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Defending NJCAA Division II champion Johnson County more like a Division I
school
For the record, Johnson County is a
National JC Athletic Association Division II school, but in reality the
Cavaliers play more like a keeper in the DI ranks.
To be sure, in years past Coach Mike Jeffers’ teams have honed their game by
playing a rugged non-conference school and then going up against DI schools in
18 conference games in the 10-team Eastern Division, and so when post-season
play rolls around Johnson County is more often than not rollin'. “Our schedule
is always tough,” said Jeffers. “When you add Brown Mackie, Penn Valley and
Hesston (non-conference schools) to it, the schedule really becomes difficult.
Your schedule can help your team get ready for the post-season, but you still
have to have the (good) players to win games.”
A year ago the Cavaliers had it all and were rewarded with a DII tournament
championship: a run that was full of emotion for Jeffers in particular. Just
before the season started, he gave the watch from his first championship
tournament run at Johnson County (2000-01) to his mother (June, who lives in
southeast Georgia) so she could place it on his father (Gene) who had passed
away October 10, 2008. “I told her that Dad and my brother (David, who had
passed in 1998) would be watching,” said Jeffers “I just had faith it (winning
the championship) would happen again. I just didn’t think it would happen five
months later.”
Jeffers made it clear to his players before their win in the game played for the
coveted crown (63-49 over Kirkwood, Iowa in Danville, Ill.) that the largest
load to tote had been hauled and that the fun part of their season’s journey was
now at hand. And the unranked Cavaliers beat a trio of teams ranked among the
top five in the final NJCAA regular season poll (Kirkwood, Iowa, 63-49, in the
finals), playing the kind of defense that coaches constantly preach to their
players - the tight, in-your-face type stuff. Johnson held those teams it beat
in three days to an average 37.8 per cent shooting and 55.7 points.
Making the championship run even sweeter was the fact Johnson County didn’t play
with a true point guard all season and lost its three best three-point shooters
(two to injuries, another to academics) by the holiday break. Now stars Nafis
Ricks (Missouri State) and Rory Spencer (Georgia Southern) are carrying the
Johnson County and NJCAA banners in the NCAA Division I ranks. But that was then
and this is now, and Jeffers knows he and the three holdovers (no starters, with
one letterman and two other players who sat out with injuries) from that team
will have to put all of those giddy moments in the back of their collective
minds. “We have a whole new team,” said Jeffers of his 14-player roster. “We
have a lot of fresh faces to chose from, but they haven’t done anything yet.
It’s all about production. The biggest thing will be these players carrying that
bullseye on their back.”
One of the most instrumental players this time around will be point guard Kyle
Speed, who sat out last season with an ACL injury after being an
all-conference pick in 2007-08. And freshman Ronnie Boggs (6-2) is a long and
athletic guy with good skills who is a winner, helping Grandview, Mo. high
school to a 29-2 record last season.
So will Johnson County repeat its feat? Can Coach Steve Eck, who had a nice
two-year run at Cowley (60-8) before exiting Arkansas City, work his
seemingly endless magic at Hutchinson? And how will a quartet of other coaches
in new places (Tommy DeSalme succeeds Eck at Cowley, Patrick Nee went from
Highland to Independence and Jerre Cole and Dustin Pfeifer are new to Highland
and Colby, respectively) with new faces fare? Who will be the sophomore stars
and the freshmen phenoms? And, most importantly, who has the grit to win the
coveted Region VI tournament championship and get to Hutchinson for the NJCAA
tournament?
Time will tell.
JAYHAWK CONFERENCE PREVIEW
(Listed in order of predicted order of finish in coaches' pre-season
poll)
Western Division
1. Seward County
Coach Bryan Zollinger
Last season’s records Overall 23-9, Conference 9-7 (Tie 3rd)
Top players Latiq Agard, 6-4, sophomore, forward...Injured halfway through last
season (21.5 points, 7.1 rebounds).
Marcus James, 6-6, sophomore, forward...High-flying slasher who had 12.3 points,
5.4 rebounds as a freshman.
Tony Smith, 6-4, sophomore, guard...Arguable best PG in West (14 points, 5.9
assists, 2.9 steals as freshman).
