More Juco Hoop Scoop Top 25 Previews – #6 thru #10
#6 Kilgore College (Kilgore, TX) – Rangers – Region 14 – Mid-South District – not ranked in 2021 final poll
Head Coach Brian Hoberecht (Emporia State) – 14th year at KC (244-147), 22nd overall (400-242)
Asst. Coaches: Cody McCoy, Ryan Sheehy, Brendon Hoberecht
Kilgore College is coming off a season in which they went into the Mid-South District tournament as the #3 Seed with a first round bye. After taking care of business vs. #6 Seed Blinn College in the quarterfinals, the Rangers proceeded to upset #2 Seed Navarro and #1 Seed Trinity Valley on their way to capturing the District Championship and automatic berth in the National Tournament. It was the programs 6th trip to the Big Dance in Hutch, and first since 2013, also directed by Coach Hoberecht.
In Hutch, the Rangers received the #17 Seed and were matched up against the host, #16 Seed Hutchinson (Plains District At-Large), in the very first game of the tournament. Kilgore’s wild ride ended vs.the Blue Dragons shortly before Noon on opening day to finish at 18-6. But a program with an old history in the tournament with four of their six appearances in Hutch occurring before the new millennium (winning titles in 1956 & 1968), now has renewed energy with two appearances in the last nine years due to the foundation being built by Hoberecht.
KC opens the season Nov. 2 with a home date vs. the Texas Gladiators, before heading to the Tip-off Classic on Nov. 7/8 at Central Oklahoma University in Edmond, OK. There, Kilgore will face Missouri State-West Plains and Northern Oklahoma-Enid.
Here is the 2021 preview for the Kilgore College Rangers:
Last season – 18-6, Mid-South Region Champions, National Tournament appearance
Key losses:
KJ Jenkins 6’1 guard, First Team All-Region, New Mexico
Stephan Morris 6’8 forward, Old Dominion
Tyson Banks 5’11 guard, Univ of Auburn-Montgomery
Key returners:
Dantwan Grimes 6’2/PG, Ocala, FL, Second Team All-Region
DaSean Nelson 6’8/Forward, Toledo, OH first team All-Region, scored 29 vs. Hutchinson at Nationals
Paul Otieno 6’8/Post, Kenya, Africa, HM All-Region
Duane Posey 6’6/Fwd, Memphis, TN
Newcomers
DaVeon Thomas 6’0/PG Columbia, SC
Mason Taylor, 6’4/guard (transfer from Air Force) Kansas City, MO
Tobias Roland 6’3/guard Oklahoma City, OK
Isaac Hoberecht 6’1/guard Carl Junction, MO
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#7 Coffeyville CC (Coffeyville, KS) – Red Ravens – Region 6 – Plains District – #5 in final 2021 poll
Head Coach Jay Herkelman (A.A., Southeastern Community College (IA), B.A., University of Dubuque, M.S., Fort Hays State University) – 26th season (634-196).
Asst. Coaches: Kyle Campbell, Vol. Abdul Olusesi
(After numerous failed contact attempts with Red Raven coaching staff, this preview is a complete compilation of Juco Hoop Scoop)
The Red Ravens, led by Herkelman, have made 5 straight appearances at Hutch. Twelve of the program’s 16 trips are accountable to “Herk,” the 2018 NJCAA Hall of Fame inductee. Herkelman, whose 2002 team finished second at Hutch, is the KJCAA and Region 6 all time winningest coach.
Of his 12 tips to the Kansas plains for the Big Dance, his teams have made the semifinals four times, playing in the finals twice (2002 & 2021) and winning it all this past season. This was Herkelman’s first National Championship and the program’s second (1962). As a result, Herkelman was awarded the NJCAA Coach of the Tournament and Coach of the Year honors for 2021.
CCC opens its season Nov. 1 at home vs. Fort Scott CC (KS). Then travel to Missouri State-West Plains for a match-up on Nov. 2.
