Played in 17 games, starting in 16, Season high in points (30) in a win versus #21 Georgia Highlands College,1 of 2 guys to score 30 or more points in a game this season for the Hawks, 1 of 12 guys in the history of Hawks/Swamp Foxes to score 30 or more in a game, Season high in assists (15) in a win versus Southern Crescent Tech
Broke school record twice for most assists in a game with 14 assists in a win over Edward Waters JV and later broke his own record with 15 assists in a win versus Southern Crescent Tech, Season high in steals (5) in wins versus Action Sports Academy, Edward Waters JV, and a loss at South Georgia Tech, Season high in rebounds (6) versus Action Sports Academy, recorded a double-double versus South Georgia Tech, 1st in The GCAA in total assists (120)
1st in The GCAA in assists per game (7.1), 1st in The GCAA in assist/turnover ratio (2.8 to 1), 7th in The GCAA in 3-point Percentage (40.7%), 2nd in The GCAA in Free Throw Percentage (81.3%), 18th in the country (NJCAA) in total assists, 8th in the country (NJCAA) in assists per game (7.1), 2nd in The GCAA in steals per game (2.9), 6th in the country in steals per game (2.9), Nick had a season-ending injury and yet stayed involved each day at practice and in games. Nick may or may not play this season, but is continuously rehabbing.
#15 Lay Davis 6’9 215 / McDonough HS/ The Skills Factory
Covid-Freshman LM
Played in 9 games this season, Season high in points (9) versus Edward Waters JV, Season high in rebounds (4) versus New Rock Prep, Lay has the size to go from a minor contributor last season to a possible starter this season.
#23 Malik Crawford 6’6 220 / Morgan County HS/ Northern Oklahoma College-Tonkawa
Covid-Sophomore LM
Played in 56 games, starting 46 of them in a two season period for NOC-T where he helped them to a 52-6 record during that time and two trips to ‘HUTCH’ the NJCAA National Tournament. He averaged 4ppg and 4.5 rpg in two seasons and shot 59% over that time from the field. Malik will help add depth, versatility, and a winning attitude to an already deep, versatile, winning traditional program.
Other to watch:
#1Carlos Hart 6’6 185 /North Miami HS /Benedictine College
Covid-Freshman MM
#11 Malik Allen 6’4 200 /Hazlehurst, GA /Appling Christian Academy
Covid-Red-Shirt-Freshman D2
#21 Justin Edmondson 6’3 200 /Atlanta, GA /Archer HS
Covid-Freshman D2-LM
#13 Jesse Harbin 6’1 175 /Johnson (Gainesville) HS
Covid-Freshman NAIA
KEY Losses:
Bryce Brown 6’8 – Signed with Tarleton State D1
Jalen King 6’5 – Signed with Northwestern State D1 (was a NJCAA 3rd team All-American)
Daniel Parrish 6’4 – Signed with Florida International U D1
Jordan Coffee 6’0 – Signed with Coker College D2