Notes
The Saints bring back the heart of a 23-win team from a year ago,
including over 70 per cent of their scoring. The addition of transfer Donte
McCarter, who averaged 16 points, 5 assists at Pitt, N,C. juco, gives a good
team even more quality depth.
2. Hutchinson
Coach Steve Eck
Last season’s records Overall 20-12, Conference 8-8 (Tie 5th)
Top players Jerome Cohen, 6-7, freshman, forward...Tore his knee up in a
scrimmage and be out at least the first semester.
Adonis Gantt, 5-10, sophomore, point guard...A waterbug type guy who is very
quick. Was at Cowley last year with Eck.
Garrius Holloman, 6-6, sophomore, forward...Another
player for Eck at Cowley, he can score inside or outside equally well.
Joe Mitchell, 6-0, freshman, guard...He is a tough kid who should be able to log
some quality minutes.
Notes Only two players saw playing time last season but so what? Eck, remember,
is the guy who went to El Reno, Okla. with a completely new roster and at
season’s end his Redland team brought home an NCJAA Division II tournament
championship.
3. Garden City
Coach Kris Bauman
Last season’s records Overall 25-13, Conference 9-7 (Tie 3rd)
Top players Vince Banks, 6-3, 190, sophomore, guard...Can get his own shot.
Signed with Cincinnati out of HS. Mr. Georgia of 2003.
Eric Griffin, 6-8, 195, sophomore, forward...Athletic player who influences the
game with his big game in the paint.
Martell Jackson, 6-9, 270, sophomore, post,...A skilled left-handed center who
should make a good contribution.
Chris McHenry, 5-10, 185, sophomore, combo guard...Skilled backcourt player who
transfers in from Howard University.
Bobby Wesley, 5-10, 165, sophomore, point guard,...Started all 37 games on
regional title team. MVP of this year’s team.
Notes A year ago, the Broncbusters were picked to finish fourth in the nine-team
West in the coaches’ pre-season poll, but finished with a Region VI championship
(beating highly-regarded Cowley in the finals) and then had a 2-2 showing in the
NJCAA tournament in Hutchinson. With only two returnees from this group will be
inexperienced but talented/athletic enough to compete in the rugged West.
4. Barton County
Coach Craig Fletchall
Last season’s records Overall 28-5, Conference 13-1 (1st)
Top players Dennan Morrow, 6-3, sophomore, guard...Great shooter played many
minutes last year. Had great pre-season, getting lot of four-year school
interest.
Kevin Smith, 6-3, RS freshman, guard...Strong scorer and one of the team’s best
defenders. He is looking to have a breakout year and is getting DI interest.
Sammer Jassar, 6-8, freshman, forward...Qualifier
who can leave after this year. Crafty, extremely coachable. Getting better
daily. Smart. Drawing Dl interest.
Notes The Cougars finished as the best in the West in the final regular season
standings last season thanks in part to the top offensive team among all 19
conference schools (82 points per game). Will not be as deep as usual and will
definitely miss post presence of Nyika Williams (MVP of West and NJCAA
All-American) and guard play/leadership of Chip Steven and Corey Bingham. The
Cougars, who have led the league in 3-point shooting for two years, will again
rely on outside shooting. They are 27-4 at home the past two years.
5. Butler
Coach Mike Bargen
Last season’s records Overall 24-9, Conference 11-5 (2nd)
Top players Dushawn Brooks, 6-5, sophomore, forward...Extremely athletic but the
downside is that he is also a streaky shooter.
Troy Pierce, 6-6, sophomore, post...Hard working guy who is also very
tough-minded player. Heart of the team. He is truly a coach’s dream.
Caleb Walker, 6-4, sophomore, guard,...Strong, athletic and tough wing who had
10 points, 5 rebounds last year. Ex-football player is rugged.
Notes
Bargen is a quick study. He boosted his talent level last season and it
showed big time. The son of former Hutchinson Coach Gary Bargen, he is fast
making a making a name for himself, most notably with his team’s defense (last
season opponents were held to 66.1 points per game, best in the nine-team West).
Six returnees (four had major roles) bode well for the season. Better skills are
at hand but is this group truly competitive? Team chemistry will determine
overall success.
