The first-year Manchester Community College head basketball coach had been away from the game for a number of years and "comeback kid" inquiries were being blocked as if she were Mitt Romney's tax lawyer.

Fair enough.

The gym floor squeaked as she ran up and down the court with her team in vintage Adidas footwear – the Chuck Taylor's were home resting – alternating instruction with a few defensive moves that just might work under game conditions. Her team had picked apart an opponent by 30 points the previous night, but there was still work to be done at this typically spirited practice.

What comeback story? It's like she never left.

The time machine says that Roickle led Niagara University to a NCAA Division II Final Four appearance in the early days of Title IX, and then built a nationally ranked Division I program at the University of Detroit. She left the coaching ranks with a combined record of 127-33 over seven seasons to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry, where she rose to a senior management position before taking over the highly successful MCC program last summer.

Read the entire article here: http://manchester.patch.com/articles/classroom-and-the-courtside-with-mcc-s-mary-roickle

A reception was held prior to the game, where friends, family, and former colleagues stopped by to visit with Gernander and take a look at various awards and photos throughout the coach's 31 years at SJC.

Gernander built the men's basketball program to be a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) powerhouse, with an overall record of 640-158. As head coach, he led his squads to 14 conference titles, eight NJCAA national tournament appearances, and two national runner-up finishes (1997, 2003). He also served 24 years as the San Jacinto College Central Campus athletic director.


Pictured from left: Dr. H. Neil Matkin, San Jacinto College (SJC) Central Campus president; Sharon Nelson, SJC Central Campus athletic director and volleyball head coach; Scott Gernander, veteran SJC men's basketball head coach; Scott Robert Gernander, Gernander's son and SJC men's basketball assistant coach; Jacob Wonders, SJC men's basketball head coach; and Dr. Brenda Hellyer, SJC Chancellor. Photo credit: Jeannie Peng-Armao, San Jacinto College marketing department.

All season long, the Bears have been the No. 1 ranked team on NJCAA Division II's top 20 national poll.

They are currently 19-1.

Win or lose, MCC head coach Steve Schmidt usually gets blamed for the outcome of games and the success of the school's past players.

But behind closed doors, things are different.

"Assistant coaches to me are unsung heroes," said Schmidt. "They don't get enough credit, they don't make enough money, but they provide continuity and stability in our program."

Yusuf Harris, Carl Jones and Marcus Skinner are serving as Schmidt's assistant sideline leaders.

They work with Schmidt on a day-to-day basis to help Mott remain as one of the premiere JUCO hoops organizations in the country.

Read the full article here: http://www.mlive.com/bears/index.ssf/2012/01/mott_bears_assistant_mens_bask.html

The first full week of February will begin with two top-notch games in Divisions I and II. No. 8 Northern Oklahoma College-Enid will put their 17-2 record to the test when they head to Seminole State College (Okla.) in a Division I face-off. In Division II, No. 7 Illinois Valley Community College will be at home against No. 20 Kishwaukee College (Ill.).


NJCAA Women’s Basketball Key Games Feb. 1–7
* DI program ^ DII program + DIII program % non-NJCAA member college

DI Top 10 Schedule
1. Trinity Valley (21-0): at Blinn (15-4)
2. Hutchinson (20-0): at #6 Seward County (18-2) – at Dodge City (8-13)
3. Central Arizona (21-1): at #10 ^Pima (15-7) – vs. Eastern Arizona (8-14)
4. Pensacola State (18-2): at #9 NW Florida State (19-3) – at #19 Chipola (17-7)
5. Casper (19-1): vs. Western Wyoming (16-3) – at Central Wyoming (9-10)
6. Gulf Coast (18-3): has no games scheduled.
6. Seward County (18-2): vs. #2 Hutchinson (20-0) – vs. Barton County (13-8)
8. N. Oklahoma-Enid (17-2): vs. NE Oklahoma A&M (15-6) – at Seminole State (13-4)
9. NW Florida State (19-3): vs. #4 Pensacola State (18-2) – at Tallahassee (11-9)
10. Arizona Western (20-2): at ^Scottsdale (4-17) – vs. Phoenix (7-15)

DII Top 10 Schedule
1. Johnson County (19-1): vs. *Allen County (7-13) – vs. #4 Highland-Kan. (19-1)
2. Cincinnati State (19-1): vs. Sinclair (12-6) – vs. %Dayton Club
3. Patrick Henry (14-1): at *Spartanburg Methodist (10-11)
4. Highland-Kan. (19-1): vs. Coffeyville (10-10) – at #1 Johnson County (19-1)
5. Kalamazoo Valley (19-1): vs. Grand Rapids (8-9)
6. Kirkwood (18-2): vs. Illinois Central (12-10) – vs. Southwestern (4-19)
7. Illinois Valley (17-4): at Black Hawk-Moline (11-9) – at Olive-Harvey (7-16) – vs. #20 Kishwaukee (15-7)
8. Louisburg (15-1): at #14 Guilford Tech (17-4) – vs. Catawba Valley (16-5) – at Lenoir (6-7)
9. Owens (18-4): at Columbus State (14-7)
10. Pima (15-7): vs. #3 *Central Arizona (21-1)

DIII Top 10 Schedule
1. Anoka-Ramsey (18-2): vs. Riverland (10-8)
2. Onondaga (17-3): vs. Herkimer (7-11) – vs. Corning (12-9)
3. Roxbury (18-4): at ^Baltimore City (7-16) – at #5 Montgomery-Rockville (18-3) – at ^CCBC-Dundalk (11-10)
4. Rock Valley (16-6): vs. Milwaukee Area Tech (1-17) – at Joliet (9-10)
5. MC-Rockville (18-3): at ^Southern Maryland (2-15) – vs. #3 Roxbury (18-4) – vs. Anne Arundel (7-14) – at ^Cecil (9-10)
6. Mesabi Range (15-6): vs. Hibbing (8-12) – at Fond du Lac (0-13)
7. Northampton (17-3): vs. Brookdale (14-6) – at #8 Ocean County (15-2) – vs. Atlantic Cape (12-8)
8. Ocean County (15-2): at Montgomery County (12-7) – vs. #7 Northampton (16-3) – at Middlesex County (9-9)
9. Nassau (11-1): at Rockland (16-6) – at Sullivan County (4-11) – at Borough of Manhattan (7-14)
10. Northland (14-6): vs. Vermilion (3-14)

Wednesday, Feb. 1

Interdivisional Play
#3 *Central Arizona College (21-1) at #10 ^Pima CC, Ariz. (15-7)

Division I
#2 Hutchinson CC, Texas (20-0) at #6 Seward County CC, Kan. (18-2)
#4 Pensacola SC, Fla. (18-2) at #9 Northwest Florida SC (19-3)
#1 Trinity Valley CC, Texas (21-0) at Blinn College, Texas (15-4)
Western Wyoming CC (16-3) at #5 Casper College, Wyo. (19-1)

Division II
#8 Louisburg College, N.C. (15-1) at #14 Guilford Tech CC, N.C. (17-4)


Friday, Feb. 3

Division III
#3 Roxbury CC, Mass. (18-4) at #5 Montgomery College-Rockville, Md. (18-3)


Saturday, Feb. 4

Division I
#4 Pensacola SC, Fla. (18-2) at #19 Chipola College, Fla. (17-7)

Division II
#4 Highland CC, Kan. (19-1) at #1 Johnson County CC, Kan. (19-1)

Division III
#7 Northampton CC, Pa. (17-3) at #8 Ocean County College, N.J. (15-2)


Monday, Feb. 6

Division I
#8 Northern Oklahoma College-Enid (17-2) at Seminole SC, Okla. (13-4)


Tuesday, Feb. 7

Division II
#20 Kishwaukee College, Ill. (15-7) at #7 Illinois Valley CC (17-4)

NJCAA Women’s Basketball Rankings – Feb. 1, 2012

DIVISION I POLL
School; Record; Poll Votes (1^st Place Votes); Previous Ranking
1. Trinity Valley CC, Texas; 21-0; 160 (8); 1
2. Hutchinson CC, Kan.; 20-0; 151; 2
3. Central Arizona College; 21-1; 143; 3
4. Pensacola State College, Fla.; 18-2; 138; 4
5. Casper College; 19-1; 127; 6
6. Gulf Coast State College, Fla.; 17-3; 112; 7
6. Seward CCC, Kan.; 18-2; 112; 8
8. Northern Oklahoma College-Enid; 17-2; 98; 10
9. Northwest Florida State; 19-3; 93; 5
10. Arizona Western College; 20-2; 89; 11
11. Shelton State CC, Ala.; 20-2; 82; 12
12. North Idaho College; 17-3; 73; 9
13. Paris JC, Texas; 18-3; 59; 14
14. Monroe CC, N.Y.; 17-3; 54; 15
15. Hill College, Texas; 19-2; 45; 16
16. Otero JC, Colo.; 21-1; 42; 13
16. Independence CC, Kan.; 16-3; 37; 16
18. Walters State CC, Tenn.; 15-2; 28; 18
19. Chipola College, Fla.; 16-7; 22; 19
20. Jefferson College, Mo.; 17-4; 6; RV

Dropped from Rankings: New Mexico JC (20)

Click Here to View Full DI Women's Basketball Poll

DIVISION II POLL
School; Record; Poll Votes (1^st Place Votes); Previous Ranking
1. Johnson CCC, Kan.; 19-1; 80 (4); 1
2. Cincinnati State TCC, Ohio; 19-0; 76; 2
3. Patrick Henry CC, Va.; 14-1; 72; 4
4. Highland CC, Kan.; 19-1; 68; 5
5. Kalamazoo Valley CC, Mich.; 19-1; 64, 3
6. Kirkwood CC, Iowa; 18-2; 60; 6
7. Illinois Valley CC; 17-4; 56; 7
8. Louisburg College, N.C.; 15-1; 52; 8
9. Owens CC, Ohio; 18-4; 48; 9
10. Pima CC, Ariz.; 15-7; 44; 12
11. North Arkansas College; 16-4; 40; 11
12. Monroe College, N.Y.; 18-5; 36; 13
13. South Suburban College, Ill.; 17-6; 32; 14
14. Guilford Tech CC, N.C.; 15-4; 28; 15
15. Des Moines Area CC, Iowa; 16-4; 24; NR
16. Jackson CC, Mich.; 17-3; 20; NR
17. Hagerstown CC, Md.; 20-1; 16; NR
18. Bismarck State College, N.D.; 18-5; 12; 19
19. Lake Michigan College, Mich.; 17-3; 8; NR
20. Kishwaukee College, Ill.; 14-8; 4; 17

Dropped from Rankings: Iowa Central CC (10); Illinois Central College (16); Allegany College of Maryland (18); North Central Missouri College (20); Jamestown CC, N.Y. (20)

Click Here to View Full DII Women's Basketball Poll

DIVISION III POLL
School; Record; Poll Votes (1^st Place Votes); Previous Ranking
1. Anoka-Ramsey CC, Minn.; 18-2; 50 (5); 1
2. Onondaga CC, N.Y.; 17-3; 45; 2
3. Roxbury CC, Mass.; 17-4; 40; 4
4. Rock Valley College, Ill.; 15-6; 35; 3
5. Montgomery College-Rockville, Md.; 18-3; 30; 5
6. Mesabi Range CTC, Minn.; 15-6; 25; 6
7. Northampton CC, Pa.; 16-3; 20; 7
8. Ocean County College, N.J.; 15-2; 15; 9
9. Nassau CC, N.Y.; 10-1; 10; 8
10. Northland CTC, Minn.; 14-6; 5; NR

Dropped from Rankings: Rochester CTC, Minn. (10)

Click Here to View Full DIII Women's Basketball Poll


Players of the Week – Feb. 1, 2012

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Yesenia Lora (Indian River SC, Fla.), Cassie Dumoulin (Elgin CC, Ill.) and Elizabeth Lawler (Ocean County College, N.J.) have been named NJCAA Women’s Basketball Players of the Week for games Jan. 23-29.

The Player of the Week for Division I was Lora, while Dumoulin was awarded the honor in Division II. Lawler was named Division III Player of the Week for the second time this season.

DIVISION I PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Yesenia Lora; Indian River State College, Fla.
Guard; Winter Haven, Fla.; Winter Haven High School

As the Pioneers routed Broward College (Fla.) 94-73 in their only game of the week, Lora (5’ 11”) enjoyed one of the best nights of her collegiate career. The sophomore scored a career-high 33 points, sinking 13-of-18 shots from the field. Lora made the effort a double-double, hauling in 13 rebounds in the contest. Indian River State and Lora hit the road this week with games at St. Petersburg College (Fla.) Wednesday and at Palm Beach SC (Fla.) Saturday.

DIVISION II PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Cassie Dumoulin; Elgin Community College, Ill.
Guard; Hampshire, Ill.; Hampshire High School

Helping maintain Elgin’s perfect record in the ISCC (Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference), Dumoulin (5’ 9”) put up great numbers in all three victories for the Spartans. Dumoulin opened the week with a 19-point effort in a 56-46 win over Morton College (Ill.). Against College of Lake County (Ill.), Dumoulin scored 37 points on 11-of-17 shooting to lead Elgin to a 76-41 blowout victory. The sophomore closed out the week with 28 points, seven rebounds and five steals in a 76-63 win over McHenry County College (Ill.). Dumoulin and the Spartans head to Oakton CC (Ill.) Thursday before a rematch with McHenry at home Saturday.

DIVISION III PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Elizabeth Lawler; Ocean County College, N.J.
Center; Lacey, N.J.; Lacey High School

With double-doubles in all three Ocean County wins last week, Lawler (5’ 10”) solidified herself as one of the top post players in Division III. Lawler totaled 22 points and 16 rebounds in the Vikings’ 71-36 thrashing of Camden CC (N.J.). The sophomore came back two nights later to score 28 points and corral 17 rebounds in an 81-50 win over Cumberland CC (N.J.). Closing out the week with a 67-49 victory over Atlantic Cape CC (N.J.), Lawler registered 25 points and 28 rebounds. Lawler and the Vikings will travel to Montgomery CCC (Pa.) Thursday and return home Saturday to host No. 7 Northampton CC (Pa.).

Key NJCAA Women’s Basketball Results (Jan. 24 – Jan. 31)

DI Top 10 Key Results
1. Trinity Valley (21-0): defeated San Jacinto-North 94-58; defeated Lon Morris 86-71.
2. Hutchinson (20-0): defeated Pratt 74-45; defeated Cloud County 69-67.
3. Central Arizona (21-1): defeated ^Chandler-Gilbert 83-46; defeated ^Scottsdale 76-51.
4. Pensacola State (18-2): defeated #7 Gulf Coast State 84-59.
5. NW Florida State (19-3): lost to #7 Gulf Coast State 85-56; lost to #19 Chipola 57-56.
6. Casper (19-1): defeated Sheridan 77-67; defeated Western Nebraska 57-52.
7. Gulf Coast State (18-3): def. #5 NW Florida State 85-56; lost to #4 Pensacola State 84-59; def. Tallahassee 65-44.
8. Seward County (18-2): defeated Garden City 78-59; defeated Butler 76-59.
9. North Idaho (17-3): defeated Salt Lake 67-51; defeated Snow 78-75.
10. N. Oklahoma-Enid (17-2): defeated Carl Albert State 72-55.

DII Top 10 Key Results
1. Johnson County (19-1): defeated *Labette 84-48; defeated *Cowley County 69-65 (OT).
2. Cincinnati State (19-1): defeated Columbus State 81-55; defeated Cuyahoga 84-55; lost to *Vincennes 91-76.
3. Kalamazoo Valley (19-1): defeated Lansing 66-52; lost to Lake Michigan 64-62.
4. Patrick Henry (14-1): defeated Frederick 102-84.
5. Highland-Kan. (19-1): defeated *Neosho County 66-43; defeated *Allen County 78-63.
6. Kirkwood (18-2): defeated Ellsworth 71-49; defeated Marshalltown 77-59.
7. Illinois Valley (17-4): defeated Carl Sandburg 57-46; defeated #16 Illinois Central 66-58.
8. Louisburg (15-1): defeated Wake Tech 85-53; defeated Brunswick 91-67.
9. Owens (18-4): defeated Lakeland 74-45.
10. Iowa Central (18-3): defeated North Iowa Area 81-56; lost to Des Moines Area 80-65.

DIII Top 10 Key Results
1. Anoka-Ramsey (18-2): defeated #10 Rochester 73-66; defeated Ridgewater 76-47; defeated Western Tech 73-26.
2. Onondaga (17-3): defeated Finger Lakes 78-57; defeated Cayuga 92-71.
3. Rock Valley (16-6): lost to *Malcolm X 62-55; defeated %Elmhurst JV 65-60.
4. Roxbury (18-4): defeated ^Rhode Island 72-64; defeated Manchester 104-46; defeated Bristol 103-23.
5. MC-Rockville (18-3): defeated ^Frederick 84-71; defeated ^CCBC-Dundalk 72-49.
6. Mesabi Range (15-6): defeated Vermilion 87-39.
7. Northampton (17-3): defeated Sussex County 82-42; defeated Middlesex County 69-59; defeated Gloucester 68-50.
8. Nassau (11-1): lost to ^Rhode Island 75-62; defeated Bunker Hill 69-49; defeated Kingsborough 62-49.
9. Ocean County (15-2): defeated Cumberland 81-50; defeated Atlantic Cape 67-49; defeated Cumberland 83-47.
10. Rochester (15-4): lost to #1 Anoka-Ramsey 73-66; defeated Minnesota West 75-60.