Here is the 2021 preview for the Coffeyville CC Red Ravens:
Last season: (27-3, 18-2), Jayhawk East Conference Co-Champs, Plains District semifinalist, At-Large bid to national championship, 2021 NJCAA National Champions
Key losses: Tylor Perry, 5’11 SO G, 17.6ppg/2.7rpg/2.7apg, 1st team all region, 2nd team all american, NJCAA tournament MVP, signed with North Texas; Bostyn Holt, 6’7″ SO G, 9.6ppg/6.5rpg;1.8apg; Kevaughn Ellis, 6’4″ RS-SO, 7.2 ppg; Markeith Browning, 6’4″ RS-FR G, 8.5ppg/2.9rpg/1.6apg; Larry White, 6’5″ RS-SO G/F, 7.1ppg/3.7rpg
Returners: Love Bettis, 6’3″ FR G, Pensacola FL, started 27/30 games for National Champs, 12ppg/2rpg/2.5spg, 39% 3P, NJCAA All-Tournament Team; Blaise Keita, 6’10” FR F, West Africa, started all 30 games, had 27 pts (13-16 FG) in 29 min 9 reb and 4 blks in Championship game, 10.5ppg/7.8rpg/1.6bpg, 2nd team all region; Alhousseny Diallo, 6’7″ FR F, West Africa, 1.4 ppg 15 gms; Noah Butler, 6’5″ FR G/F, Lawrence KS, 8 m/g; Jaylen Randle, 6’2″ RS-FR, 3 m/g; Atem Chol, 7’1″ RS-SO F, Sudan, DNP 2021 ACL, transfer from NMJC
Newcomers: Jordan Williams, 6’3″ FR G, Pensacola FL, 21ppg/3rpg/2.3apg/1.5spg; Jules Bikoy, 6’4″ FR G, Fort Washington MD, 18ppg; Deng Mayar, 6’7″ FR G/F, Salt Lake City UT, transfer from Western TX, 9ppg/5rpg; Dayshawn Wiley, 6’4″ FR G, Las Vegas NV, transfer from Hutch; AJ McBride, 6’3″ RS-SO G, Houston TX, transfer from UNC-Ashville DI, 1.8 ppg 8 gms; TJ Fritz, 6’3″ FR G, Manhattan KS, D2 transfer UNK; Nathan Johnson, Jr., 6’4″ FR G, Kansas City KS; Izek Jackson, 6’6″ FR F, Chapman KS, Oluwatimisola ToluOgunkoya, 6’8″ FR F; Houston TX/Cheshire Academy (CT)
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#8 Florida SouthWestern State College (Fort Myers, FL) – Buccaneers – Region 8 – South Atlantic District – #25 in final 2021 poll
Head Coach Eric Murphy (BS – Waynesburg Univ. (PA), MPE – Slippery Rock) – 4th year (77-10)
Asst. Coaches: Kente Hart, Nick Lackey, Anthony Paez
The Florida SouthWestern State College basketball program had its inaugural season in 2016-17. Led then by Head Coach Mary Richter, the Bucs won their first 9 games of their existence, the first eight of those on the road. The soon to be new home, Suncoast Credit Union Arena wasn’t going to be christened until Nov. 29.
FSW went on to a 26-7 record, losing in the State Tournament (Region 8) quarterfinals to the defending NJCAA Champion and #3 nationally ranked Northwest Florida State College Raiders. The next season, with Richter still in charge, the Bucs went 30-3 (29-1 during regular season), losing to the NWFSC Raiders again, this time in the State Semifinals. This time, however, in their second year of competition, the Buccaneers received at At-Large bid to the National Tournament.
Having been ranked in the top ten most of the season, including several weeks at #1, FSW, received #6 Seed and a first round bye. With the dubious task of taking on Hutchinson CC on the Dragon’s home floor, the Bucs didn’t flench, taking down the #11 Seed host, 80-65 to garner the schools first ever National Tournament victory.