6. Cloud County
Coach Kevin Muff
Last season’s records Overall 18-13, Conference 7-9 (7th)
Top players Mohammad Fall, 6-8, freshman...Big guy will be needed for some good
inside play. Needs to work hard. He is from Dakar, Senegal.
Adrian Herrera, 5-11, sophomore, guard...With his skilled game, he complements
his fellow backcourt teammate Patrick Schulte well.
Eric Marshall, 6-5, sophomore, forward...Versatile player who had 12 points, 6
rebounds per game as a freshman. At least that much expected now.
Ty Modupe, 6-7, freshman, forward...Athletic guy who can be a productive and a
consistent performer if he puts the time in working on his game.
Patrick Schulte, 6-2, sophomore, guard...Best known for his solid overall play
and for being big time three-point shooter.
Notes This is a nice group that needs to come together as a team. Good
leadership is at hand with sophomores; they are extremely motivated to turn the
tables on last season. PG spot will be strong, as will the overall team defense.
Lack of experience in the paint and depth could be problems.
7. Pratt
Coach Trevor Rolfs
Last season’s records Overall 18-13, Conference 8-8 (Tie 5th)
Top players Illiwa Baldwin, 6-11, sophomore, post...Great size with good hands,
feet. Dropped 50 pounds and got stronger since last year.
Tyrone Gordon, 6-2, sophomore, point guard...Pure point guard. He Creates,
distributes, finishes. Had 9.8 points, 4.6 assists as freshman.
LaShawn Kelley, 6-0, sophomore, combo guard...Plays
hard. Versatile, defender who can run the team and scores off the ball.
Trent Thomas, 6-4, freshman, wing...All-City point guard in high school in
Milwaukee, Wisc. Color him as tough, athletic and a scorer.
Notes There are a not of new faces on the roster. A big void was left by Mike
Tyler so others on the team will have to pick up the slack. There is good depth
at guard with some quality bigs.
8. Dodge City
Coach Brady Trenkle
Last season’s records Overall 11-20, Conference 4-12 (8th)
Top players Tyler Barnes, 6-6, sophomore, wing-forward...Good athlete, great
rebounder, smart transfer from Umpqua, Ore. juco.
Chuck Coley, 6-8, sophomore, wing...Athlete who can really shoot the ball well.
As freshman averaged 10 points, 6 rebounds.
Quintrell Love, 6-1, freshman, wing...He is a
strong and athletic wing who plays hard. Creates a lot of matchup problems.
Bruce Massey, 6-3, freshman, point guard...Great leader. He is fast and quick
for his size. Has really long arms. Great assist man.
Derrick Parsley, 6-6, freshman, post...Under-sized but extremely strong. Very
athletic, he can really score around the basket.
Christian Salazar, 6-4, sophomore, forward...Very strong and athletic. As a
freshman he averaged 6 points, 4 rebounds.
Mykael Thompson, 6-2, sophomore, combo
guard...Great athlete who is at his best in transition. Slasher who takes good
shots.
Notes This is a very young team (only three returnees). The good news is that it
is a hard-working team that never questions anything asked of them. They have
shown a great overall attitudes. They are lots of fun to be around now but will
it carry over to the season?
9. Colby
Coach Dustin Pfeifer
Last season’s records Overall 5-25, Conference 3-13 (9th)
Top players Dominic Brewer, 6-3, sophomore, guard...Transfer from Central
Baptist, Ark. Long and athletic.
Jordan Michelson, 6-8, sophomore, post-forward...Transfer from Weatherford,
Texas juco sat out last season.
Michael Morris, 6-6, freshman, forward...Has a 6-10 wing span wiith great
athleticism. He plays hard. Big shot blocker.
Jose Pena-Benjamin, 6-4, freshman, combo guard...A great athlete who is also a
very good scorer.
Regis Schafer, 6-4, freshman, guard...Brazilian kid who is older. Great shooter
who handles ball very well.
Aireus Stephenson, 6-1, sophomore, point
guard...Had 13.4 points with 63 assists as a freshman. Also has 4.0 GPA.