Interdivisional Play
1/25: #5 +Montgomery College - Rockville, Md. (17-3) defeated ^Frederick CC, Md. (13-6), 84-71.
1/28: #1 ^Johnson County CC, Kan. (19-1) defeated *Cowley County CC, Kan. (14-6), 69-65 (OT).
1/30: *Vincennes University, Ind. (19-3) defeated #2 ^Cincinnati State TCC, Ohio (19-1), 91-76.

Division I
1/25: #7 Gulf Coast State College, Fla. (18-2) defeated #5 Northwest Florida State College (19-2), 85-56.
#6 Casper College, Wyo. (19-1) defeated Sheridan College, Wyo. (17-4), 77-66.
1/28: #4 Pensacola State College, Fla. (18-2) defeated #7 Gulf Coast State College, Fla. (18-3), 84-59.

Division II
1/25: #6 Kirkwood CC, Iowa (17-2) defeated Ellsworth CC, Iowa (14-6), 71-49.
1/27: Lake Michigan College, Mich. (17-3) defeated #3 Kalamazoo Valley CC, Mich. (19-1), 64-62.
1/28: Des Moines Area CC, Iowa (14-4) defeated #10 Iowa Central CC (18-3), 80-65.

Division III
1/25: #1 Anoka-Ramsey CC, Minn. (16-2) defeated #10 Rochester CTC, Minn. (14-4), 73-66.


For more on NJCAA Women’s Basketball checkout the NJCAA Women’s Basketball Media Guides.

About the NJCAA: The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) is the governing body of two-year college athletics, offering athletic and academic opportunities to college students. It is the second largest national intercollegiate athletic organization in the United States with over 500 member schools in 43 states. Each year over 60,000 student-athletes compete in one of 28 different sports and the organization sponsors 48 national championship events and nine football bowl games. For more, visit http://www.njcaa.org.

Photo Courtesy: Highland Community College (Kan.) Athletic Dept., Hutchinson Community College Athletic Dept., Montgomery College-Rockville Athletic Dept., Johnson County Community College Athletic Dept., Trinity Valley Community College Athletic Dept., Ocean County College Athletic Dept.

DIII Top 10 Schedule
1. Sullivan County (19-2): at # 7 Bronx (20-4) – vs. Nassau (14-8) – vs. Rockland (5-17)
2. Central Lakes (19-1): at Rochester (14-5) – vs. Ridgewater (6-13)
3. Roxbury (16-2): vs. Lincoln of New England (5-10) – at Mass Bay (10-8)
4. Herkimer (20-1): at Cayuga (8-12) – at Columbia-Greene (8-13)
5. Davidson County (20-2): vs. %UNC JV – vs. Wytheville (8-12)
6. Mountain View (20-3): vs. Eastfield (16-8)
7. Bronx (20-4): vs. #1 Sullivan County (19-2) – vs. Ulster County (9-10) – vs. Borough of Manhattan (4-17)
8. Camden County (19-3): at Union County (10-13) – at Middlesex County (11-11) – at Montgomery County (12-11)
9. Brookdale (17-2): at Northampton (8-14) – vs. Cumberland County (4-19) – vs. Passaic County (7-15)
10. SUNY-Delhi (19-4): vs. %Davis – vs. Clinton (5-14) – at Mohawk Valley (16-5)

Wednesday, Feb. 1

Division I
#8 Pensacola SC, Fla. (20-3) at #3 Northwest Florida SC (20-1)

Division II
Cuyahoga CC, Ohio (13-5) at #10 Lakeland CC, Ohio (17-3)

Division III
#2 Central Lakes College-Brainerd, Minn. (19-1) at Rochester CTC, Minn. (14-5)


Thursday, Feb. 2

Division III
#1 Sullivan County CC, N.Y. (19-2) at #7 Bronx CC, N.Y. (20-4)


Saturday, Feb. 4

Division I
#9 Barton CC, Kan. (19-2) at #12 Seward County CC, Kan. (18-3)
North Idaho College (18-4) at #7 College of Southern Idaho (20-2)
#8 Pensacola SC, Fla. (20-3) at Chipola College, Fla. (18-5)

Division III
Eastfield College, Texas (16-8) at #6 Mountain View College, Texas (20-3)


Tuesday, Feb. 7

Interdivisional Play
#5 ^Central CC-Columbus, Neb. (19-3) at *Iowa Western CC (17-6)

Division I
#4 Indian Hills CC-Ottumwa, Iowa (22-1) at #6 Vincennes University, Ind. (21-2)

Division III
#10 SUNY-Delhi, N.Y. (19-4) at Mohawk Valley CC, N.Y. (16-5)

NJCAA Men’s Basketball Rankings – Jan. 31, 2012

DIVISION I POLL
School; Record; Poll Votes (1^st Place Votes); Previous Ranking
1. South Plains College, Texas; 20-0; 320 (16); 1
2. Coffeyville CC, Kan.; 19-1; 297; 2
3. Northwest Florida State College; 20-1; 287; 3
4. Indian Hills CC-Ottumwa, Iowa; 21-1; 277; 4
5. Monroe College, N.Y.; 22-2; 253; 5
6. Vincennes University, Ind.; 21-2; 236; 6
7. College of Southern Idaho; 20-2; 213; 7
8. Pensacola State College, Fla.; 20-3; 197; 10
9. Barton CC, Kan.; 19-2; 159; 10
10. Cochise College, Ariz.; 20-2; 142; 14
11. Eastern Oklahoma State; 19-2; 134; 13
12. Seward CCC, Kan.; 18-3; 124; 9
12. North Dakota SCS; 21-2; 124; 15
14. Odessa College, Texas; 18-3; 104; 8
15. Shelton State CC, Ala.; 18-3; 94; 16
16. Western Nebraska CC; 18-3; 70; 19
17. Kankakee CC, Ill.; 19-3; 44; RV
18. Georgia Perimeter College; 19-4; 33; RV
19. McLennan CC, Texas; 20-3; 31; RV
20. Santa Fe College, Fla.; 19-3; 25; RV

Dropped from Rankings: North Idaho College (12); Chipola College, Fla. (17); Northeast Mississippi CC (18); Olney Central College, Ill. (20)

Click Here to View Full DI Men's Basketball Poll

DIVISION II POLL
School; Record; Poll Votes (1^st Place Votes); Previous Ranking
1. Mott CC, Mich.; 19-1; 240 (12); 1
2. South Suburban College, Ill.; 21-1; 226; 4
3. Columbus State CC, Ohio; 19-2; 198; 6
4. Kirkwood CC, Iowa; 19-3; 194; 5
5. Central CC-Columbus, Neb.; 20-3; 176; 9
6. Triton College, Colo.; 18-3; 170; 8
7. Des Moines Area CC, Iowa; 19-3; 157; 10
8. Lincoln College, Ill.; 17-4; 142; 13
9. South Mountain CC, Ariz.; 18-4; 127; 3
10. Lakeland CC, Ohio; 17-3; 125; 12
11. Erie CC, N.Y.; 12-3; 120; 7
12. John Wood CC, Ill.; 16-4; 112; 2
13. Cecil College, Md.; 18-4; 102; 14
14. CC of Rhode Island; 20-4; 98; 11
15. Louisburg College, N.C.; 15-4; 95; 15
16. Oakland CC, Mich.; 16-3; 70; 16
17. Dakota County TC, Minn.; 16-5; 50; 17
18. Massasoit CC, Mass.; 15-3; 45; 19
19. CC of Beaver County, Pa.; 18-4; 22; RV
20. St. Louis CC, Mo.; 14-6; 19; RV

Dropped from Rankings: Essex County College, N.J. (18); Orange County CC, N.J. (20)

Click Here to View Full DII Men's Basketball Poll

DIVISION III POLL
School; Record; Poll Votes (1^st Place Votes); Previous Ranking
1. Sullivan CCC, N.Y.; 19-1; 77 (5); 2
2. Central Lakes-Brainerd, Minn.; 19-1; 69 (3); 1
3. Roxbury CC, Mass.; 16-1; 64; 3
4. Herkimer CCC, N.Y.; 19-1; 61; 3
5. Davidson CCC, N.C.; 20-2; 43; 3
6. Mountain View College, Texas; 20-3; 42; 7
7. Bronx CC, N.Y.; 20-4; 23; 9
8. Camden County College, N.J.; 18-3; 20; RV
9. Brookdale CC, N.J.; 16-2; 13; 6
10. SUNY-Delhi, N.Y.; 19-4; 11; 8

Dropped from Rankings: Rochester CTC, Minn. (10)

Click Here to View Full DIII Men's Basketball Poll


Players of the Week – Feb. 1, 2012

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Coty Clarke (Lawson State CC, Ala.), Desmond Williams (CC of Rhode Island) and JaMario Clayton (Ocean County College, N.J.) have been named NJCAA Men’s Basketball Players of the Week for games Jan. 23-29.

Earning Player of the Week accolades in Division I was Clarke. Williams was named Player of the Week in Division II, while the Division III Player of the Week was Clayton.

DIVISION I PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Coty Clarke; Lawson State Community College, Ala.
Forward; Birmingham, Ala.; Pinson Valley High School

In the Cougars’ only game last week, Clarke (6’ 7”) displayed his versatile abilities with his second triple-double performance of the season against Gadsden State CC (Ala.). Leading Lawson State to a 91-77 victory, Clarke scored 18 points on 8-of-9 shooting from the field. The sophomore also posted 22 rebounds and 12 assists in the contest. Clarke and the Cougars return to action Monday when they host Southern Union State CC (Ala.).

DIVISION II PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Desmond Williams; Community College of Rhode Island
Guard; Torrington, Conn.; Torrington High School

Williams (6’ 4”) came up big for the Knights on their road trip last week. The freshman scored 22 points and snagged seven steals defensively in CCRI’s 71-63 win over Nassau CC (N.Y.). In the Knight’s 76-53 victory over Suffolk CCC (N.Y.), Williams totaled 21 points, five rebounds and six assists. Williams and the Knights have the week off and will pick things back up Tuesday at Gateway CC (Conn.).

DIVISION III PLAYER OF THE WEEK
JaMario Clayton; Ocean County College, N.J.
Guard; Durham, N.C.; Southern High School

Despite his height, Clayton (5’ 6”) played larger than life last week in Ocean County’s three games. The sophomore recorded 17 points, five rebounds and five assists against Camden CC (N.J.), but the Vikings fell short 70-60. En route to an 86-69 win over Cumberland CC (N.J.), Clayton hit 12-of-23 shots from the field for 31 points. Clayton led the Vikings to a 71-66 win over Atlantic Cape CC (N.J.) with a triple-double including 29 points, 13 boards and 13 assists. Ocean County and Clayton will travel to Montgomery CCC (Pa.) Thursday before returning home to face Northampton CC (Pa.) Saturday.

NJCAA Men’s Basketball Key Results (Jan. 25 – Jan. 31)

DI Top 10 Key Results
1. South Plains (20-0): defeated New Mexico JC 79-78; defeated Howard 65-62.
2. Coffeyville (19-1): defeated Fort Scott 117-59; defeated Neosho County 87-70.
3. NW Florida State (20-1): defeated Gulf Coast State 79-64; defeated #17 Chipola 63-55.
4. Indian Hills (22-1): defeated Iowa Western 91-85; defeated Moberly Area 92-81.
5. Monroe (22-2): defeated Harcum 97-67; defeated %Canarias 73-40; defeated Globe IT 79-64.
6. Vincennes (21-2): defeated Richard J. Daley 73-49; defeated ^Cincinnati State TCC 87-60.
7. Southern Idaho (20-2): defeated Snow 74-67; defeated Salt Lake 62-60.
8. Odessa (18-3): lost to Howard 91-88 (OT); defeated Western Texas 103-63.
9. Seward County (18-3): lost to Garden City 81-74; defeated Butler 78-74.
10. Pensacola State (20-3): defeated Gulf Coast State 78-65.
10. Barton (19-2): defeated Pratt 88-76.

DII Top 10 Key Results
1. Mott (19-1): defeated Kirtland 69-50; defeated Schoolcraft 83-77.
2. John Wood (16-4): lost to #13 Lincoln College 86-70; lost to Danville Area 66-56.
3. South Mountain (18-4): lost to Phoenix 81-71; lost to *Eastern Arizona 81-73.
4. South Suburban (22-1): defeated Olive-Harvey 98-66.
5. Kirkwood (19-3): defeated Ellsworth 79-64; defeated %Loras JV 81-58; defeated %Coe 87-56.
6. Columbus State (19-2): defeated Cincinnati State 96-84; defeated Edison 117-70.
7. Erie (13-3): defeated Genesee 101-94; defeated Jamestown 79-72 (OT); defeated Monroe CC 70-65.
8. Triton (18-3): defeated Wilbur Wright 82-65; defeated +Rock Valley 100-90.
9. Central-Columbus (19-3): defeated *Northeast CC 96-72.
10. Des Moines Area (19-3): defeated %Grand View JV 72-50; defeated Iowa Central 64-62.

DIII Top 10 Key Results
1. Central Lakes (19-1): lost to Minnesota West 63-61; defeated Minnesota State 92-66.
2. Sullivan County (19-2): defeated Ulster 99-73; defeated Suffolk 79-74; lost to *Westchester 92-87.
3. Roxbury (16-2): defeated #11 ^Rhode Island 78-60; lost to Bristol 89-83.
3. Herkimer (20-1): def. Mohawk Vall. 75-74; def. #8 SUNY-Delhi 85-79; def. Corning 105-61; def. Fulton-Montg. 83-78.
3. Davidson County (20-2): lost to Central Carolina 99-97; def. Caldwell CCTI 84-82; def. %Belmont Abbey JV 94-81.
6. Brookdale (17-2): lost to Atlantic Cape 90-86; defeated Gloucester County 77-55; defeated Middlesex County 98-67.
7. Mountain View (20-3): defeated North Lake 68-60; defeated Cedar Valley 98-86.
8. SUNY-Delhi (19-4): lost to #3 Herkimer County 85-79; defeated Adirondack 80-40.
9. Bronx (20-4): defeated Suffolk County 77-67.
10. Rochester (14-5): lost to Anoka-Ramsey 75-73; defeated Minnesota West 77-62.

Interdivisional Play
1/26: #3 +Roxbury CC, Mass. (16-1) defeated #11 ^CC of Rhode Island (18-4), 78-60.
1/30: #6 *Vincennes University (21-2) defeated ^Cincinnati State TCC, Ohio (14-6), 87-60.

Division I
1/26: #5 Monroe College, N.Y. (20-2) defeated Harcum College, Pa. (17-3), 97-67.
Howard College, Texas (14-4) defeated #8 Odessa College, Texas (17-3), 91-88 (OT).
1/28: #3 Northwest Florida State College (20-1) defeated #17 Chipola College, Fla. (18-5), 63-55.
#4 Indian Hills CC – Ottumwa, Iowa (21-1) defeated Iowa Western CC (16-6), 91-85.
#7 College of Southern Idaho (20-2) defeated Salt Lake CC, Utah (16-6), 62-60.
#1 South Plains College, Texas (20-0) defeated Howard College, Texas (14-5), 65-62.

Division II
1/25: #1 Mott CC, Mich. (18-1) defeated Kirtland CC, Mich. (14-4), 69-50.
#13 Lincoln College, Ill. (15-4) defeated #2 John Wood CC, Ill. (16-3), 86-70.

Division III
1/27: #3 Herkimer County CC, N.Y. (18-1) defeated #8 SUNY-Delhi, N.Y. (18-4), 85-79.
1/28: #3 Davidson County CC, N.C. (19-2) defeated Caldwell CCTI, N.C. (14-5), 84-82.
#7 Mountain View College, Texas (19-3) defeated Cedar Valley College, Texas (15-6), 98-86.


For more on NJCAA Men’s Basketball checkout the NJCAA Men’s Basketball Media Guides.

About the NJCAA: The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) is the governing body of two-year college athletics, offering athletic and academic opportunities to college students. It is the second largest national intercollegiate athletic organization in the United States with over 500 member schools in 43 states. Each year over 60,000 student-athletes compete in one of 28 different sports and the organization sponsors 48 national championship events and nine football bowl games. For more, visit http://www.njcaa.org.


Photo Courtesy: Indian Hills Community College-Ottumwa Athletic Dept., Northwest Florida State College Athletic Dept., Central Lakes College-Brainerd Athletic Dept., South Plains College Athletic Dept., Mott Community College Athletic Dept., Community College of Rhode Island Athletic Dept.

Spoonhour left Moberly to become an assistant at the University of Oklahoma in 1974. He spent one season with the Sooners before becoming head coach at Southeastern Community College in Burlington, Iowa. In six seasons, Spoonhour took the Blackhawks to the NJCAA national tournament three times. He led the Hawks to a 147-46 record before he moved on to the NCAA again.

He compiled a 205-63 record with a .765 winning percentage as a NJCAA head coach, which earned him an induction into the NJCAA Men's Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1991.

He went on the coach in the NCAA Division I ranks at Southwest Missouri State, St. Louis University and UNLV. As a NCAA Division I coach, he led his teams to the NCAA tournament eight times and the NIT on five occasions.

His son and current Moberly head coach Jay Spoonhour said his father died peacefully this morning surrounded by his family and was able to spend his final moments with them at the family's condo near Raleigh-Durham, N.C. He had returned home from the hospital just a couple of days before.