That’s right, a team in its second year, played in their first NT game in school history, and won. The celebration was short lived however, as the Bucs lost in the quarterfinals to national power house Vincennes. Nonetheless, Florida SouthWestern State College men’s basketball was on the map, and rapidly becoming one of the new “darlings” of NJCAA Men’s DI basketball. Especially in light of their unusual school colors…Aqua and Purple. BTW, Hutch and Vincennes are the top two Juco DI all time wins leaders, with Hutch at #1. What a combo to face in your first venture to the Sports Arena.
Current Head Coach Eric Murphy started as an Assistant for Richter in the team’s first year. After two seasons as co-pilot, Murphy was lifted to the become the second HC in school history in 2018-19. And guess what? The wins kept coming. Before Murphy, the Bucs had accumulated a record of 56-10. Since taking over, Florida SW is now 133-20, one of the fastest starts for any Juco basketball program ever.
In five years, the Bucs have three NT appearances, 2018-2020, and the last two have come with Coach Murphy as the helmsman. Florida SouthWestern is coming off their worst season in their five year history going 18-5. In fact, the Buccaneers had never lost back to back games until their 19th and 20th games last season. That span covers a total of 150 games over 4 and 2/3 seasons. Pretty good I’d say.
Florida SouthWestern starts out with Victory Rock Prep on Nov. 1, in the stately Suncoast Credit Union Arena, where the Bucs are a measly 74-5 since it opened in 11/2016.
Here is the 2021 preview for the Florida SouthWestern State College Buccaneers:
Last season: 18-5 overall, 9-3 conference (2nd), advanced to semifinals of Region VIII Tournament
Key losses: Kario Oquendo, 6’4″ G, Titusville FL, signed with Georgia- 13.5 PPG, 55/40/70; Terry Roberts, 6’4″ G, Amityville NY, sign with Bradley, 15.0 PPG, 5.7 APG, 2.7 SPG; Jaden Campbell, 6’5″ G, Eatonville FL, sign with Samford- 13.7 PPG/4RPG/2APG, 52/39/78%; CJ Lane, 6’5″ G, Ontario, sign with Eastern Illinois, 9.7 PPG, 39% 3P
Returners: Jonathan dos Anjos, 6’7″ SO F, Brazil, 10.3 ppg/5.7 rpg, started 20 of 23 g; Kaiyon Cleary, 6’6″ RSSO G, England, 5.7 ppg/3.1 rpg; Rhyjon Blackwell, 6’0″ FR G, Baldwin NY, 22 gms, 4.4ppg/2.5rpg/2.5apg, 41% 3P; Klein Alexandre, 6’3″ FR G, W. Palm Beach FL, 3.1 ppg, 16 gms; Cameron Stitt, 6’8″ FR F, Indian Trail NC; Trace Darby, 6’4″ FR G, Ft. Myers FL, reserve roll in 7 games
Newcomers: Justin Archer, 6’7 FR F, N. Brunswick NJ, 11.5ppg/5.8rpg, transfer from Vincennes, NJCAA HM All-American last season; Marcus Niblack, 6’2, 195, East Tennessee St. transfer, gets to the basket at will, can score or create; Phillip Smith, 6’6, 210, Palm Beach St. transfer, shot 41% from three a season ago; Omar Rowe, 6’5″ FR G, Queens NY, transfer from Iona; Jordan Mitchell, 6’3″ FR G, W. Memphis, AR, McDonald’s All-American 2020-21, 18ppg/8rpg/7apg, 2x All-State; Bryant Selebangue, 6’9″ FR F, Quebec, transfer from Hutchinson CC, 6.6ppg/4.4rpg; Aahmod Scarbrough, 6’3″ FR G, St. Louis MO (Christian Academy), 10ppg/5rpg/3apg; Kenny Patterson, 6’4″ FR G, Jacksonville FL, 11ppg/5rpg
2022 expectations- Talented group with 12 players with collegiate playing experience on the roster. Deep front court & explosive guards. Should again be a contender for Southern Conference and Region VIII Titles.