Notes Colby won 17 games in the last three seasons combined but a new coaching
staff with a new outlook hopes to turn that around. If this team can get
competitive and stay that way they will have done well.
Eastern Division
1. Coffeyville
Coach Jay Herkelman
Last season’s records Overall 24-8, Conference 15-3 (Tie lst)
Top players Keith Biggers, 6-6, sophomore, post...Big guy has a good touch
around the basket, with range to 15 feet.
Jermaine Bransford, 6-6, sophomore, post...Plays with a lot of energy and has
range to 3. Good rebounder.
Justin Johnson, 6-6, sophomore, forward...Plays inside w.range to 3. Trying to
play more with his back to basket.
Richard Townsend Gant, 6-5, sophomore, wing...Good 3-point shooter. Can be
really good if he plays hard all the time.
Notes Herkelman has worked his magic since he got to ‘Ville (1995-96, with 13 of
14 seasons between 21 and 36 victories). Expect more of the same for the Ravens,
bidding for their ninth Eastern championship in 10 years. There is a good mix of
sophomores and freshmen with some quality depth.
2. Cowley
Coach Tommy DeSalme
Last season’s records Overall 19-13, Conference 15-3 (lst)
Top players Ray Chambers, 6-6, sophomore, forward...Can play bigger than his
size. Shot 53 per cent as freshman.
Canon Fields, 5-10 freshman, guard...Played on Topeka Highland Park team that
won three state titles.
Tyrun McGee, 6-2, freshman, guard...Leader (was on
two state high school title teams in Oklahoma). Averaged 36 points.
Caprest Rhone, 6-0, sophomore, guard...Leader.
Tough. Had 5 points, 3 rebounds, 2.4 assists as a freshman.
Lance Russell, 6-4, sophomore, guard...Led Tigers in threes (36) and free throw
shooting per centage (80.5) last season.
Notes When Coach Steve Eck left for Hutchinson, DeSalme moved from Independence
to Arkansas City (about an hour-and-a-half away). He hopped from one frying pan
to another. To be sure, he will be hard pressed to come up with a team that
fares as well offensively as the Tigers did in 2008-09 (82 points a game, No. 1
in the East).
3. Neosho County
Coach Jeremy Coombs
Last season’s records Overall 16-15, Conference 8-10 (Tie 5th)
Top players Antonio Bostic, 6-3, combo guard, RS freshman...In-state player who
hails from Lenexa just needs playing time.
Jahmal Buroughs, 6-7, sophomore, wing...U. of New
Orleans transfer should be an asset in a variety of ways.
Justin Fairman, 6-5, sophomore, combo forward...Was high school all-state player
in Louisiana. He is a big time defender.
Antione Lundy, 6-8, sophomore, forward...Was a
member of the 2005-06 state HS championship team in Michigan.
Tyrie Wooten, 5-11, sophomore, guard...Transfer
from Iowa Western JC, he will add good depth to the backcourt.
Notes Four returnees need to mix well and fast with a decent freshman class and
transfers. They should, as per Coombs’ way, pride themselves on defense and a
fast-paced offense.
4. Independence
Coach Patrick Nee
Last season’s records Overall 19-13, Conference 13-5 (3rd)
Top players Anthony Downing, 6-1, freshman, guard...Smooth w.high BB IQ. Gets to
basket at will. Good trey shooter.
Andrew Ensley, 6-5, freshman, forward...High energy wing being counted on for
board play. Can shoot it out to the three.
Karron McKenzie, 6-3, sophomore, guard...Big,
strong and great in transition. Good on-ball defender. Very athletic
Derrick Washington, 6-1, freshman, point guard....Very quick. Great court
vision. A pure point who is also a good shooter.
Notes A year ago, the Pirates’ defense was downright offensive (yielding only
63.6 points per game, tops in the East). Can Nee (he comes in from Highland)
continue that trend? With an entirely new team there is good team speed,
cohesiveness and a good offense. Everyone must pick up a new system under a new
coach and if that happens it will most likely show in the win-loss column.