More on Charlie Spoonhour:

Charlie Spoonhour, former Missouri State, Saint Louis coaching legend, dies at 72

Charlie Spoonhour dies; brought 'Spoonball' to SLU

Former UNLV basketball coach Charlie Spoonhour dies after battle with lung disease

Earning Player of the Week accolades in Division I was Clarke. Williams was named Player of the Week in Division II, while the Division III Player of the Week was Clayton.

DIVISION I PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Coty Clarke; Lawson State Community College, Ala.
Forward; Birmingham, Ala.; Pinson Valley High School

In the Cougars’ only game last week, Clarke (6’ 7”) displayed his versatile abilities with his second triple-double performance of the season against Gadsden State CC (Ala.). Leading Lawson State to a 91-77 victory, Clarke scored 18 points on 8-of-9 shooting from the field. The sophomore also posted 22 rebounds and 12 assists in the contest. Clarke and the Cougars return to action Monday when they host Southern Union State CC (Ala.).

DIVISION II PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Desmond Williams; Community College of Rhode Island
Guard; Torrington, Conn.; Torrington High School

Williams (6’ 4”) came up big for the Knights on their road trip last week. The freshman scored 22 points and snagged seven steals defensively in CCRI’s 71-63 win over Nassau CC (N.Y.). In the Knight’s 76-53 victory over Suffolk CCC (N.Y.), Williams totaled 21 points, five rebounds and six assists. Williams and the Knights have the week off and will pick things back up Tuesday at Gateway CC (Conn.).

DIVISION III PLAYER OF THE WEEK
JaMario Clayton; Ocean County College, N.J.
Guard; Durham, N.C.; Southern High School

Despite his height, Clayton (5’ 6”) played larger than life last week in Ocean County’s three games. The sophomore recorded 17 points, five rebounds and five assists against Camden CC (N.J.), but the Vikings fell short 70-60. En route to an 86-69 win over Cumberland CC (N.J.), Clayton hit 12-of-23 shots from the field for 31 points. Clayton led the Vikings to a 71-66 win over Atlantic Cape CC (N.J.) with a triple-double including 29 points, 13 boards and 13 assists. Ocean County and Clayton will travel to Montgomery CCC (Pa.) Thursday before returning home to face Northampton CC (Pa.) Saturday.

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Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 13)
Division I: Canon Fields (G) – Allen CC, Kan.
Division II: Kevin Thompson (G) – Dakota County Tech, Minn.
Division III: Korey Fisher (G) – Passaic CCC, N.J.

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games Nov. 14-20)
Division I: Kaheem Ranson (G) – Seward CCC, Kan.
Division II: Brendan Cooper (F) – Lakeland CC, Ohio
Division III: Chris Austin (G) – Ulster CCC, N.Y.

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 21-27)
Division I: Derrick Barden (F) – Odessa College, Texas
Division II: Quasim Jones (G) – Johnson CCC, Kan.
Division III: Jerome Parkins (G) – Gateway CC, Conn.

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 28 – Dec. 4)
Division I: Devon Branch (G) – Cloud CCC, Kan.
Division II: Maurice Lewis-Briggs (F) – CC of Beaver County, Pa.
Division III: Bakari Turner (G) – Cedar Valley College, Texas

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Dec. 5-11)
Division I: Darren Goodson (F) – Pensacola State College, Fla.
Division II: Deontray Dorsey (G) – Waubonsee CC, Ill.
Division III: Carl Clemons (F) – Broome CC, N.Y.

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Dec. 12-18)
Division I: None
Division II: Darrell Robinson (G) – Cuyahoga CC, Ohio
Division III: Paul Becklens (G) – Roxbury CC, Mass.

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Jan. 2-8)
Division I: Kevin Smith (G) – Frederick CC, Md.
Division II: De’Andre Upchurch (G) – Highland CC, Kan.
Division III: Taylor Small (G) – Vermilion CC, Minn.

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Jan. 9-15)
Division I: Jon Augustin-Fairell (C) – Indian River SC, Fla.
Division II: Matt Kelly (G) – North Central Missouri College
Division III: Jeromy O’Brien (G) – Itasca CC, Minn.

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Jan. 16-22)
Division I: Jamie Adams (G) – Colby CC, Kan.
Division II: Carlos Smith (F) – Baltimore City CC, Md.
Division III: Deon Boyce (F) – Davidson CCC, N.C.

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Jan. 23-29)
Division I: Coty Clarke (F) – Lawson State CC, Ala.
Division II: Desmond Williams (G) – CC of Rhode Island
Division III: JaMario Clayton (G) – Ocean County College, N.J.

The Player of the Week for Division I was Lora, while Dumoulin was awarded the honor in Division II. Lawler was named Division III Player of the Week for the second time this season.

DIVISION I PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Yesenia Lora; Indian River State College, Fla.
Guard; Winter Haven, Fla.; Winter Haven High School

As the Pioneers routed Broward College (Fla.) 94-73 in their only game of the week, Lora (5’ 11”) enjoyed one of the best nights of her collegiate career. The sophomore scored a career-high 33 points, sinking 13-of-18 shots from the field. Lora made the effort a double-double, hauling in 13 rebounds in the contest. Indian River State and Lora hit the road this week with games at St. Petersburg College (Fla.) Wednesday and at Palm Beach SC (Fla.) Saturday.

DIVISION II PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Cassie Dumoulin; Elgin Community College, Ill.
Guard; Hampshire, Ill.; Hampshire High School

Helping maintain Elgin’s perfect record in the ISCC (Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference), Dumoulin (5’ 9”) put up great numbers in all three victories for the Spartans. Dumoulin opened the week with a 19-point effort in a 56-46 win over Morton College (Ill.). Against College of Lake County (Ill.), Dumoulin scored 37 points on 11-of-17 shooting to lead Elgin to a 76-41 blowout victory. The sophomore closed out the week with 28 points, seven rebounds and five steals in a 76-63 win over McHenry County College (Ill.). Dumoulin and the Spartans head to Oakton CC (Ill.) Thursday before a rematch with McHenry at home Saturday.

DIVISION III PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Elizabeth Lawler; Ocean County College, N.J.
Center; Lacey, N.J.; Lacey High School

With double-doubles in all three Ocean County wins last week, Lawler (5’ 10”) solidified herself as one of the top post players in Division III. Lawler totaled 22 points and 16 rebounds in the Vikings’ 71-36 thrashing of Camden CC (N.J.). The sophomore came back two nights later to score 28 points and corral 17 rebounds in an 81-50 win over Cumberland CC (N.J.). Closing out the week with a 67-49 victory over Atlantic Cape CC (N.J.), Lawler registered 25 points and 28 rebounds. Lawler and the Vikings will travel to Montgomery CCC (Pa.) Thursday and return home Saturday to host No. 7 Northampton CC (Pa.).

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Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 13)
Division I: Kelva Atkins (G) – Columbia State CC, Tenn.
Division II: Ashley Robbins (G) – Delaware TCC
Division III: Jaeivonnte Wright (G) – Hostos CC, N.Y.

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games Nov. 14-20)
Division I: LaPrecious Naylon (G) – Itawamba CC, Miss.
Division II: Kara McLemore (F) – Cincinnati State TCC, Ohio
Division III: Lavon Childress (F) – Gloucester CC, N.J.

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 21-27)
Division I: Antoinette Carter (F) – Murray State College, Okla.
Division II: Diane Abbady (F) – Essex CC, N.J.
Division III: Celestra Warren (G) – Joliet Junior College, Ill.

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 28 – Dec. 4)
Division I: Dionne Harris (F) – Barton CC, Kan.
Division II: Abby Weinreis (G) – Bismarck State College, N.D.
Division III: Rebecca Pope (G) – UCONN-Avery Point

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Dec. 5-11)
Division I: Jenisha Jackson (C) – Southwest Tennessee CC
Division II: Tiara Maxon (G) – Bismarck State College, N.D.
Division III: Elizabeth Lawler (C) – Ocean CC, N.J.

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Dec. 12-18)
Division I: Me Me Ward (F) – Palm Beach State College, Fla.
Division II: Asia Wheeler (F) – Guilford Technical College, N.C.
Division III: Lenae Rash (G) – Rainy River CC, Minn.

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Jan. 2-8)
Division I: Jolie Olingende (F) – Arizona Western College
Division II: Jazmyne Good (G) – Muskegon CC, Mich.
Division III: Jackie Awosika (G) – Hostos CC, N.Y.

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Jan. 9-15)
Division I: Priscila Santos (G) – USU-College of Eastern Utah
Division II: Na’Derra Carey (G) – Pima CC, Ariz.
Division III: Alison Hardiman (G) – Massasoit CC, Mass.

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Jan. 16-22)
Division I: Tamara Jones (F) – Garden City CC, Kan.
Division II: Amanda Rodenberg (F) – North Central Missouri College
Division III: Adrianna Ivanovic (F) – Mesabi Range CTC, Minn.

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Jan. 23-29)
Division I: Yessenia Lora (G) – Indian River State College, Fla.
Division II: Cassie Dumoulin (G) – Elgin Community College, Ill.
Division III: Elizabeth Lawler (C) – Ocean County College, N.J.

The Ancilla College Athletic Department reports that 52 of their student athletes finished the fall 2011semester with a 3.0 grade point average or better. That's an increase of eleven students over the same period last year. Twenty-one of these students had a 3.5. GPA and many of those were on the dean's list. Overall, the fall athlete GPA came in at 2.771. In the fall of 2010 the GPA came in at 2.608.

Women's Volleyball athletes overall came out on top with 86 percent of the team having a GPA of 3.0 or better. The Cheer Squad and the Softball team came in a close second and third with 60 percent and 59 percent of their athletes having a 3.0 GPA or better.

Seven student athletes came finished the fall semester with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Women's Volleyball, Softball and Soccer had two each while Women's Basketball had one with a perfect score.

Ancilla Athletic Director Gene Reese said "We not only win in games/matches; but we win in the classroom. And the success starts with the emphasis the college and athletics puts on academics. Second, we recruit strong students and expect accountability in class attendance and homework performance. Lastly, we could not accomplish this high standard of academic excellence without Lana Singleton's work as academic/athletic advisor. I am proud of this group of student/athletes. They put in a lot of time on the field and on the court and in the classroom. These student/athletes are truly winners!"

Women's Volleyball coach/academic/athletic advisor Lana Singleton added "The numbers speak for themselves; 52 student athletes with a 3.0 or better, 21 of those at a 3.5 or better, and 7 student athletes with a 4.0! I am very proud of our student athletes who not only worked hard with their sports teams this fall but got it done on the academic side as well. This was a great team effort. The student athletes worked hard, the coaches held them accountable, and the faculty did a great job of communicating when problems arose."

Ancilla College is a Catholic, two-year, co-educational, liberal arts college in Donaldson, Indiana sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.

PICTURED: Student athletes with a 4.0 GPA
First row L to R: Savanna Weaver, Maura Hancock, and Keri Friend
Back row L to R: Pedro Hernandez, Michael Solares, and Sarah Cawthon
Not pictured: Allison Bowman

The Hutchinson Community College Quarterback Club has announced that Steve Fritz will be the 12th member inducted into the Quarterback Club Hall of Fame.

The induction ceremony for the former HCC basketball and track and field great will be at halftime of the Blue Dragon men's basketball game against Barton Community College on Feb. 18 at the Sports Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.

Fritz will be only the second Blue Dragon athletic to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame, joining quarterback Shaun Hill, who was the 2011 HOF inductee.

The other Quarterback Club Hall of Fame members are Charles Sesher, Sam Butterfield, Bill Goldsmith, Ruby Munzer, Terry Masterson, John Matous, Gary Bargen, Dave Farrar, Willie Adkins and Gene Keady. Masterson was a player (football and track) and was a longtime coach at Hutchinson.

The Gypsum, Kan., native played basketball and competed in track and field for the Blue Dragons from 1986 to 1988.

Fritz hit the game-winning shot – converting a conventional three-point play with 22 seconds remaining – to defeat Kankakee 76-74 in the 1988 NJCAA Tournament championship game, giving the Blue Dragons its first men's basketball national championship. Fritz was voted onto the Blue Dragons' all-time 75th Anniversary basketball team in 2006.

Later in 1988, Fritz won the NJCAA decathlon national championship for the Blue Dragons, one year after taking fifth in the nation in the decathlon.

After HCC, Fritz went to Kansas State University and competed for the Wildcats in 1989 and 1990. Fritz was the Big Eight decathlon record holder (7,924 points) and was a two-time All-American, finishing sixth in the 1989 NCAA decathlon and fourth in the 1990 national championships.

Fritz then turned to international competition, earning a spot on the U.S. national track and field team 10 times.

The former Blue Dragon's crowning international achievements came in 1996 and 1997.

At the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Fritz missed a medal by a mere 20 points, finishing fourth by scoring a career-best 8,644 points.

Fritz was the U.S. national champion in the decathlon in 1997 and was fourth at the World Championships that same year.

Already a member of the Kansas State Hall of Fame, Fritz has been an assistant track coach at Kansas State for the past 18 years as the throws coach.

Late in the game though, it appeared Conrad might have to wait for another try at 100 as his team squandered a five-point lead with 1:24 to play. The Lady Cavaliers committed three of their season high 29 turnovers over that final span, allowing the Lady Tigers to tie the score at 54-54 at the end of regulation.

Cowley took an early three-point lead in the extra period after a 3-point play by Brittany Bush. She led Cowley with 14 points and 13 rebounds. JCCC fought back to tie and sophomore Amy Briggs' trey with 2:32 left gave JCCC the lead for good, 60-57.

Cowley did get within one point after a pair of free throws from Tonisha Walker, but shortly after, sophomore Tanchelle Hollingsworth nailed a NBA 3-pointer, and knocked down 3-of-4 free throw in the final 1:03 to secure the milestone win and extend JCCC's win streak to 12 straight.

Despite the turnovers, Johnson County did play well on defense, holding the Lady Tigers to 27 percent shooting, and dominated the glass, hauling down 69 caroms, 24 more than Cowley. Three players finished in double figures in rebounds, for Johnson County, led by five-foot guard Hollingsworth with 12. She also added nine points.

Sophomore Brianna Kulas finished with a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds. Sophomore Polly Harrington had 10 points and eight boards. Sophomore Kylie Cooper chipped in seven points and 11 rebounds, and Briggs finished with 12 points, six board and three assists.

Johnson County (19-1, 8-0) goes for its 20th win of the season on Wednesday, when they host Allen Community College, at 5:30 p.m.

By Recent Standards, 2012 Crop Not As Seasoned

By ALLAN SIMPSON, Perfect Game USA

For purposes of the draft, junior-college baseball will never be front and center more than it was in 2010, when 17-year-old College of Southern Nevada catcher Bryce Harper was selected by the Washington Nationals with the No. 1 pick overall.

Not only had that happenstance never occurred before, but it will likely never happen again as it took all the stars to be perfectly aligned—a rare talent like Harper, an exceptional draft circumstance, a team in the No. 1 position prepared to expend one of the largest bonuses in draft history.

It’s rare for a junior-college player even to be drafted in the first round as it has happened just 16 times in 46 years. But it did occur again last year when Indian River State (Fla.) infielder Cory Spangenberg was taken with the 10^th pick overall. Moreover, three more JC players—Miami-Dade outfielder Brian Goodwin (34^th overall), Lower Columbia (Wash.) righthander Jeff Ames (42nd) and Central Arizona outfielder Keenyn Walker (47^th)—were taken with supplemental first-round selections.

But if it seems like junior-college talent is playing a more prominent role in the draft in recent years, this year’s pool of players will likely provide a reality check as there are no prospects projected to be drafted in the first round—or perhaps anywhere close to it.

As the 2012 junior-college season kicks off nationally this weekend, the top-ranked prospects are Central Arizona freshman third baseman Fernando Perez and Chipola (Fla.) sophomore outfielder Andrew Toles. Both are considered potential third- to fourth-round talents.

Unlike more conventional high-school and college players, where strict rules have always governed their draft eligibility, junior-college players have no such restrictions. They have always been eligible for the draft, no matter what their class standing, though the rules that apply to JC players have changed through the years—particularly with the elimination of all but the standard June phase of the draft in 1987 and the elimination of the old draft-and-follow rule in 2006.

Befitting the often-unpredictable draft status of junior-college talent, Perez and Toles weren’t even part of this year’s player pool until early January, when Perez officially transferred to Central Arizona from a California high school and Toles enrolled at Chipola after being removed from the baseball team at the University of Tennessee.

As a high-school senior, Perez would have been eligible for this year’s draft anyway, but Toles, a fourth-round pick in 2010 out of a Florida high school, would not have been until 2013 had he remained at Tennessee.

The 6-foot-1, 175-pound Perez is an offensive-oriented third baseman and swings the bat from the left side. Toles’ strength is his raw athleticism and superior speed, which is an asset at the plate and on the bases, and especially in center field.

With the 2012 NCAA Division I college season not scheduled to begin until Feb. 17, scouts will get an early-look at Perez and Toles, along with all the other top prospects in this year’s junior-college class.

Led by the four first-rounders and supplemental first-rounders, a total of 25 junior-college players were scooped up in the first 10 rounds in 2011. That total could rise slightly this year as Perfect Game’s preliminary list of the nation’s Top 200 Junior College Prospects includes 37 Group I or Group 2 players—essentially those given a good shot of being taken in the first 10 rounds.