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#9 Shelton State CC (Tuscaloosa, AL) – Buccaneers – Region 22 – South District – #4 in final 2021 poll
Head Coach Joseph Eatmon (West Alabama BS, ME) – 10th year total, 4 as an Asst, 6th season as Head Coach (133-25)
Assistant Coaches: Danny Keeler, Marcus Anthony, Tim Law, Sr.
Shelton State has put together quite a respectable resume in the past 17 years. The program made their first appearance at the National Tournament in 2005. Last April, the Bucs played in their 10th tourney, and third in a row. Head Coach Joe Eatmon has guided Shelton in four of those seasons. In fact, including his four years as an assistant coach, he’s has been a part of six or their ten trips to nationals.
An assistant coach at Shelton from 2012 – 2016, Eatmon was elevated to Interim HC for the 2016-17 season. The Bucs went 27-6 that year, tied for 1st in the ACCC North Division (9-3), and won the ACCC tournament Championship. That’s right, in his first year as the Interim Head Coach of the Bucs, Eatmon took them to Hutch.
Immediately following that season, the Interim tag was removed from his title. The next year Shelton had another outstanding season (27-5), but came up short of the ACCC championship, and wasn’t invited to the National Tournament. That is the only time in Eatmon’s five years as the Bucs boss they didn’t go to Hutch.
Overall, Shelton State has averaged 26.6 wins per year under Eatmon, with a conference record of 61-12 and three North Division Titles. What’s more, the Bucs DON’T lose at home either, compiling an impressive 73-4 record during his tenure.
Last season, Shelton State won the South District title by beating Wallace State-Selma. That victory earned them an automatic birth in the national tournament. Receiving the 11 Seed, the Bucs were paired with Northeastern JC (CO) in the first round. Shelton handled the Plainsmen, earning them the right to play Chipola College (FL), the 6th Seed, in the second round. Horrid shooting doomed the Bucs, and their season ended in the sweet sixteen. Chipola went on the reach the semis, before eventual Champ Coffeyville put the clamps on them.
Shelton State begins the season at home on Nov 1 vs. Motlow State CC (TN).
Here is the 2021 preview for the Shelton State CC Buccaneers:
Projected Starters:
-Andres Burney, 6’9, 195, freshman, center, Brundidge, AL, LM-MM. Coming back for his second season as a Freshman again due to the extra year for the COVID provision. Andres “Lank” Burney, started at center for the majority of the season and was highly prodluctive. Burney averaged 10.8 points while shooting 58.3% from the field while pulling down 8.6 rebounds per game. He has a tremendous knack for being in the right spots at the right time and has a motor in which every Division 1 coach in the country seeks. Lank is extremely efficient and effective around the rim, and will be expected to produce even more in his second season with the team. He will need to improve his footwork and his mid range jumper, but we have plenty of faith in our man in the middle to get the job done.
-Thaddeus Williams, 5’11, 170, freshman, point guard, Bessemer, AL, DII-MM. Thadd also returns for his second season as a freshman with the extra COVID year. He is an extremely effective floor general who leads his teammates by his example on the court and his work ethic. Thadd posted a stat line of 10.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.9 APG as he excelled in multiple roles for the team. The coaching staff could not keep him off the floor and started deploying a 2 point guard lineup early on in the season. Thadd is as strong as a pitbull and plays much bigger than his height lists him as. Thadd will need to limit his turnovers coming into his second season within the program. Very capable from the outside, crafty around the basket, and a great mid range game.
-Willie “Jalon” Johnson, 6’1, 175, sophomore, point guard, Tuscaloosa,AL,DII-MM. Jalon Johnson is coming into his third season with the program, having started every single game he has played in at the point guard position. Jalon has lightning quick speed with the ball and the ability to lose defenders at any time he chooses. He is not afraid of going inside the paint and finishing among the trees. He excels in transition and finishing around the rim with the best of them. This team has leaned heavily on Jalon in the past two seasons and he is a clear cut leader in this program. He is also an underrated defender, and someone who is consistently asked to guard the opponents best perimeter player. Jalon averaged 12 PPG and 4 APG en route to his second straight ACCC Conference Championship. Jalon needs to be more consistent with his three point shot, and making sure to make the right decisions when the ball is in his hand.