5. Johnson County
Coach Mike Jeffers
Last season’s records Overall 26-9, Conference 12-6 (4th)
Top player Kyle Speed, 6-0, sophomore, Point guard...Leader! Shoots well and
contributes in all areas. Sat out the 2008-09 season with an ACL injury. Is 100
per cent and ready to go. Ronnie Boggs, 6-2, Freshman, Guard... Long and
athletic, Very good skills with a great upside. Helped lead Grandview high
school to a 29-2 season in 08-09!
Notes When you lose "ninety-nine per cent of everything," as Jeffers says, the
outlook would seem to be bleak. But count on the defending NJCAA Division II
champion to turn out well before season's end. This is a team with good depth
and balance that will get better with time; it has good depth and balance.
They'll be deeper 6-through-10 but not as strong at the top: 1-through-5.
6. Allen County
Coach Mike Hayes
Last season’s records Overall 13-18, Conference 8-10 (Tie 5th)
Top players Anthony Clagett, 6-1, sophomore, point guard...Excellent ball
handler, strong on-ball defender and great competitor
Chris Lee, 6-6, sophomore, wing...Very athletic. A slasher who rebounds and
shots the three-ball very well.
Dennis Rumph, 6-6, sophomore, post...Excellent rebounder and shot blocker who
gets up and down the floor well.
Notes There is good overall team speed at hand, along with some quickness, depth
and physical ability to be a competitive team. With so many new players on the
roster it will take time (and patience) for this group to develop into cohesive
unit.
7. Kansas City
Coach Jon Oler
Last season’s records Overall 10-21, Conference 6-12 (7th)
Top players Derrick Denny, 6-4, sophomore, forward....Led conference in 3’s
(108) as a freshman and should do that once again.
Melvin Gatson, 5-10, sophomore, guard...Hometown player who needs to be
consistent and take care of the ball.
Andre Metoyer, 6-8, sophomore, post...Being counted on for some good play
overall and his rebounding game.
Notes
Optimism is high, with the most height overall than Oler has ever had.
Good shooting and some nice depth will also help. Keys to the season are taking
care of the ball and the ability to tough it out during a long season.
8. Fort Scott
Coach Michael Cook
Last season’s records Overall 11-20, Conference 5-13 (Tie 8th)
Top players Jacob Gougler, 6-5, freshman, forward...He is a high energy player
who should make an impact on both ends.
Robert Hatcher, 6-0, freshman, guard...Tough. Floor leader who penetrates and
shoots the ball well.
Bryce Kemp, 6-0, sophomore, guard...Defensive catalyst who does a little big of
everything for the team.
Ramell Taylor, 6-6, sophomore, forward...Long,
athletic, runs floor well. Has improved vastly since last year.
Notes With 11 freshmen at hand, a lot of learning will be a must. This group
should get better as the season ages and be able to compete well.
9. Highland
Coach Jerre Cole
Last season’s records Overall 13-18, Conference 5-13 (Tie 8th)
Top players Ryan Donahoe, 6-1, RS freshman, point guard...Strong, tough, good
decision maker with ball.
Jarmar Gulley, 6-3, freshman, guard...Big guard can
play any perimeter spot. Very good off the bounce, great mid-range game.
Duane Durley, 6-10, RS sophomore, post...Mobile inside for his size. Keeps
getting better. Physical, can score inside.
Rashano McRae, 6-7, RS sophomore,
forward...Athletic, can score 15-feet and in. Tough. Physical presence in paint.
Notes Everyone in this program is new to the system (most notably Cole, who
coached at Lamar State-Port Arthur, Texas juco last season) and so it will take
time them to get things together. The good news is that there is a chance,
talent-wise, for them to be a good team by mid-season.
10. Labette
Coach Armando Johnson
Last season’s records Overall 7-24, Conference 3-15 (10th)
Top players Larry Barber, 5-11, sophomore, guard...Great scorer who has matured
and has better understanding of game.
Garland McArthur, 6-7, sophomore, wing...Great slasher who is automatic in post.
Will also play 3 and 4 positions.
Chris Nelson, 6-3, sophomore, guard...Played at Garden City juco. Good slasher
is strong inside, near perfect mid-range game.
Notes With nine sophomores, things look promising. This team should boost its
win total from last year. Returnees have confidence with their experience. There
are five transfers to work with and so blending is a must. Lot of upside here.
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