Befitting its pre-season ranking as the nation’s No. 1 junior-college team, Texas’ Howard College dominates the list of top JC prospects for the draft with three potential selections in the top 10 rounds—sophomore righthanders Nick Sawyer and Kyle Hayes, and sophomore lefthander Logan Ehlers. Sawyer, a 29^th-round pick of the Texas Rangers in 2011, is a returning player while Hayes (San Diego State) and Ehlers (Nebraska) are transfers to Howard from four-year schools.

Altogether, Howard has 11 players ranked in the Top 200, more than any other junior college.

For the most part, most of the better prospects in this year’s JC draft crop are four-year college transfers like Toles, GateWay (Ariz.) righthander/outfielder Trey Lang (formerly at Northern Illinois), Cypress (Calif.) righthander Daniel Ponce de Leon (formerly at Arizona), Orange Coast (Calif.) righthander Brandon Brennan and catcher/outfielder Stefan Sabol (both formerly at Oregon) and McLennan (Texas) righthander Eric Brooks (formerly at Houston).

The highest-ranked freshman who enrolled directly at a junior college out of high school, besides Perez, is Weatherford (Texas) righthander Cameron Cox, who went undrafted last June out of a Texas high school.

A possible wild card in this year’s junior-college player pool is Louisburg (N.C.) third baseman Steve Nyisztor, who showed all the signs of being a future first-round pick when he was a freshman at Rutgers in 2010 and was selected the Most Valuable Player that summer in the Northwoods League.

Nyisztor’s promising career began to unravel last year when he left the Scarlet Knights early in the 2011 season for reasons that have not been made public. His efforts at re-establishing his prospect worth last summer largely failed with a brief, unimpressive appearance in the Cape Cod League and subsequently in a return engagement to the Northwoods Legaue.

The 6-foot-4, 200-pound Nyisztor returned to Rutgers as a red-shirt sophomore last fall, but subsequently left the program again and enrolled at Louisburg in January. He has a solid all-around package, especially the ability to hit for both average and power, and may end up attracting more scrutiny from scouts this spring than any player in this year’s junior-college draft class.

Top 20 JC Professional Prospects from Perfect Game USA
A complete Top 200 JUCO Pro Prospect is available at http://www.perfectgame.org/Juco.
*Non-NJCAA member colleges

BY ALLAN SIMPSON, Perfect Game USA

Texas’ Howard College will probably never duplicate its stunning 2009 season, when it won a junior-college record 59 games in a row on its way to handily winning that year’s Junior College World Series title with a jaw-dropping 68-1 record.

But it won’t be for lack of trying.

Howard was ranked No. 1 in Perfect Game’s pre-season poll of the nation’s Top 50 junior-colleges teams a year ago, only to lose in heartbreaking fashion in the district final, one step away from a return visit to the World Series, played annually in Grand Junction, Colo.

The Hawks are ranked No. 1 once again to start the 2012 season, and Howard coach Britt Smith believes his team has the talent to take care of unfinished business and get the job done this year, though is realistic enough to know that duplicating his team’s 2009 feat is highly improbable.

“I feel that the ranking is appropriate for this year’s team,” Smith said. “In the time I have been at Howard, I really feel that this is the most talented team that we have had. The 2009 team was the best “team” that I could ever imagine being around—not really for the record they had, but for the way the players genuinely cared for one another. That was a special bunch, but a team with very little depth and we were blessed enough to stay healthy all season.

“The team we have right now is full of talent and deep not only from a position-player standpoint, but certainly is the deepest on the mound than I could really ever imagine. I literally feel that we have eight No. 1 and 2-type starters on this staff, not to mention three guys that could be closers for about anyone in the country.”

Howard, which went 46-13 a year ago and is 202-34 over the last four years, has 11 players who have committed to major NCAA Division I programs. The Hawks also have eight players on its roster this spring that transferred in from D-I schools, including the likes of righthander Clayton Crum and outfielder Dexter Kjerstad (both from Texas), lefthander Logan Ehlers (Nebraska), righthander Kyle Hayes (San Diego State) and righthander Spencer Davis (Texas A&M). Four new players transferred in at the Christmas break, including Ehlers, a former eighth-round draft pick of the Toronto Blue Jays.

All are expected to play prominent roles for the Hawks this spring, but the cupboard was hardly bare to begin with as Texas Christian-bound shortstop Paul Hendrix (.379-2-42), Oregon-bound closer Nick Sawyer (2-2, 1.96, 4 SV) and Florida International-bound righthander Michael Franco (10-2, 2.84), the team’s top winner a year ago, all return.

Righthander Reid Scoggins, another FIU recruit, is also scheduled to return after missing last season while undergoing Tommy John surgery. He will join Sawyer as part of a dominant tandem out of the Hawks bullpen. Both closers have been clocked upwards of 94-95 mph.

Sawyer, Ehlers and Hayes are considered the top prospects on the team for purposes of the 2012 draft, with each having a shot of being selected in the top 10 rounds.

Smith believes his team not only has the talent to win another national title, but the resolve to stay on course and not get victimized at a critical point of the season as happened a year ago.

“Our biggest area of concern,” Smith says, “is the ability to stay on course and not lose sight of the ultimate goal. If we can play the entire season as a team and put individual goals behind the team’s goals, then we will be extremely successful.”

Smith acknowledges his college’s location in Big Spring, in remote West Texas, plays a hand in his team’s impressive run of success in recent years.

“We are in the middle of the West Texas desert and there are very few distractions at Howard,” Smith says. “We have good facilities, not the best, but everything is in place for our players to succeed academically and athletically. We really just make the kids aware of the resources that they have available to them in our program and then push them each and every day to maximize their use of them.”

“As far as our talent goes, I have two assistant coaches in J-Bob Thomas and Roberto Martinez that are tireless recruiters. But really, the biggest feather in our cap as a program is that players come here and get better. We are really focused on player development and helping kids to be the best that they can be as players and people.”

Needless to say, scouts have beaten a steady path to little Big Spring, Texas, over the last few years, and have every reason to do so en masse again this year as Howard could conceivably have as many players drafted in June as any four-year college.

“I think we have 6-7 players that will really open some peoples’ eyes this spring,” Smith said, “guys that were cast away from D-I’s and some under-the-radar high-school kids that will really make a name for themselves this year.

“Kjerstad, Crum, (freshman first baseman Levi) Scott, Hendrix, Franco, Scoggins, (sophomore righthander Rob) Tasin, Davis and (sophomore lefthander Ethan) Carnes are all guys that we are expecting big things from this year. Obviously Ehlers, Sawyer and Hayes are getting plenty of play as far as exposure, and we expect them to do well, but the others are getting less hype and they probably need it.”

While Howard is thriving as a big fish in a small pond like remote Big Spring, the Nos. 2 and 3 teams in Perfect Game’s pre-season Top 50, not coincidentally, also are located on the back roads of mainstream baseball hotbeds.

No. 2-ranked Chipola JC is located in Marianna (pop. 6,000) on the Florida panhandle. No. 3 Central Arizona’s home base is Coolidge (pop. 8,000), located on the Arizona desert, midway between Phoenix and Tucson. In both cases, top-flight junior-college baseball is the big attraction in town.

Unlike Howard, both Chipola and Central Arizona participated in the Junior College World Series last year, with CAC finishing second to Navarro (Texas) JC. Both schools also have rich baseball histories, with Chipola winning a national title in 2007 and Central Arizona in 2002.

Like Howard, those schools have been bolstered by a significant infusion of new talent and it certainly didn’t hurt the cause of either when the top two rated players in this year’s junior-college draft class ended up at those colleges after the Christmas break.

Shortstop Felipe Perez was projected to be a top pick in this year’s draft, possibly as early as the second or third round, while at a California high school before graduating a semester early and ending up at Central Arizona. Similarly, outfielder Andrew Toles, a fourth-round draft pick in 2010, wound up at Chipola in January after being dismissed from the baseball team at Tennessee.

Both players are considered solid third- to fourth-round picks in June, but not even the arrival of the two players has been enough for their respective schools to pose a serious enough challenge to powerful Howard, a relatively easy choice as the No. 1-ranked junior-college team in the country.

MOBILE, AL---You'd think practicing in front of NFL coaches and scouts would be nerve-racking for Vick Ballard. After all, the Pascagoula native and formerMississippi Gulf Coast Community College Bulldog is basically engrossed in a six-day job interview along with 100 other players at the annual Senior Bowl in Mobile.

However, Ballard says instead of stressing out, he's having the time of his life.

"I want to do the best I can, but my main goal is just to have fun," said Ballard, who rushed for 2,283 yards and scored 34 touchdowns in his two seasons (2008-09) at Gulf Coast. "I played in the Mississippi/Alabama All-Star game on this same field, and I didn't have much fun. In fact, it was miserable for me. This week my main focus is to have fun, and that's what I'm doing."

Ballard is the third former Gulf Coast Bulldog in the last three seasons to play in the Senior Bowl. He joins GulfCoast alums Terrence Cody (2010) and Chris White (2011) in a very exclusiveclub. Both Cody and White are now in the NFL playing for Baltimore and Buffalo, respectively.

"I'm just trying to keep that legacy going," he added. "This is a dream come true. The journey's been fun, especially the time at Gulf Coast. At Perk, I learned that nothing comes easy. I remember my first workout there, I nearly passed out. Ever since then, I've remembered the value of her work."

Ballard's been having fun at Senior Bowl Week, but he's also putting in that hard work with the hope of impressing the NFL'S hierarchy. After Gulf Coast, Ballard inflated his resume at Mississippi State by breaking several school records, including most touchdowns scored in a season (20 in 2010) and ranking second all-time in MSU history with 29 TD'S. He also racked up 10-career 100-yard rushing games while in Starkville. If Ballard were to make it on an NFL roster, he'd join Cody, White, and Tremaine Brock (San Francisco) as former MGCCC Bulldogs in the pros.

Now, Ballard's having fun, and getting ready for this Saturday's 63rd Annual Senior Bowl, just 30 miles east of home.

"I'm going to have a bunch of family and friends here on game day," said Ballard. "We've got some NFL top-10 talent out here, and just for me to be out here with them is special."


Former MGCCC Bulldog Vick Ballard heads for the end zone during a Senior Bowl practice in Mobile Jan. 25

Bauman was a former multiple sport coach and educator at Barton, while Sherman, a former golf team member, was the first Barton Cougar to win a conference title. Wayne Becker will be honored posthumously for his contributions to Cougar Athletics.

Patricia Bauman
Patricia Bauman dedicated over twenty five years of her personal and professional life to Barton. From 1969 through 1995, Bauman was an integral part of not only athletics but also within the academic realm of Barton, serving the College in many capacities.

Prior to Barton Bauman spent four years at McPherson High School, where she taught Physical Education, was the cheerleader coach, and pep club sponsor. In 1969, Bauman became the youngest faculty at that time to be teaching at Barton in addition to coaching the women’s tennis team. From 1969-1981 Bauman led the women’s tennis program to a 124-45-3 record including undefeated teams in the 1970-71 and 1974-75 seasons. Her teams also captured two conference championship tournaments, two Region VI championships, and five NJCAA National Tournament appearances which included a 6^th place finish in the 1974-75 season and 9^th place finish in the 1975-76 season.

Bauman also coached the cheerleading team from 1969-1984, as well as, adding the women’s track team to her coaching duties with Coach Jack Bowman for the 1973-75 seasons. Additionally, Bauman also coached the men’s tennis team from 1975-77.

On the academic side, Bauman taught Psychology and Physical Education from her arrival until 1984 when she added the Social Science Division Chairperson role. In 1989 she became the Interim Director of the Isbell M. Wesley Assessment, Learning, and Writing Center. From 1990 to 1992 she was the Director of the Evening Division until moving into the Director of Institutional Research, Evening and Summer Programs position her final three years at Barton.

Outside of her Barton involvement, Bauman filled many roles and positions within the conference, region, and national association. For five years she compiled women’s basketball statistics for the conference, served as Secretary / Assistant Regional Director from 1976-78, and was the Regional Director from 1978-82.

Bauman was also a NJCAA representative and chaired the NJCAA Track and Cross Country committee. The NJCAA role presented Bauman with numerous exciting opportunities such as assisting in the selection of track and tennis participants for the World University Games.

After leaving Barton in 1995, Bauman moved to Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, to become the Dean of Business, Science and Technology at Lehigh Carbon Community College until her retirement in 2001. Bauman now resides in nearby Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Wayne Becker

A lifetime resident of Great Bend, Wayne Becker was owner of Becker Tire and Treading. Inc., located at 10^th and Washington in Great Bend. Becker Tire was established in July of 1954 by his father Harold Becker. Wayne developed and expanded Becker Tire Service into one of the Midwest’s most successful tire dealerships with eight locations throughout Kansas. He was also a strong community supporter and was involved in many community projects and development committees.

Wayne Becker not only carried on and expanded his father’s company, he continued his father’s tradition of supporting Cougar Athletics as well. Wayne was an avid fan of Cougar basketball and not only purchased season and regular admission tickets for himself and employees, but also supported cougar basketball through a corporate sponsorship that is still in place today. Often the type of man who was behind the scenes and out of the spotlight, Wayne Becker was a longtime generous supporter of the Cougars.

Passing in 2008, Becker was known for his positivity and strong sense of Christian values and will be inducted posthumously.

Dennis Sherman

Earning Barton’s first ever conference championship in the 1971-72 season, Dennis Sherman was a two year member of the Barton men’s golf team. In order to win his conference championship, Sherman beat out seventeen other community colleges that included eighty-five players.

Originally from Hays, Sherman attended Barton from 1970-72 and was also involved in the band program. Known as a student-athlete who balanced sports and academics, Sherman was infamous in time management skills of utilizing the trips to golf tournaments as study time to stay ahead in his academics. After Barton he transferred to the University of Kansas where he earned academic excellence awards in completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy.

After graduating from KU in 1975, Sherman returned to Great Bend working as a Pharmacist. He continued to stay in the area, working in Larned and Ellinwood until his semi-retirement from the Pharmacy field in 2001. Beginning a new career as a Financial Advisor for Waddell & Reed in 1998, Sherman expanded in the financial industry to partner in the formation of Hiss-Sherman Wealth Management Group in Great Bend.

In addition to finance at Hiss-Sherman, he currently is also a Relief Pharmacist for Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend and Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington.

Sherman has been awarded many leadership, distinguished service, and excellence awards including the Health-System Pharmacist of the Year in 1996. Sherman also contributed to Barton by serving as a board member for the Nursing program and currently serves on the Pharmacy Technician Advisory Board.

Sherman is continues to contribute to the Barton County area in various ways including being very active in his church, teaches a Sunday School Class, and has recently made a mission trip to Honduras.

Lisco Thomas from Columbia was the first black student at what was called Spartanburg Junior College in 1967. Thomas broke the color barrier on the basketball team as well. He averaged 22 points and 14 rebounds in his two seasons, once pulled down an incredible 30 boards, and was honorable mention All-American.

Thomas was also at the head of the classroom. He was given the school’s General Excellence Award as the outstanding student for academics and athletics. He went on to Furman, where he was named to the Southern Conference all-tournament team in 1971, and was drafted by the Chicago Bulls. He was also drafted into the military, however, serving with the U.S. Navy and ending his NBA dreams.

Dan Kenneally, women’s soccer coach who has done just about everything at SMC, was also honored. The Rockville Center, N.Y. native has been at the school since 1995. He has coached golf as well as both men’s and women’s soccer teams, standing eighth on the NJCAA active list for coaching victories.

Kenneally has been Region 10 coach of the year seven times, four with the women and three with the men. He was honored for both last season and was finalist for national coach of the year on the men’s side. He recruited Sebastian Velasquez, who this month became the only non-NCAA Division I player taken in the Major League Soccer draft.

Two years ago, Minneapolis Community and Technical College withdrew funding for Pivec's powerhouse basketball program. By the time he collected the last practice jerseys, Dakota County Technical College was asking him to start a program at the school in Rosemount, even though DCTC doesn't have a basketball court.

That's why, on a recent weekday, Pivec sat in his car outside a practice facility for which he did not have a key, hoping that his players would show up despite not having team-sponsored transportation, so they could prepare to play a schedule featuring no true home games.

The circumstances might sound sad, but they're not. The Blue Knights, comprised of many kids who quit basketball or struggled at another school before seeking out Pivec, are 15-5 in their inaugural season, and grateful.

"That whole philosophy we had at Minneapolis, we brought here," said Pivec, whose new team debuted in the national junior college Division II top-20 poll at No. 17 Tuesday. "We're trying to make sure our kids understand that this is the beginning, not the end."

At DCTC, as at MCTC, every player has a story.