-Jaykwon Walton, 6’7, 205, redshirt sophomore, G/F, Columbus,GA, Power 5. Jaykwon, a University of Georgia transfer, may be arguably the top junior college prospect in the country at this moment. Jaykwon possesses all the tools needed to become a great player at the next level. He is a true three level scorer with elite playmaking ability. Jaykwon is truly positionless as he can play the 1-5 on the offensive end, as well as defend those same positions. He will be utilized in a variety of ways this upcoming year and will be expected to step in as a leader right away. Jaykwon will need to improve upon his consistency throughout an entire game as well as staying level headed throughout the season. If he can put all that together, an All-American nomination may be in the works.
-Antonio Thomas, 6’5, 200, redshirt sophomore, forward, Birmingham,AL DII-MM. Antonio Thomas is coming into his third season with the program and has taken huge strides in his development. Antonio averaged 9.8 PPG and 5.8 RPG along with shooting 41.8% from three, all while coming off the bench in a majority of the games. He excels in catch and shoot situations and is a menace on both sides of the glass. Antonio gets better every single practice and will be a key contributor in our program this upcoming season. He needs to make sure he doesn’t take plays off on the defensive end, and clean up his decision making on the offensive side.
Other Key Players:
-Antwan Burnett, 6’5, 220, freshman,G/F, Montgomery,AL, LM-HM. Antwan Burnett is a second year freshman transfer coming in from Troy University. He is a big bodied athletic small forward who can impact the game in a variety of ways. He has the tools and the motor to potentially be the best defensive stopper on the team, as well as the ability to finish above the rim through contact at any time. Antwan will need to improve upon his outside shot, as well as his conditioning so he can play major minutes at a high level. Antwan can become a force on both ends and have a plethora of college coaches lined up to see what he can do.
-Amorey Womack, 6’0,180, redshirt sophomore, G, St. Louis, MO, LM-MM. Amorey Womack is a third year redshirt sophomore coming into his first season with the Shelton State Men’s basketball program. He is a transfer from Tennessee State University that is looking to make an immediate impact within the program to get back to a D1 school. Amorey is an uber athletic combo guard that really sits down and defends as well. He plays very well in transition and thrives in pick and roll situations with his ability to get to the rack but also make the right pass when available. Amorey needs to improve upon his shot from deep and become more consistent day to day.
-Tavion “TJ” Williams, 6’8, 220, freshman, C, Birmingham, AL, D2-MM. Tavion Williams enters his second year at Shelton State and is expected to take a huge step forward in his second season. Last year he played limited minutes in a backup center capacity, but is looking to find his way onto the floor for more minutes this year. TJ has great footwork and is very capable with his back to the basket. He must improve his confidence to show his true potential and ability. With that being said, he can become a great post presence if he can get his mind in the right place.
-Logan Padgett, 6’6, 210,sophomore, G/F, Homewood,AL,D2-MM. Logan Padgett comes over to Shelton State as a two time transfer from Samford and then New Mexico. Logan is looking to catch his stride within the junior college ranks. Logan is a great spot up shooter and a very solid defender on the ball. He also has sneaky athleticism, and can rebound the ball very well. Logan needs to improve upon his off-ball defending, and his ball handling if he wants to play the guard position at a high level.
-Jalen Harper, 6’1, 165, redshirt sophomore,G, Mableton, GA, D2-MM. Jalen Harper comes over to Shelton State as a two time transfer by FGCU and most recently Vincennes. Jalen is an elite shooter with lightning quickness that will immediately transfer to the junior college level. Since joining the program, Jalen has shown an extreme dedication to the game that will pay dividends in this upcoming season. Jalen will need to slow his pace at times to make better decisions, as well as making sure his shot selection improves.
Power Ratings
Offensive- 5
Defensive- 4
Rebounding- 3
Playmaking- 3
Summary Coming off their third consecutive ACCC championship and most recently a Sweet 16 berth in the national tournament, Shelton State is hungry for even more victories in the upcoming season. The team is coming off a 24-2 season and is returning 7 players along with 3 starters. On top of that, they have added 5 Division 1 transfers and have a mountain of talent to go along with the aforementioned group. Head Coach Joseph Eatmon is on the hunt for his first National Championship and has the roster to make a legitimate push for a ring in the 2021-2022 calendar year. This team will get up and down the floor and give opposing coaches nightmares trying to prepare for the talented young men in Tuscaloosa.
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#10 College of Southern Idaho (Twin Falls, ID) – Golden Eagles – Region 18 – West District – # 10 in final 2021 poll
Head Coach Jeff Reinert – 3rd year at CSI (37-19), 8 seasons at Utah Valley State College 1994-2002 (now Utah Valley University)
Asst. Coaches: Ryan Lundgren, Fred Brown, Jr., AJ Demond
Last year: 21-4, SWAC (Scenic West Athletic Conference) regular champions, Rocky Mountain District Champs and auto qualifier for national tourney in Hutch (receiving #3 Seed), lost to rising star Indian River State College (FL) in sweet sixteen, ranked #10 in final 2021 NJCAA poll
CSI gets things rolling with the Hilex Poly/Physician’s Immediate Care Tourney at CSI Gymnasium on Nov. 4-6. The Eagles will play Colorado Northwestern CC, Central Wyoming College, and Lee College (TX).
-When you talk top five Juco programs overall, The Golden Eagles are securely entrenched in that conversation. CSI boasts the best winning percentage of any other progam in NJCAA history (with 500 or more games played, and rank in the top ten total wins.
The Eagles made their 26th NJCAA national tournament last season, third best all time. They are rank 3rd in total wins at the national tourney, tied for second with five other teams having won three National Championships (1976, 1987, and 2011), and (breath), have been National Runners-up four times.
Here is the 2021 preview of the College of Southern Idaho Golden Eagles:
Key losses: Deng Dut, PG: First Team All-American, Signed with the University of Wyoming; Amoro Lado, SG: First Team Scenic West Conference, Signed with the University of Hawaii; Tsotne Tsartsidze, C, Second Team Scenic West Conference, Signed with the University of North Dakota; Stevie Smith, Wing: Honorable Mention Scenic West Conference, Signed with Abilene Christian University
Key returners: KT Raimey, SG: Had some brilliant moments last year as a freshman for us. One of the top players in America in all of Junior College. Offers from DePaul, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Tulsa. We expect him to be a top 5 player in the country; Madit Lueeth, PG: Was first team Scenic West all-tournament last year. Backed up Deng Dut but is an incredibly athletic and talented lead guard. Being recruited by several mid major division one schools; Chayce Polynice, C, 3rd year guy who turned down Division one offer to return. Only his fourth year of basketball and is getting better by the day. Skilled center inside and out
Key newcomers: Anthony Roy, Wing: University of San Francisco Transfer. Was former Northern California Player of the year in high school. Has picked up mid major division one offers this Fall. Very talented and can play multiple positions. We expect him to be one of the best players in the country; Chris James, PG: Eastern Michigan University transfer. Rock solid PG that makes consistent winning plays. Great leader; Taelon Martin, Wing: Former ESPN top 100 recruit out of High School. Played a year for Jim Calhoun at USJ where he won Freshman of the year. Picked up a few mid major offers this summer at the JUCO Showcase in Atlanta. Great shooter with high level athleticism; Jakari Livingston, Wing: Freshman from Mills HS in Little Rock, Arkansas. Will be one of the top Freshman in JUCO. ELITE athlete that plays with an incredibly high motor
Overall, the coaching staff feels this is one of the best teams assembled in several years at CSI, and should contend for several championships again in 2021-22.
Look for more top 25 previews. Next up are #11 through #16 to be released soon.