Read the full article here: http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/138009093.html

DII Top 10 Schedule
1. Johnson County (17-1): at *Labette (5-11) – vs. *Cowley County (13-5)
2. Cincinnati State (17-0): vs. Columbus State (13-6) – at Cuyahoga (4-8) – at *Vincennes (17-3)
3. Kalamazoo Valley (18-0): vs. Lansing (9-4) – at Lake Michigan (16-3)
4. Patrick Henry (12-1): has no games scheduled.
5. Highland-Kan. (17-1): vs. *Neosho County (3-15) – at *Allen County (7-11)
6. Kirkwood (16-2): vs. Ellsworth (14-5) – at Marshalltown (7-5)
7. Illinois Valley (14-4): vs. Carl Sandburg (4-13) – at #16 Illinois Central (12-7)
8. Louisburg (13-1): at Wake Tech (5-9) – at Brunswick (8-8)
9. Owens (17-4): at Lakeland (10-8)
10. Iowa Central (17-4): vs. North Iowa Area (10-9) – at Des Moines Area (12-4)

DIII Top 10 Schedule
1. Anoka-Ramsey (15-2): vs. #10 Rochester (14-3) – at Ridgewater (5-11) – vs. Western Tech (8-10)
2. Onondaga (17-3): vs. Finger Lakes (11-8) – at Cayuga (4-15)
3. Rock Valley (15-5): at *Malcolm X (14-6)
4. Roxbury (14-4): vs. ^Rhode Island (12-8) – vs. Manchester (9-3) – at Bristol (1-16)
5. MC-Rockville (16-3): at ^Frederick (13-5) – vs. ^CCBC-Dundalk (11-7)
6. Mesabi Range (14-4): vs. Vermilion (3-12)
7. Northampton (14-3): vs. Sussex County (1-15) – at Middlesex County (8-7) – vs. Gloucester County (11-7)
8. Nassau (8-0): vs. Sullivan County (4-7) – vs. ^Rhode Island (12-8) – vs. Bunker Hill (6-8) – vs. Kingsborough (6-10)
9. Ocean County (11-2): at Cumberland County (2-17) – vs. Atlantic Cape (10-7) – at Cumberland County (2-17)
10. Rochester (14-3): at #1 Anoka-Ramsey (15-2) – vs. Minnesota West (12-6)

Wednesday, Jan. 25

Interdivisional Play
#5 +Montgomery College - Rockville, Md. (16-3) at ^Frederick CC, Md. (13-5)

Division I
#5 Northwest Florida State College (19-1) at #7 Gulf Coast State College, Fla. (16-2)
Sheridan College, Wyo. (17-3) at #6 Casper College, Wyo. (17-1)

Division II
Ellsworth CC, Iowa (14-5) at #6 Kirkwood CC, Iowa (16-2)

Division III
#10 Rochester CTC, Minn. (14-3) at #1 Anoka-Ramsey CC, Minn. (15-2)

Friday, Jan. 27

Division II
#3 Kalamazoo Valley CC, Mich. (18-0) at Lake Michigan College, Mich. (16-3)

Saturday, Jan. 28

Interdivisional Play
*Cowley County CC, Kan. (13-5) at #1 ^Johnson County CC, Kan. (17-1)

Division I
#7 Gulf Coast State College, Fla. (16-2) at #4 Pensacola State College, Fla. (17-2)

Division II
#10 Iowa Central CC (17-4) at Des Moines Area CC, Iowa (12-4)

Monday, Jan. 30

Interdivisional Play
#2 ^Cincinnati State TCC, Ohio (17-0) at *Vincennes University, Ind. (17-3)

NJCAA Women’s Basketball Rankings – Jan. 25, 2012

DIVISION I POLL
School; Record; Poll Votes (1^st Place Votes); Previous Ranking
1. Trinity Valley CC, Texas; 19-0; 160 (8); 1
2. Hutchinson CC, Kan.; 18-0; 152; 2
3. Central Arizona College; 19-1; 141; 3
4. Pensacola State College, Fla.; 17-2; 137; 4
5. Northwest Florida State; 19-1; 128; 5
6. Casper College; 17-1; 120; 6
7. Gulf Coast State College, Fla.; 16-2; 113; 7
8. Seward CCC, Kan.; 16-2; 103; 8
9. North Idaho College; 16-2; 95; 10
10. Northern Oklahoma College-Enid; 15-2; 84; 11
11. Arizona Western College; 18-2; 75, 12
12. Shelton State CC, Ala.; 17-2; 73; 13
13. Otero JC, Colo.; 20-0; 65; 15
14. Paris JC, Texas; 16-3; 49; 17
15. Monroe CC, N.Y.; 14-3; 38; RV
16. Hill College, Texas; 17-2; 34; NR
16. Independence CC, Kan.; 14-3; 34; 14
18. Walters State CC, Tenn.; 15-2; 32; 9
19. Chipola College, Fla.; 14-7; 20; 18
20. New Mexico JC; 16-2; 10; NR

Dropped from Rankings: Weatherford College, Texas (16); Midland College, Texas (19); USU-College of Eastern Utah (20); Middle Georgia College (20)

Click Here to View Full DI Women's Basketball Poll

DIVISION II POLL
School; Record; Poll Votes (1^st Place Votes); Previous Ranking
1. Johnson CCC, Kan.; 17-1; 80 (4); 1
2. Cincinnati State TCC, Ohio; 17-0; 76; 2
3. Kalamazoo Valley CC, Mich.; 18-0; 72, 4
4. Patrick Henry CC, Va.; 12-1; 68; 5
5. Highland CC, Kan.; 17-1; 64; 6
6. Kirkwood CC, Iowa; 16-2; 60; 10
7. Illinois Valley CC; 14-4; 56; 11
8. Louisburg College, N.C.; 14-1; 52; 9
9. Owens CC, Ohio; 17-4; 48; 8
10. Iowa Central CC; 17-4; 44; 3
11. North Arkansas College; 14-4; 40; 7
12. Pima CC, Ariz.; 12-7; 36; 12
13. Monroe College, N.Y.; 16-5; 32; 13
14. South Suburban College, Ill.; 16-6; 28; 14
15. Guilford Tech CC, N.C.; 14-4; 24; 18
16. Illinois Central College; 12-7; 20; NR
17. Kishwaukee College, Ill.; 13-7; 16; NR
18. Allegany College of Maryland; 10-5; 12; NR
19. Bismarck State College, N.D.; 17-4; 8; 19
20. North Central Missouri College; 12-8; 2; NR
20. Jamestown CC, N.Y.; 13-6; 2; NR

Dropped from Rankings: Lake Michigan College, Mich. (15); Southeastern CC, Iowa (16); Parkland College, Ill. (17); Danville Area CC, Ill. (20)

Click Here to View Full DII Women's Basketball Poll

DIVISION III POLL
School; Record; Poll Votes (1^st Place Votes); Previous Ranking
1. Anoka-Ramsey CC, Minn.; 15-2; 50 (5); 1
2. Onondaga CC, N.Y.; 17-3; 45; 3
3. Rock Valley College, Ill.; 15-5; 40; 2
4. Roxbury CC, Mass.; 14-4; 35; 4
5. Montgomery College-Rockville, Md.; 16-3; 30; 5
6. Mesabi Range CTC, Minn.; 14-4; 25; 9
7. Northampton CC, Pa.; 14-3; 20; 7
8. Nassau CC, N.Y.; 7-0; 15; 8
9. Ocean County College, N.J.; 11-2; 10; 10
10. Rochester CTC, Minn.; 14-3; 5; NR

Dropped from Rankings: Northland CTC, Minn. (6)

Click Here to View Full DIII Women's Basketball Poll


Players of the Week – Jan. 25, 2012

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Tamara Jones (Garden City CC, Kan.), Amanda Rodenberg (North Central Missouri College) and Adrianna Ivanovic (Mesabi Range CTC, Minn.) have been named NJCAA Women’s Basketball Players of the Week for games Jan. 16-22.

Jones claimed Player of the Week for Division I, while Division II honors went to Rodenberg. Ivanovic was named Player of the Week in Division III.

DIVISION I PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Tamara Jones; Garden City Community College, Kan.
Forward; Prosser, Wash.; Prosser High School

Posting back-to-back double-doubles, Jones (6’ 1”) cleared the path for victory in both of Garden City’s games last week. Sinking 14-of-18 shots from the field, Jones recorded 30 points and 12 rebounds in a 78-67 win over Pratt CC (Kan.). The freshman then led the Lady Busters to a 61-57 victory over Cloud County CC (Kan.) with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Garden City and Jones will play at No. 8 Seward CCC (Kan.) Wednesday before returning home to host Dodge City CC (Kan.) Saturday.

DIVISION II PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Amanda Rodenberg; North Central Missouri College
Forward; Richmond, Mo.; Orrick High School

Rodenberg (6’ 0”) led the Lady Pirates to two victories last week behind her double-double performances. The freshman tallied 20 points and 12 rebounds in North Central Missouri’s 73-60 win over Cottey College (Mo.). In a 70-64 win over St. Louis CC (Mo.), Rodenberg scored 23 points and pulled down 12 rebounds. Rodenberg and the Lady Pirates will be on the road Wednesday at MCC-Penn Valley (Mo.) and will host Missouri Valley JV Friday.

DIVISION III PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Adrianna Ivanovic; Mesabi Range Community & Technical College, Minn.
Forward; Big Fork, Minn.; Big Fork High School

Behind Ivanovic (5’ 11”), Mesabi Range picked up two key conference wins last week. The Lady Norse defeated Itasca CC (Minn.) 60-48 thanks to Ivanovic’s 15-point, 14-rebound performance. The sophomore was all over the floor in a 67-54 win over Rainy River CC (Minn.), recording 17 points, 17 boards, six assists and five blocks. In their lone matchup of the week, Ivanovic and the Lady Norse will host Vermilion CC (Minn.).

Key NJCAA Women’s Basketball Results (Jan. 18 – Jan. 24)

DI Top 10 Key Results
1. Trinity Valley (19-0): defeated Panola 119-81; defeated Jacksonville 83-35.
2. Hutchinson (18-0): defeated Barton 75-51; defeated Colby 90-41.
3. Central Arizona (19-1): defeated ^Glendale 71-49; defeated Cochise 63-57.
4. Pensacola State (17-2): defeated #18 Chipola 85-82; defeated Tallahassee 75-61.
5. NW Florida State (19-1): defeated Tallahassee 74-67.
6. Casper (17-1): defeated Little Big Horn 88-54; defeated Gillette 77-55.
7. Gulf Coast State (16-2): defeated #18 Chipola 72-63.
8. Seward County (16-2): defeated Dodge City 89-44.
9. Walters State (15-2): defeated Cleveland State 80-40; defeated Chattanooga State 63-60.
10. North Idaho (15-2): defeated Eastern Utah 57-55; defeated Colorado Northwestern 84-74.

DII Top 10 Key Results
1. Johnson County (16-2): defeated *Coffeyville 91-43; lost to #14 *Independence 81-77.
2. Cincinnati State (17-0): defeated Edison 83-64; defeated #8 Owens 92-84 (OT).
3. Iowa Central (16-3): lost to #10 Kirkwood 78-63.
4. Kalamazoo Valley (18-0): defeated Ancilla 85-40; defeated Jackson CC 118-99.
5. Patrick Henry (12-1): defeated Catawba Valley 97-65; defeated Lenoir 105-56.
6. Highland-Kan. (17-1): defeated *Fort Scott 78-57; defeated *Cowley County 72-58.
7. North Arkansas (14-4): lost to *Arkansas Baptist 74-70; lost to *Crowder 85-78.
8. Owens (17-4): defeated Cuyahoga 72-56; lost to #2 Cincinnati State 92-84 (OT).
9. Louisburg (13-1): defeated Clinton 103-65.
10. Kirkwood (16-2): defeated Des Moines Area 64-58 (OT); defeated #3 Iowa Central 78-63.

DIII Top 10 Key Results
1. Anoka-Ramsey (15-2): defeated Central Lakes 74-36; defeated Minnesota West 80-65.
2. Rock Valley (15-5): defeated DuPage 80-48; defeated Madison 89-69.
3. Onondaga (17-3): defeated Jefferson CC 71-31; defeated Tompkins Cortland 89-52.
4. Roxbury (15-4): defeated Holyoke 106-52.
5. MC-Rockville (16-3): defeated ^Baltimore City 86-66.
6. Northland (12-6): defeated Rainy River 70-47; lost to Hibbing 52-49.
7. Northampton (14-3): defeated Passaic County 85-49.
8. Nassau (8-0): defeated Suffolk County 77-54; defeated Bronx 72-23.
9. Mesabi Range (14-4): defeated Itasca 60-48; defeated Rainy River 67-54.
10. Ocean County (12-2): defeated Gloucester 61-38; defeated Camden County 71-36.

Interdivisional Play
1/21: #14 *Independence CC, Kan. (14-2) defeated #1 ^Johnson County CC, Kan. (16-2), 81-77.

Division I
1/18: #4 Pensacola State College, Fla. (16-2) defeated #18 Chipola College, Fla. (15-6), 85-82.
1/21: #7 Gulf Coast State College, Fla. (16-2) defeated #18 Chipola College, Fla. (15-7), 72-63.
Chattanooga State CC, Tenn. (12-3) defeated #9 Walters State CC, Tenn. (15-2), 63-60.

Division II
1/18: #2 Cincinnati State TCC, Ohio (16-0) defeated Edison CC, Ohio (11-4), 83-64.
#10 Kirkwood CC, Iowa (16-2) defeated Des Moines Area CC, Iowa (11-4), 64-58 (OT).
1/21: #2 Cincinnati State TCC, Ohio (17-0) defeated #8 Owens CC, Mich. (17-4), 92-84 (OT).
#10 Kirkwood CC, Iowa (16-2) defeated #3 Iowa Central CC (16-3), 78-63.

Division III
1/19: #10 Ocean County College, N.J. (11-2) defeated Gloucester County College, N.J. (11-6), 61-38.
1/21: #2 Rock Valley College, Ill. (15-5) at Madison College, Wisc. (10-5), 89-69.
1/22: #1 Anoka-Ramsey CC, Minn. (15-2) defeated Minnesota West CTC (12-6), 80-65.


For more on NJCAA Women’s Basketball checkout the NJCAA Women’s Basketball Media Guides.

About the NJCAA: The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) is the governing body of two-year college athletics, offering athletic and academic opportunities to college students. It is the second largest national intercollegiate athletic organization in the United States with over 500 member schools in 43 states. Each year over 60,000 student-athletes compete in one of 28 different sports and the organization sponsors 48 national championship events and nine football bowl games. For more, visit http://www.njcaa.org.


Photo Courtesy: eCosair.com/Angela M. Wilson, eCosair.com/Adora Goff, Trinity Valley Community College Athletic Dept., Johnson County Community College Athletic Dept.

Wednesday, Jan. 25

Division II
Kirtland CC, Mich. (13-3) at #1 Mott CC, Mich. (13-3)
#2 John Wood CC, Ill. (16-2) at #13 Lincoln College, Ill. (14-4)

Thursday, Jan. 26

Interdivisional Play
#3 +Roxbury CC, Mass. (14-1) at #11 ^CC of Rhode Island (18-3)

Division I
#5 Monroe College, N.Y. (19-2) at Harcum College, Pa. (17-2)
#8 Odessa College, Texas (17-2) at Howard College, Texas (13-4)


Friday, Jan. 27

Division III
#8 SUNY-Delhi, N.Y. (18-3) at #3 Herkimer County CC, N.Y. (16-1)


Saturday, Jan. 28

Division I
#3 Northwest Florida State College (18-1) at #17 Chipola College, Fla. (18-4)
#4 Indian Hills CC – Ottumwa, Iowa (20-1) at Iowa Western CC (16-5)
Salt Lake CC, Utah (15-5) at #7 College of Southern Idaho (18-2)

Division III
Caldwell CCTI, N.C. (14-4) at #3 Davidson County CC, N.C. (18-1)
#7 Mountain View College, Texas (18-3) at Cedar Valley College, Texas (15-4)


Monday, Jan. 30

Interdivisional Play
^Cincinnati State TCC, Ohio (13-4) at #6 *Vincennes University (19-2)

Division I
Howard College, Texas (13-4) at #1 South Plains College, Texas (18-0)

NJCAA Men’s Basketball Rankings – Jan. 24, 2012

DIVISION I POLL
School; Record; Poll Votes (1^st Place Votes); Previous Ranking
1. South Plains College, Texas; 18-0; 318 (14); 2
2. Coffeyville CC, Kan.; 17-1; 295; 3
3. Northwest Florida State College; 18-1; 287 (1); 4
4. Indian Hills CC-Ottumwa, Iowa; 20-1; 280 (1); 1
5. Monroe College, N.Y.; 19-2; 251; 6
6. Vincennes University, Ind.; 19-2; 232; 8
7. College of Southern Idaho; 18-2; 198; 9
8. Odessa College, Texas; 17-2; 188; 5
9. Seward CCC, Kan.; 17-2; 170; 12
10. Pensacola State College, Fla.; 19-3; 135; 15
10. Barton CC, Kan.; 17-2; 135; 14
12. North Idaho College; 18-2; 132; 10
13. Eastern Oklahoma State; 17-2; 108; 11
14. Cochise College, Ariz.; 18-2; 89; RV
15. North Dakota SCS; 19-2; 78; 18
16. Shelton State CC, Ala.; 15-3; 75; 16
17. Chipola College, Fla.; 17-4; 53; 7
18. Northeast Mississippi CC; 11-3; 52; 13
19. Western Nebraska CC; 16-3; 49; RV
20. Olney Central College, Ill.; 16-2; 22; RV

Dropped from Rankings: Kansas City Kansas CC (17); Hutchinson CC, Kan. (19); Western Wyoming CC (20)

Click Here to View Full DI Men's Basketball Poll

DIVISION II POLL
School; Record; Poll Votes (1^st Place Votes); Previous Ranking
1. Mott CC, Mich.; 17-1; 240 (12); 1
2. John Wood CC, Ill.; 16-2; 222; 3
3. South Mountain CC, Ariz.; 18-2; 212; 5
4. South Suburban College, Ill.; 20-1; 191; 2
5. Kirkwood CC, Iowa; 16-3; 185; 6
6. Columbus State CC, Ohio; 17-2; 175; 9
7. Erie CC, N.Y.; 11-2; 161; 8
8. Triton College, Colo.; 17-3; 159; 12
9. Central CC-Columbus, Neb.; 18-3; 145; 10
10. Des Moines Area CC, Iowa; 17-3; 136; 4
11. CC of Rhode Island; 18-3; 121; 13
12. Lakeland CC, Ohio; 15-3; 101; 7
13. Lincoln College, Ill.; 15-4; 85; 14
14. Cecil College, Md.; 16-4; 82; 19
15. Louisburg College, N.C.; 12-4; 77; 11
16. Oakland CC, Mich.; 14-3; 45; 15
17. Dakota County TC, Minn.; 15-5; 41; RV
18. Essex CC, N.J.; 12-4; 33; 18
19. Massasoit CC, Mass.; 14-3; 26; RV
20. Orange County CC, N.J.; 15-4; 21; RV

Dropped from Rankings: Southeast CC, Neb. (16); CC of Beaver County, Pa. (17); North Arkansas College (20)

Click Here to View Full DII Men's Basketball Poll

DIVISION III POLL
School; Record; Poll Votes (1^st Place Votes); Previous Ranking
1. Central Lakes-Brainerd, Minn.; 18-0; 78 (6); 1
2. Sullivan CCC, N.Y.; 16-1; 73 (2); 2
3. Roxbury CC, Mass.; 14-1; 55; 3
3. Herkimer CCC, N.Y.; 16-1; 55; 4
3. Davidson CCC, N.C.; 18-1; 55; 5
6. Brookdale CC, N.J.; 14-1; 40; 6
7. Mountain View College, Texas; 18-3; 32; 6
8. SUNY-Delhi, N.Y.; 17-3; 19; 9
9. Bronx CC, N.Y.; 18-4; 9; RV
10. Rochester CTC, Minn.; 13-4; 7; 10

Dropped from Rankings: Brookhaven College, Texas (8)

Click Here to View Full DIII Men's Basketball Poll


Players of the Week – Jan. 25, 2012

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Jamie Adams (Colby CC, Kan.), Carlos Smith (Baltimore City CC, Md.) and Deon Boyce (Davidson CCC, N.C.) have been named NJCAA Men’s Basketball Players of the Week for games Jan. 16-22.

The Division I Player of the Week was Adams, while Smith was selected Player of the Week in Division II. Earning Player of the Week for Division III was Boyce.

DIVISION I PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jamie Adams; Colby Community College, Kan.
Guard; Chicago, Ill.; Hales Franciscan High School

Adams (5’ 9”) led the Trojans of Colby to victory in both of last week’s contests. In a 69-64 win over Butler CC (Kan.), Adams scored 22 points and picked six steals on the defensive end. The sophomore then led Colby to a 73-67 win over No. 19 Hutchinson CC (Kan.) with 30 points and seven assists. With this week off, Adams and the Trojans will return to action on the first day of February against Pratt CC (Kan.).

DIVISION II PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Carlos Smith; Baltimore City Community College, Md.
Forward; Baltimore, Md.; Forest Park High School

A tremendous week on the offensive end for Smith (6’ 8”) powered the Panthers to two wins last week. Smith put up 27 points and nine rebounds in Baltimore City’s 93-81 victory over Montgomery College – Rockville (Md.). Leading the charge in an 85-80 win over Chesapeake College (Md.), Smith recorded 41 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. Wednesday, Baltimore City and Smith will host Allegany College of Maryland before heading to Anne Arundel CC (Md.) Friday.

DIVISION III PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Deon Boyce (right); Davidson County Community College, N.C.
Forward; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Jacksonville High School

In Davidson County’s three wins last week, Boyce (6’ 6”) showcased his dominant abilities in the post. The sophomore posted 10 points and eight rebounds in the Storm’s 85-66 blowout of Wake Technical CC (N.C.). Boyce registered his first double-double of the week with 14 points and 14 rebounds in an 81-65 win over Sandhills CC (N.C.). Finishing of the week with a 119-79 blowout of Mt. Zion Prep Academy, Boyce tallied 16 points and hauled in 17 boards. Boyce and the Storm will play at Central Carolina CC (N.C.) Wednesday in their first of three games this week.

NJCAA Men’s Basketball Key Results (Jan. 18 – Jan. 24)

DI Top 10 Key Results
1. Indian Hills (20-1): defeated Marshalltown 91-73.
2. South Plains (18-0): defeated #5 Odessa 72-61; defeated Frank Phillips 101-78.
3. Coffeyville (17-1): defeated ^Johnson County 74-66; defeated #17 Kansas City 89-72.
4. NW Florida State (18-1): defeated Tallahassee 86-77.
5. Odessa (17-2): lost to #2 South Plains 72-61; defeated New Mexico JC 56-54.
6. Monroe (19-2): defeated Westchester 86-46.
7. Chipola (18-4): lost to #15 Pensacola State 45-42; lost to Gulf Coast State 63-60; defeated Tallahassee 58-43.
8. Vincennes (19-2): defeated Kankakee 78-64.
9. Southern Idaho (18-2): defeated Colorado Northwestern 92-58; defeated Eastern Utah 85-75.
10. North Idaho (18-2): defeated Eastern Utah 74-71 (OT); lost to Colorado Northwestern 75-69.

DII Top 10 Key Results
1. Mott (17-1): defeated St. Clair County 78-65; defeated #15 Oakland 75-68.
2. South Suburban (20-1): defeated Kishwaukee 67-52.
3. John Wood (16-2): defeated %Culver Stockton JV 89-40; defeated Parkland 74-71.
4. Des Moines Area (17-3): lost to #6 Kirkwood 64-58; defeated North Iowa Area 74-63.
5. South Mountain (18-2): defeated *Mesa 82-73; defeated Scottsdale 88-81.
6. Kirkwood (16-3): defeated #4 Des Moines Area 64-58; defeated Iowa Central 64-63.
7. Lakeland (15-3): lost to #9 Columbus State 76-75; defeated %Lourdes College 76-71.
8. Erie (11-2): defeated Alfred State 84-60.
9. Columbus State (17-2): defeated #7 Lakeland 76-75; defeated Sinclair 109-88.
10. Central-Columbus (19-3): def. %Nebraska Wesleyan 77-66, def. Brown Mackie 70-69; def. #16 Southeast 88-78 (OT).

DIII Top 10 Key Results
1. Central Lakes (18-0): defeated Anoka-Ramsey 74-55.
2. Sullivan County (17-1): defeated *ASA College 83-70; defeated ^Orange County 80-66.
3. Roxbury (14-1): lost to ^Massasoit 69-67.
4. Herkimer County (16-1): defeated Hudson Valley 58-51.
5. Davidson County (18-1): defeated Sandhills 81-65; defeated %Mt. Zion Prep 119-79.
6. Brookdale (15-1): defeated Bergen 91-67.
6. Mountain View (18-3): defeated Richland 92-87; defeated #8 Brookhaven 104-69.
8. Brookhaven (19-3): defeated Eastfield 103-80; lost to #6 Mountain View 104-69.
9. SUNY-Delhi (18-3): def. Mohawk Vall. 81-68; def. North Country 62-51; def. Schenectady 70-47; def. Columbia-Greene 73-52.
10. Rochester (13-4): defeated Riverland 86-60; lost to Minnesota State 93-74.

Interdivisional Play
1/18: #5 ^South Mountain CC, Ariz. (17-2) defeated *Mesa CC, Ariz. (13-6), 82-73.
1/19: #2 +Sullivan County CC, N.Y. (16-1) defeated *ASA College, N.Y. (13-6), 83-70.
^Massasoit CC, Mass. (13-3) defeated #3 +Roxbury CC, Mass. (14-1), 69-67.

Division I
1/18: #15 Pensacola State College, Fla. (18-3) defeated #7 Chipola College, Fla. (17-3), 45-42.
1/19: #2 South Plains College, Texas (17-0) defeated #5 Odessa College, Texas (16-2), 72-61.
1/21: #3 Coffeyville CC, Kan. (17-1) defeated #17 Kansas City Kansas CC (15-3), 89-72.
#8 Vincennes University, Ind. (19-2) defeated Kankakee CC, Ill. (18-3), 78-64.

Division II
1/18: #6 Kirkwood CC, Iowa (15-3) defeated #4 Des Moines Area CC, Iowa (16-3), 64-58.
#9 Columbus State CC, Ohio (16-2) defeated #7 Lakeland CC, Ohio (14-3), 76-75.
1/21: #1 Mott CC, Mich. (17-1) defeated #15 Oakland CC, Mich. (16-3), 75-68.
1/24: #10 Central CC-Columbus, Neb. (19-3) defeated Southeast CC, Neb. (14-6), 88-78 (OT).

Division III
1/18: #1 Central Lakes College-Brainerd, Minn. (18-0) defeated Anoka-Ramsey CC, Minn. (11-5), 74-55.
1/19: #5 Davidson County CC, N.C. (17-1) defeated Sandhills CC, N.C. (15-5), 81-65.
1/21: #6 Mountain View College, Texas (18-3) defeated #8 Brookhaven College, Texas (18-3), 104-69.


For more on NJCAA Men’s Basketball checkout the NJCAA Men’s Basketball Media Guides.

About the NJCAA: The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) is the governing body of two-year college athletics, offering athletic and academic opportunities to college students. It is the second largest national intercollegiate athletic organization in the United States with over 500 member schools in 43 states. Each year over 60,000 student-athletes compete in one of 28 different sports and the organization sponsors 48 national championship events and nine football bowl games. For more, visit http://www.njcaa.org.

Photo Courtesy: Jones County Junior College Athletic Dept., Herkimer County Community College Athletic Dept., South Plains Community College Athletic Dept., Mott Community College Athletic Dept., Davidson County Community College Athletic Dept.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Tamara Jones (Garden City CC, Kan.), Amanda Rodenberg (North Central Missouri College) and Adrianna Ivanovic (Mesabi Range CTC, Minn.) have been named NJCAA Women’s Basketball Players of the Week for games Jan. 16-22.

Jones claimed Player of the Week for Division I, while Division II honors went to Rodenberg. Ivanovic was named Player of the Week in Division III.

DIVISION I PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Tamara Jones; Garden City Community College, Kan.
Forward; Prosser, Wash.; Prosser High School

Posting back-to-back double-doubles, Jones (6’ 1”) cleared the path for victory in both of Garden City’s games last week. Sinking 14-of-18 shots from the field, Jones recorded 30 points and 12 rebounds in a 78-67 win over Pratt CC (Kan.). The freshman then led the Lady Busters to a 61-57 victory over Cloud County CC (Kan.) with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Garden City and Jones will play at No. 8 Seward CCC (Kan.) Wednesday before returning home to host Dodge City CC (Kan.) Saturday.

DIVISION II PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Amanda Rodenberg; North Central Missouri College
Forward; Richmond, Mo.; Orrick High School

Rodenberg (6’ 0”) led the Lady Pirates to two victories last week behind her double-double performances. The freshman tallied 20 points and 12 rebounds in North Central Missouri’s 73-60 win over Cottey College (Mo.). In a 70-64 win over St. Louis CC (Mo.), Rodenberg scored 23 points and pulled down 12 rebounds. Rodenberg and the Lady Pirates will be on the road Wednesday at MCC-Penn Valley (Mo.) and will host Missouri Valley JV Friday.

DIVISION III PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Adrianna Ivanovic; Mesabi Range Community & Technical College, Minn.
Forward; Big Fork, Minn.; Big Fork High School

Behind Ivanovic (5’ 11”), Mesabi Range picked up two key conference wins last week. The Lady Norse defeated Itasca CC (Minn.) 60-48 thanks to Ivanovic’s 15-point, 14-rebound performance. The sophomore was all over the floor in a 67-54 win over Rainy River CC (Minn.), recording 17 points, 17 boards, six assists and five blocks. In their lone matchup of the week, Ivanovic and the Lady Norse will host Vermilion CC (Minn.).

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Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 13)
Division I: Kelva Atkins (G), Columbia State CC (Tenn.)
Division II: Ashley Robbins (G), Delaware TCC
Division III: Jaeivonnte Wright (G), Hostos CC (N.Y.)

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games Nov. 14-20)
Division I: LaPrecious Naylon (G), Itawamba CC (Miss.)
Division II: Kara McLemore (F), Cincinnati State TCC (Ohio)
Division III: Lavon Childress (F), Gloucester CC (N.J.)

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 21-27)
Division I: Antoinette Carter (F), Murray State College (Okla.)
Division II: Diane Abbady (F), Essex CC (N.J.)
Division III: Celestra Warren (G), Joliet Junior College (Ill.)

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 28 – Dec. 4)
Division I: Dionne Harris (F), Barton CC (Kan.)
Division II: Abby Weinreis (G), Bismarck State College (N.D.)
Division III: Rebecca Pope (G), UCONN-Avery Point

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Dec. 5-11)
Division I: Jenisha Jackson (C), Southwest Tennessee CC
Division II: Tiara Maxon (G), Bismarck State College (N.D.)
Division III: Elizabeth Lawler (C), Ocean CC (N.J.)

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Dec. 12-18)
Division I: Me Me Ward (F), Palm Beach State College (Fla.)
Division II: Asia Wheeler (F), Guilford Technical College (N.C.)
Division III: Lenae Rash (G), Rainy River CC (Minn.)

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Jan. 2-8)
Division I: Jolie Olingende (F), Arizona Western College
Division II: Jazmyne Good (G), Muskegon CC (Mich.)
Division III: Jackie Awosika (G), Hostos CC (N.Y.)

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Jan. 9-15)
Division I: Priscila Santos (G), USU-College of Eastern Utah
Division II: Na’Derra Carey (G), Pima CC (Ariz.)
Division III: Alison Hardiman (G), Massasoit CC (Mass.)

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Jan. 16-22)
Division I: Tamara Jones (F), Garden City CC (Kan.)
Division II: Amanda Rodenberg (F), North Central Missouri College
Division III: Adrianna Ivanovic (F), Mesabi Range CTC (Minn.)

The Division I Player of the Week was Adams, while Smith was selected Player of the Week in Division II. Earning Player of the Week for Division III was Boyce.

DIVISION I PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jamie Adams; Colby Community College, Kan.
Guard; Chicago, Ill.; Hales Franciscan High School

Adams (5’ 9”) led the Trojans of Colby to victory in both of last week’s contests. In a 69-64 win over Butler CC (Kan.), Adams scored 22 points and picked six steals on the defensive end. The sophomore then led Colby to a 73-67 win over No. 19 Hutchinson CC (Kan.) with 30 points and seven assists. With this week off, Adams and the Trojans will return to action on the first day of February against Pratt CC (Kan.).

DIVISION II PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Carlos Smith; Baltimore City Community College, Md.
Forward; Baltimore, Md.; Forest Park High School

A tremendous week on the offensive end for Smith (6’ 8”) powered the Panthers to two wins last week. Smith put up 27 points and nine rebounds in Baltimore City’s 93-81 victory over Montgomery College – Rockville (Md.). Leading the charge in an 85-80 win over Chesapeake College (Md.), Smith recorded 41 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. Wednesday, Baltimore City and Smith will host Allegany College of Maryland before heading to Anne Arundel CC (Md.) Friday.

DIVISION III PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Deon Boyce; Davidson County Community College, N.C.
Forward; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Jacksonville High School

In Davidson County’s three wins last week, Boyce (6’ 6”) showcased his dominant abilities in the post. The sophomore posted 10 points and eight rebounds in the Storm’s 85-66 blowout of Wake Technical CC (N.C.). Boyce registered his first double-double of the week with 14 points and 14 rebounds in an 81-65 win over Sandhills CC (N.C.). Finishing of the week with a 119-79 blowout of Mt. Zion Prep Academy, Boyce tallied 16 points and hauled in 17 boards. Boyce and the Storm will play at Central Carolina CC (N.C.) Wednesday in their first of three games this week.

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Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 13)
Division I: Canon Fields (G) – Allen CC, Kan.
Division II: Kevin Thompson (G) – Dakota County Tech, Minn.
Division III: Korey Fisher (G) – Passaic CCC, N.J.

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games Nov. 14-20)
Division I: Kaheem Ranson (G) – Seward CCC, Kan.
Division II: Brendan Cooper (F) – Lakeland CC, Ohio
Division III: Chris Austin (G) – Ulster CCC, N.Y.

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 21-27)
Division I: Derrick Barden (F) – Odessa College, Texas
Division II: Quasim Jones (G) – Johnson CCC, Kan.
Division III: Jerome Parkins (G) – Gateway CC, Conn.

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 28 – Dec. 4)
Division I: Devon Branch (G) – Cloud CCC, Kan.
Division II: Maurice Lewis-Briggs (F) – CC of Beaver County, Pa.
Division III: Bakari Turner (G) – Cedar Valley College, Texas

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Dec. 5-11)
Division I: Darren Goodson (F) – Pensacola State College, Fla.
Division II: Deontray Dorsey (G) – Waubonsee CC, Ill.
Division III: Carl Clemons (F) – Broome CC, N.Y.

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Dec. 12-18)
Division I: None
Division II: Darrell Robinson (G) – Cuyahoga CC, Ohio
Division III: Paul Becklens (G) – Roxbury CC, Mass.

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Jan. 2-8)
Division I: Kevin Smith (G) – Frederick CC, Md.
Division II: De’Andre Upchurch (G) – Highland CC, Kan.
Division III: Taylor Small (G) – Vermilion CC, Minn.

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Jan. 9-15)
Division I: Jon Augustin-Fairell (C) – Indian River SC, Fla.
Division II: Matt Kelly (G) – North Central Missouri College
Division III: Jeromy O’Brien (G) – Itasca CC, Minn.

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Jan. 16-22)
Division I: Jamie Adams (G) – Colby CC, Kan.
Division II: Carlos Smith (F) – Baltimore City CC, Md.
Division III: Deon Boyce (F) – Davidson CCC, N.C.

But he’s really a lifer when it comes to his contributions to the Odessa sports scene, and the 88-year-old Pressly was honored Monday night for a lifetime’s worth of service to his favorite school.

He was inducted into the Western Junior College Athletic Conference Hall of Fame during halftime of the Odessa College men’s basketball game at the OC Sports Center.

“I think that he’s a legend,” Odessa College athletics director Wayne Baker said. “He’s going into this because of 60 years of service to the community of Odessa and Odessa College. … If nothing else, it’s an award we can present to him for longevity.”

Read the full article at: http://www.oaoa.com/sports/year-80046-odessa-coach.html

Jim Boyce
Player
1962-64
Burlington Junior College, Iowa

After Burlington, Boyce transferred to the University of Detroit where he played two seasons. In 1964-65 he averaged 9.5 points and 9.6 rebounds, helping the Titans reach the NIT. He then contributed 15.5 points and 8.2 rebounds for the 1965-66 campaign.

After graduating from Detroit, Boyce jumped into coaching. He was a graduate assistant at Detroit under then head coach Dick Vitale and then became the head coach at Detroit Northwestern High School where he compiled a record of 62-16. He later was the head coach at Eastern Michigan University from 1979 to 1986, posting an 84-96 record.

Boyce passed away in 2001 and is remembered as one of the best basketball players of his era from Detroit.

Carl Landry
Player
2002-04
Vincennes University (Ind.)

Before becoming a star at Purdue University and the NBA, forward Carl Landry was a head-turning dunk artist and versatile performer at both ends of the floor for the Vincennes Trailblazers for two seasons.

A First-Team NJCAA All-American as a sophomore for the 2003-04 season, Landry averaged 19.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.28 blocks per game.

The Milwaukee, Wisc., native would probably have amassed monstrous career numbers at VU but he missed nearly half of his freshman season with a broken hand. Despite the curtailed initial season with the injury, Landry still averaged 14.0 points and 7.4 rebounds per contest.

Landry went on to excel at the NCAA Division I level at Purdue. His junior season was memorable, splashing into the Big Ten averaging 18.2 points and 7.1 rebounds in 25 games in 2004-05. He would go on to average 18.4 points and 7.1 rebounds in 64 career games with the Boilermakers.

He currently ranks second all-time in Purdue history in career field goal percentage and sixth in scoring average. Landry was a First-Team All-Big 10 selection and led the Boilermakers in scoring, rebounding, and blocked shots his final season in West Lafayette.

Landry was selected by the Seattle Supersonics (now Oklahoma City Thunder) with the 31st pick in the 2007 NBA Draft and then traded to the Houston Rockets…then later to the Sacramento Kings. He currently plays for the New Orleans Hornets.

Clarence Walker
Player
1970-72
Vincennes University (Ind.)

Clarence Walker, affectionately nicknamed ‘Foots’ due to his having a large shoe size as a kid, went to Vincennes after a successful high school career in South Hampton, N.Y., and didn’t disappoint the Trailblazer faithful.

The point guard was solid in his first season at VU, averaging 11.2 points per contest, then scored 15.5 points per game his second year to help the 33-0 Trailblazers capture their third NJCAA National Championship.

In the 1972 national title game win over Ferrum (Va.) in Hutchinson, Kan., Walker led VU with 21 points (including an 11-for-13 performance at the free throw line).

Following his stellar performance in the NJCAA final game, Walker showed off his skills again at West Georgia State, leading the Braves to the 1974 NAIA National Championship and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. The award came after Walker scored 111 points and had 44 assists, playing almost every minute of the Braves’ five games in the tournament. He scored 24 points and dished out 11 assists against Alcorn State in the national title game.

He was drafted in the third round of the 1974 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers and became the first West Georgia State athlete to play in the NBA. In typical “Foots” Walker fashion, he left his mark on the Cavaliers organization, and remains in the Cavs’ top 10 in assists and steals. Despite leg and foot ailments of his own, Walker was third in the NBA in assists (8.0) and ninth in steals (2.04) from 1979-81.

Gene Bahnsen
Coach
Wharton County Junior College, Texas

After serving his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1956-59, Gene Bahnsen was hired by Wharton County Junior College in 1959 as head men’s basketball coach, assistant football coach and physical education instructor.

Since 1959 Bahnsen has dedicated over half a century to the college and its academic and athletic programs.

For 45 years he roamed the sidelines as the leader of the men’s basketball program, compiling a 609-446 overall record in the process. He led two of his squads to Region 14 Championships (1966, 1973) and two Texas Junior College Athletic Conference titles (1964, 1965). The Pioneers also were Region 14 South runners-up five times (1975, 197, 1980, 1984, 1989) under his direction.

In 1965 Bahnsen took over as athletic director in addition to being the head coach of both the men’s basketball and football programs. In 1970, he relinquished the football coaching gig and remained athletic director and head basketball coach as well as chair of the kinesiology department.

Under his leadership, intercollegiate athletics at Wharton County grew to one of the most diverse programs in the country, participating in nine sports. In the late 1980’s, and again in the early 1990’s, the college trimmed back its athletic opportunities and eliminated several sports, including the men’s basketball program in 1991. However, Bahnsen stayed on as athletic director and currently resides over the college’s baseball, rodeo and volleyball teams while also heading the kinesiology academic program.

In 1982 Bahnsen received a special award for Contributions to Texas Junior College Football and continues to serve as the Commissioner of Officials for the Southwest Junior College Football Conference. In 1986 he received the Gerry Smith Memorial Award in Waco, Texas for Outstanding Service to Junior College Athletics.

“The highlight of all those years were the many experiences of helping so many young men come to a Junior College to try and make it and move on to a four-year institution,” said Bahnsen upon learning of his most recent honor. “It was a privilege to see them earn a degree and be a successful in their careers.”

Buster Gilliss
Coach
Bismarck State College, N.D.

Known for his fast tempo offenses, Gilliss posted a 503-319 overall coaching record in over 30 years of coaching at both the high school and collegiate level in his home state of North Dakota.

Gilliss began his head coaching career in 1986 when he was hired to lead the Lumberjacks of North Dakota State University- Bottineau (now knows as Dakota College – Bottineau). After five seasons in Bottineau he took over the men’s basketball program at Bismarck State College in 1991 and would go on to lead the Mystics for 17 seasons.

Bismarck State won 11 Region 13 Championships and advanced to the NJCAA Division II national tournament three times (1993, 1997, 2001), including a sixth place finish in 1993.

Gilliss stepped down as head coach in 2008 and finished his NJCAA career with a 402-263 overall coaching record and guided 11 student-athletes to All-America honors.

He was 11 times named Region 13 Coach of the Year and was a three-time NJCAA District Coach of the Year.

Off the court, Gilliss has been an active leader in the NJCAA. He first served as Region 13’s assistant men’s director from 2000-10 before being promoted to Region 13 men’s director in 2010. He has served as a member of the NJCAA Division II men’s basketball committee since 2004 and has been a respected voter in several national polls. Gilliss also currently serves on the NJCAA ice hockey committee.

A graduate of Jamestown College (N.D.), he was inducted into the hall of fame of his alma mater in 1988 as well as the Dakota College – Bottineau Hall of Fame in 1996.

Kevin McCarthy
Coach
SUNY Cobleskill, N.Y.

In 17 seasons as the head coach of SUNY Cobleskill, Kevin McCarthy led the NJCAA Division III program to 339 wins and posted a 74.4 winning percentage. He led the Tigers to 13 consecutive 20-plus win seasons with several milestones in-between.

Under McCarthy the Tigers won three Region 3 Championships and advanced to the NJCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Tournament three times (1998, 2005, 2008) – twice qualifying to the semifinals (1998 and 2008).

He won NJCAA District Coach of the Year honors three times and Mountain Valley Conference Coach of the Year four times. He was also named New York State BCANY Coach of the Year in 1998.

McCarthy has received several honors during his career recognizing his uncompromised integrity. He received the Guardian of the Game Award for Educational Excellence in 2004 from the National Assn. of Basketball Coaches and the National Award for Ethics, Integrity, Service and Success in 2009 from the NJCAA Men’s Basketball Coaches Assn.

A former NJCAA basketball player at Clinton Community College (N.Y.) in the early 1970’s, McCarthy represented the interests of the two-year college basketball community from 1996-2008 as a member of the NABC Junior College Advisory Board and was a member of the NJCAA Men’s Basketball Coaches Assn. board of directors for 12 years. He also served as the head coach of the NJCAA All-Star team in 2006.

In addition to coaching, McCarthy has served as SUNY Cobleskill’s athletic director since 1996 (a position he still holds today) and was the 2004 National Assn. of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Junior College Athletic Director of the Year.

Photos courtesy of University of Detroit-Mercy Sports Information; Southeastern Community College; Vincennes University; Wharton County Junior College; Bismarck State College; and SUNY Cobleskill.

Someone had to come to the rescue. The Hagerstown Community College women's basketball team was lost in the moment and down to the final seconds of completing something big.

Read the article at: http://www.herald-mail.com/news/hm-bkw-palmer-gets-600th-career-win-20120121,0,7036469.story

Dave Brown paces along the baseline, arms crossed, a piece of paper folded the long way, into thirds, and tucked in the band of his sweats.

He moves slowly, deliberately, yet with energy in his step, his exuberance apparent in his body language and banter with the Northern Arizona players on the court.

"Wooo!" Brown shouts out after one shoots an air ball on a left-handed jump-hook. "I didn't know you had that in your game!"

Brown is, at 70, the second-oldest men's basketball coach in Division I. Taking over last month, he is 21 years removed from his previous coaching job and that was with a women's team. He has five decades on most of his players, a generational gap that's more like a chasm.

Read more at the San Francisco Examiner: http://www.sfexaminer.com/sports/college/2012/01/70-year-old-brown-keeping-lumberjacks#ixzz1k8CwTCIC

Jones, who began his college coaching career at Western Texas College in Snyder, opened this season with a 491-138 record. The 2011-12 season marks his 20th as a college coach (two seasons at Western Texas College and 18 at Midland College).

Jones, the all-time winningest basketball coach at Midland College and the only head coach the Lady Chaps have ever known, currently sits at 506-143 (.780) in his career. He has also amassed an impressive 472-116 (.802) record, in this, his 18th season at Midland College.

By JASON DILL - jdill@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- For the first time in its brief history, the State College of Florida Athletics Hall of Fame is inducting an entire team.

The 1988 volleyball team will join former Major League Baseball players Pat Osburn and Mac Scarce in this year's ceremony, scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. today at SCF.

Read the article at: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/01/20/3806471/scf-hall-to-induct-its-first-full.html

April Wallace enters her second season as the Lady Cougars assistant basketball coach. The 2006 Georgia Tech graduate lettered with the Yellow Jacket women's basketball program. Wallace's class was ranked fifth nationally by the Georgia All Star Report. She played a key role in the success of Georgia Tech's consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Due to an injury, she finished her basketball career as a student assistant coach where she learned crucial strategies and techniques from the Yellow Jacket coaching staff.

A native of middle Georgia, Wallace was a standout at Jones County High School where she was named the Middle Georgia Player of the Year in 2002 by The Telegraph. She finished her high school career as Jones County's career leader in points and rebounds. Coach Wallace has a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology. April was married to Cortney Wallace in August 2011.

This is an honor that shows the forward thinking of the Administration at Central Ga Technical College to allow a deserving candidate, who truly understands the game of basketball, this opportunity, regardless of sex.

While at Big Bend, Carlson posted a 117-102 record and won the first ever NWAACC Eastern Region Championship for the women's basketball program. In addition he was named NWAACC Eastern Region Coach of the Year in 1999-2000.

Carlson is currently in his eighth season as head coach at North Idaho College and holds a 188-61 record giving him a 75.5% winning percentage. In 2005-2006, the Lady Cardinals won the Scenic West Athletic Conference and Carlson was named SWAC Coach of the Year. They have played in the last four out of five Region 18 Tournament Championship games and have won the last three in the row earning them three straight trips to the NJCAA National Tournament in Salina, Kansas. Carlson has led his team to three straight top-ten national finishes including the 2010-2011 National Championship. For his efforts, he was named NJCAA National Coach of the Year last season. In addition, Carlson has been named North Idaho Coach of the Year (College) twice once in 2009 and again in 2011. Six of his players have earned NJCAA All-American status and 31 have gone on to play at four-year schools including 15 at the Division I level.

Carlson's North Idaho College women's basketball teams have excelled academically as well having five out of seven teams earn NJCAA Academic All-American status. In addition, 9 of his players have earned individual NJCAA Academic All-American honors.

In addition to his head coaching experience, Carlson served as the men's and women's assistant coach at Eastern Oregon University prior to coaching at Big Bend. Before joining North Idaho College, he was the top assistant one season at the University of Idaho (2000-2001)) and three at Eastern Washington University (2001-2004) where he helped the Lady Eagles to their best season since 1988.

Carlson's entire head coaching career record is now 305-163. Long-time assistant coach, Carey Carlson, has been at his side for 289 of the wins. His young 2011-2012 Lady Cardinals are currently14-2 overall and 3-0 in SWAC play.

Player of the Week for Division I was awarded to Santos, while Carey claimed the honor in Division II. Hardiman was named Division III Player of the Week.

DIVISION I PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Priscila Santos; Utah State University – College of Eastern Utah
Guard; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Colegio Mackenzie

Santos (5’ 11”) put on a shooting clinic last week, scoring a majority of Eastern Utah’s points in their two victories. The sophomore began with a 43-point performance to lead the Golden Eagles to a 79-65 win over Snow College (Utah). Following up the next day, Santos posted a double-double with 32 points and 12 rebounds in a 58-44 victory over Salt Lake CC (Utah). Returning home this week, Santos and Eastern Utah will host No. 10 North Idaho College Friday and College of Southern Idaho Saturday.

DIVISION II PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Na’Derra Carey; Pima Community College, Ariz.
Guard; Tucson, Ariz.; Canyon Del Oro High School

Highlighted by two triple-double efforts, Carey (5’ 7”) assembled three complete showings for Pima last week. In a 93-76 win over South Plains, Carey totaled 17 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists and added six steals on the defensive end. Despite falling 73-60 to Eastern Arizona College, the Aztecs received 17 points and 10 assists from Carey. The sophomore guard then tallied her second triple-double of the week with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a 74-63 win over Glendale CC (Ariz.). Hitting the road this week, Pima and Carey will travel to Arizona Western College Wednesday and Chandler-Gilbert CC (Ariz.) Saturday.

DIVISION III PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Alison Hardiman; Massasoit CC (Mass.)
Guard; Whitman, Mass.; Whitman-Hanson High School

Leading Division III in scoring with 24.2 points per game, Hardiman (5’ 9”) continued her offensive dominance in both of the Warriors’ games last week. Although Massasoit fell 102-54 to No. 4 Roxbury CC (Mass.), Hardiman hit 10-of-15 shots from the field for 29 points and added 11 rebounds for the double-double. The sophomore flex player also registered 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists in an 83-74 victory over Holyoke CC (Mass.). After taking this week off, Massasoit and Hardiman will return to action Jan. 24 against Northern Essex CC (Mass.).

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Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 13)
Division I: Kelva Atkins (G), Columbia State CC (Tenn.)
Division II: Ashley Robbins (G), Delaware TCC
Division III: Jaeivonnte Wright (G), Hostos CC (N.Y.)

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games Nov. 14-20)
Division I: LaPrecious Naylon (G), Itawamba CC (Miss.)
Division II: Kara McLemore (F), Cincinnati State TCC (Ohio)
Division III: Lavon Childress (F), Gloucester CC (N.J.)

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 21-27)
Division I: Antoinette Carter (F), Murray State College (Okla.)
Division II: Diane Abbady (F), Essex CC (N.J.)
Division III: Celestra Warren (G), Joliet Junior College (Ill.)

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 28 – Dec. 4)
Division I: Dionne Harris (F), Barton CC (Kan.)
Division II: Abby Weinreis (G), Bismarck State College (N.D.)
Division III: Rebecca Pope (G), UCONN-Avery Point

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Dec. 5-11)
Division I: Jenisha Jackson (C), Southwest Tennessee CC
Division II: Tiara Maxon (G), Bismarck State College (N.D.)
Division III: Elizabeth Lawler (C), Ocean CC (N.J.)

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Dec. 12-18)
Division I: Me Me Ward (F), Palm Beach State College (Fla.)
Division II: Asia Wheeler (F), Guilford Technical College (N.C.)
Division III: Lenae Rash (G), Rainy River CC (Minn.)

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Jan. 2-8)
Division I: Jolie Olingende (F), Arizona Western College
Division II: Jazmyne Good (G), Muskegon CC (Mich.)
Division III: Jackie Awosika (G), Hostos CC (N.Y.)

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Jan. 9-15)
Division I: Priscila Santos (G), USU-College of Eastern Utah
Division II: Na’Derra Carey (G), Pima CC (Ariz.)
Division III: Alison Hardiman (G), Massasoit CC (Mass.)

Augustin was named the Division I Player of the Week. Kelly was Player of the Week in Division II and O’Brien took the honor for Division III.

DIVISION I PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jonathan Augustin-Fairell; Indian River State College, Fla.
Center; Miami, Fla.; Carol City High School

Leading the Pioneers to victory in both of their games, Augustin-Fairell (6’ 7”) recorded two double-doubles last week. The freshman center put up 17 points and 10 rebounds in Indian River’s 87-79 win over Palm Beach State College (Fla.). In the Pioneers’ 89-81 victory over Broward College (Fla.), Augustin-Fairell had the best game of his young collegiate career with 22 points, 19 rebounds and four assists. Indian River and Augustin-Fairell will go head-to-head with Brevard CC (Fla.) Saturday in their lone game of the week.

DIVISION II PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Matt Kelly; North Central Missouri College
Guard; Columbia, Mo.; Rock Bridge High School

En route to a 2-1 record last week, North Central Missouri presented opponents with a heavy dose of Kelly (6’ 1”). The freshman came just short of a double-double on two fronts against Missouri Valley College JV. Kelly tallied 30 points, eight rebounds and nine assists in the 126-71 victory. Surviving a 118-110 shootout, Kelly knocked down 15-of-18 shots from the field for 39 points. Kelly finished up the week with 23 points and six rebounds in the Pirates’ 85-76 loss to No. 3 John Wood CC (Ill.). Kelly and the Pirates will stay at home this week with matchups against Wentworth Military Academy (Mo.) and St. Louis CC (Mo.).

DIVISION III PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jeromy O’Brien; Itasca Community College, Minn.
Guard; Cass Lake, Minn.; Cass Lake High School

O’Brien (5’ 10”) enjoyed two impressive performances in Itasca’s two contests last week. Losing a close affair to Hibbing CC (Minn.) 69-62, O’Brien recorded 16 points and five rebounds. The sophomore guard then hit 12 three-pointers for a career-high 48 points in the Vikings’ 90-67 rout of Rainy River CC (Minn.). Itasca and O’Brien will host Mesabi Range CTC (Minn.) Wednesday before heading to Fond du Lac TCC (Minn.) Saturday.

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Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 13)
Division I: Canon Fields (G) – Allen CC, Kan.
Division II: Kevin Thompson (G) – Dakota County Tech, Minn.
Division III: Korey Fisher (G) – Passaic CCC, N.J.

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games Nov. 14-20)
Division I: Kaheem Ranson (G) – Seward CCC, Kan.
Division II: Brendan Cooper (F) – Lakeland CC, Ohio
Division III: Chris Austin (G) – Ulster CCC, N.Y.

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 21-27)
Division I: Derrick Barden (F) – Odessa College, Texas
Division II: Quasim Jones (G) – Johnson CCC, Kan.
Division III: Jerome Parkins (G) – Gateway CC, Conn.

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 28 – Dec. 4)
Division I: Devon Branch (G) – Cloud CCC, Kan.
Division II: Maurice Lewis-Briggs (F) – CC of Beaver County, Pa.
Division III: Bakari Turner (G) – Cedar Valley College, Texas

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Dec. 5-11)
Division I: Darren Goodson (F) – Pensacola State College, Fla.
Division II: Deontray Dorsey (G) – Waubonsee CC, Ill.
Division III: Carl Clemons (F) – Broome CC, N.Y.

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Dec. 12-18)
Division I: None
Division II: Darrell Robinson (G) – Cuyahoga CC, Ohio
Division III: Paul Becklens (G) – Roxbury CC, Mass.

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Jan. 2-8)
Division I: Kevin Smith (G) – Frederick CC, Md.
Division II: De’Andre Upchurch (G) – Highland CC, Kan.
Division III: Taylor Small (G) – Vermilion CC, Minn.

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Jan. 9-15)
Division I: Jon Augustin-Fairell (C) – Indian River SC, Fla.
Division II: Matt Kelly (G) – North Central Missouri College
Division III: Jeromy O’Brien (G) – Itasca CC, Minn.

Former Tallahassee Community College (Fla.) basketball player Bernard James, who is currently averaging 10.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game for the Florida State Seminoles, has once again caught the attention of the national media. James' unique story from high school dropout...to Air Force Military Police Officer and Iraq War veteran....to college basketball stat was first highlighted in the November 2009 issue of

He currently is both an All-ACC and All-American candidate and one of the top big men in NCAA Division I hoops.

Just recently ESPN's College Gameday and the Washington Post highlighted his unique story.

ESPN College Gameday segment on James: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7464825&categoryid=2459792

Washington Post article on James:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/florida-st-vs-maryland-bernard-james-uses-stint-in-military-to-help-surging-seminoles/2012/01/16/gIQAdVp13P_allComments.html#comments

In his five seasons at Butler, he won 117 games which included two Jayhawk Western Division championships and reached the Region VI finals twice. After four years on the men’s side of junior college, Spence took over at Cowley Community College where he would spend the next six seasons. While at Cowley he won 171 games and led the Tigers to five Jayhawk East Division titles and four coach of the year honors.

Currently in his first season at Barton, Spence has led the Lady Cougars to a 12-6 record giving him 300 wins against 79 defeats, good for a seventy-nine percent at the junior college level.

Including his first season at Marymount College and his prior eight-years at New Mexico State University, Spence’s career record is 438-222, good for a sixty-six percent win percentage.

Additional information regarding Coach Spence and Barton Women’s Basketball can be found online at www.BartonSports.com

Louque has been an assistant for head coach Jim Schwab 10 seasons. In that time, she has helped coach the team to a NJCAA Division I runner-up finish, a District championship, five Region VI championships, two runner-up finishes and four top-15 rankings at the end of the season. During that span, Johnson County has produced a record of 160-43-10, good for a .775 winning percentage. Additionally, 45 athletes have been named All-Region VI, 52 have been selected as All-Kansas Jayhawk Conference performers, seven have earned NJCAA All-American, three have been selected NSCAA All-American, three have been selected NJCAA All-Tournament and four have garnered NJCAA Academic All-America accolades.

Louque has also been active at various levels of the soccer community for 28 years, including work with Athletes in Action and Ultimate Goals Ministry. She also donated a kidney to her husband 10 years ago and has three children, including a four-year old who was born with Dandy Walker syndrome, a congenital brain malformation.

Kevin O’Neill believed in Buster Douglas when few others did,

“The night he knocked out Tyson I was with my wife, Connie, at a dance at St. Mary’s Church in Franklin ... and I left her there,” O’Neill laughed. “She said, ‘Where do you think you’re going?’ and I said, “I’m going home to watch him.’

“She said, ‘He’s going to get beat,’ and I told her, ‘Well, then, he’s going to have to get beat in front of me.’ ”

Read the entire article here: http://www.daytondailynews.com/dayton-sports/ex-sinclair-basketball-player-heavyweight-champ-to-be-honored-1312600.html?cxtype=feedbot

Official release from Harper College:

Harper College Discontinues Football Program

PALATINE, IL - Harper College President Kenneth L. Ender announced today that the Harper College Football program will be discontinued following the recent elimination of football teams at Joliet Junior College in Joliet, IL and Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, MI. The move will leave the Midwest Football Conference with five teams, and only one, the College of DuPage, in Illinois. The decision was made upon the recommendation of the College Provost and in consultation with the Harper College Board of Trustees.

"This is a painful decision," said Dr. Ender. "Harper has had a long and proud football tradition. But with only one community college football team left in Illinois and four out-of state teams in the conference, it became clear we could no longer sustain the program."

The remaining teams in the Midwest Football Conference are College of DuPage, Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, IA, Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, IA, Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, IA and North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND.

While budget issues and scheduling difficulties played a role in the College's decision, residency of the players was also a growing concern. Over the past six years, more than 90% of Harper's football players came from outside the district, creating significant challenges for student-athletes. Harper does not have student housing, which means most football players need to find living space off campus.

"Many of these students are 18 and 19 years old living away from home for the first time and they're trying to manage their housing, finances, academics and play football," said Dr. Ender.
"The dynamic has contributed to low academic performance and a high dropout rate. That was also a factor in our decision."

The College plans to conduct a normal spring training schedule for current student-athletes, and coaches and staff will work with colleges to place Harper football players in other programs.

"We are committed to working closely with our football players who are affected by this decision," said Doug Spiwak, Harper College Athletic Director. "We will continue to offer them support to help them succeed academically should they chose to stay at Harper or help them transfer successfully to another college football program."

Read more: http://columbustelegram.com/sports/college/a-home-away-from-home/article_b369732e-3ce0-11e1-abbc-001871e3ce6c.html#ixzz1jJGrxFdO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 11, 2012

About the NJCAA:
The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) is the governing body of two-year college athletics, offering athletic and academic opportunities to college students. It is the second largest national intercollegiate athletic organization in the United States with over 500 member schools in 43 states. Each year approximately 60,000 student-athletes compete in one of 28 different sports and the organization sponsors 48 national championship events and nine football bowl games. For more visit www.njcaa.org.

About PrestoSports, Inc.:
Started in 2003, PrestoSports helps sports teams communicate online with their fans, opponents and media outlets. The company develops technologies that facilitate the sharing of information on top of the PrestoSports Network, the digital mapping of teams' real-world connections. Millions of fans follow their favorite teams on sites powered by PrestoSports. For more information, visit www.prestosports.com.

(Bradenton, Fla., January 10, 2012) — State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) announced the pending retirement of its legendary head baseball coach and the appointment of a new head coach who pledges to add his own winning record to the program’s celebrated tradition.

At a press conference held at the College’s Bradenton campus, SCF President Dr. Lars A. Hafner applauded Tim Hill Sr., the all-time leader in career wins of any Florida junior college head coach and a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, for the dozens of records he and his teams amassed and surpassed in his 31 years as head coach at SCF. Hill Sr. will retire at the end of the 2012 season.

Hafner named assistant coach Tim Hill II to fill the head coach position. The junior Hill is in his 14^th season as assistant coach at SCF where during his tenure he is credited with helping the baseball program win three state championships, make three trips to the JUCO World Series, produce more NJCAA All-American student-athletes and JUCO Players of the Year than any other Florida school, and send 115 student-athletes to four-year college and university baseball programs and 59 players to professional baseball.

“He has worked hard and he earned it,” Hill Sr. said, referring to his son’s promotion. “In the past 13 years with Tim managing all phases of the offense and defense and coaching third base, we have broken 32 individual and team-hitting records and 12 of 13 both single game and single season offense records.”

The SCF baseball program is recognized as the most successful junior college program in Florida and one of the top programs in the nation. Hill Sr. came to the college in 1978 as assistant coach to the college’s first baseball coach, Bob Wynn, following four years as head baseball coach at South Florida Junior College. He was named head coach for the 1981-82 season and inherited a strong tradition from Wynn, also an NJCAA Hall of Fame inductee and the namesake of SCF’s baseball field.

“As a former student-athlete and administrator involved with JUCO athletics for 25 years, I have known about this college’s baseball program for a long time. The baseball program deserves its elite reputation in Florida and around the country, and as president it has been exciting to watch the program continue to grow and prosper as we have progressed as an institution,” Hafner said.

“It is not often that a president gets to announce only the third head baseball coach to lead a 53-year-old program, and I am confident that this decision to put Tim Hill II at the baseball program’s helm will keep moving us forward and further strengthen our tradition,” said Hafner.

Hill II’s association with SCF started in 1988-90 when he played in the baseball program and was named to the All-State Academic and All-State Tournament teams. He distinguished himself at the university level, graduating cum laude from the University of Central Florida with his bachelor’s degree in marketing and later earning a master’s degree in health and physical education from Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW).

Before returning to SCF in 1999 where he has held the positions of student life advisor and instructor in addition to his assistant coaching duties, Hill II worked in professional sports organizations, including the Boston Red Sox, and was assistant baseball coach and sports information director at GSW where he helped coach the team to a conference championship and a berth in the regional tournament.

“I know what it means to coach and play on the most successful junior college baseball program in Florida and I understand the tradition here,” Hill II said. “I appreciate this opportunity and will work hard to build on the success that Coach Wynn and Coach Hill have established over the last 53 years.”

Dr. Donald Bowman, vice president of educational and student services, and Matt Ennis, athletic director, said Hill II’s commitment to seeing baseball players succeed academically as well as athletically was a major factor in recommending him for the head coach position.

“Our student-athletes consistently achieve at a high academic level as demonstrated by this year’s baseball team that scored a 3.23 grade point average last fall,” Bowman said.

Hill II will continue teaching after he assumes the head coach position. The head coaching position is a part-time, stipend position, as are all SCF head coaching positions.

SCF officials said the announcement of the transition was timed to assist in recruiting and retaining athletes and coaching staff as the baseball season gets underway.

Of his three-plus decades at SCF, Hill Sr. said: “We have won a lot of games and championships and we have had great success on the baseball field, but what I am most proud of is seeing our players move on to colleges, universities and professional baseball and become good husbands, fathers and productive citizens.”

Hill said, “I am confident that this group of young men will carry on the successful tradition of Manatees baseball this spring.”

Gill, who took over the reins of the Highlander program in 2002, entered this season with a record of 220 wins and only 65 losses as McLennan's head men's basketball coach and has led his team to the Region 5 tournament every year. Four times the Highlanders have advanced to the semi-final round of the tournament.

Gill began his coaching career in 1993 with stops in the middle and high school ranks has also led McLennan to four North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference (NTJCAC) championships and has had numerous athletes earn various awards.

The Highlanders play North Lake College on January 10 before beginning conference action January 14 versus Weatherford.

Offensive lineman Carlin Landingham and defensive tackle Marcus Cribbs were first-team selections, while linebacker Terrell Porter, defensive back Evan Ray and wide receiver Keyon Cole earned second-team honors for the Raiders. The five All-Americans were the most for GRCC in a single season in program history.

Read the entire article here: http://www.mlive.com/smallcolleges/grandrapids/index.ssf/2012/01/grcc_football_program_ends_but.html

Monroe College in New Rochelle and the Bronx will be recruiting plenty of high school football players from the metropolitan area to fill out the football team the college has created.

The school announced the addition of a football team in September and the squad will begin play in 2012.

Read more at: http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-12-28/news/30566823_1_monroe-college-football-team-monroe-job

The Silver Award is given to teams that accumulate no red cards and a maximum of five yellow cards. There were 13 intercollegiate teams received the NSCAA's Gold Team Ethics Award for completing the entire 2011 season without receiving either a yellow or red card. The Bronze Award went to 16 teams, which is presented to teams that receive no reds and a maximum of 10 yellows.

NJCAA Women
Community College of Rhode Island (RI) Dennis Grassini Bronze
Diablo Valley College (CA) Calin Mullen Bronze
Iowa Central Community College (IA) William McGowan Silver
Jamestown CC-Cattaragus County (NY) Ryan Deppa Silver
Johnson County Community College (KS) Jim Schwab Silver

As he approached win No. 700, Albrecht downplayed any special significance to the milestone.

"It will later, maybe, but right now I'm just working on the second semester and working with this team," Albrecht said following the Archers' win over Lincoln Land College in their final game before leaving for Arizona.

After coaching at STLCC as long as Albrecht has, few things catch him off-guard on a basketball court in a community college setting. But with such a large influx of new players this year, including starters who had last played competitively three and four years ago, this year posed a unique challenge to Albrecht and his coaching staff. Entering the third month of the season, Albrecht's team looks like a winner again.

"I like the kids on this team," Albrecht said. "I like our potential. I wasn't sure what it was going to be when we started. It was a lot of new people, but a lot of people are stepping up and I think there's hope for us second semester."

While newcomers have often been the main story for the Archers this season, it was two of Albrecht's holdovers from last year that led the charge in the win over Tohono O'odhom. Sophomore forward Ryun Davis (McCluer North) led all scorers with 22 points, and sophomore guard Toraino Hellems finished with 14. The 87 points marked a season-high for the Archers, who had previously broken the 80-point plateau three times in 14 games. The offensive output remained consistent throughout the contest, as the Archers took a 39-36 lead into halftime, and pulled away late.

The win improved the Archers' record to 9-6 on the year heading into a favorable portion of the schedule.

The team plays nine of its next 12 games at home, and doesn't play consecutive games away from the home court until Feb. 25-29.

American Football Monthly, the nation’s leading trade publication for football coaches, has annually selected college and high school coaches of the year since the publication’s inception in 1997. Along with EMCC’s Stephens at the junior college level, other AFM Coach of the Year recipients for 2011 include: Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy (FBS); Willie Fritz of Sam Houston State (FCS); John Wristen of Colorado State-Pueblo (Division II); University of Saint Thomas’ Glenn Caruso (Division III); and Ted Karras of Marian University (NAIA).

All of the 2011 AFM Coach of the Year recipients will be featured in the February issue of American Football Monthly, which will be available by Feb. 1. Fans can purchase the issue by calling the AFM offices at 1-800-537-4271, ext. 329.

In leading the EMCC Lions to an undefeated 12-0 campaign and school-first NJCAA National Championship this past season, Stephens has previously been named the 2011 American Community College Football Coaches Association Coach of the Year. Stephens, a native of Huntsville, Ala., will be presented the award at next week’s (Jan. 10) American Football Coaches Association Coach of the Year Dinner at the 2012 AFCA Convention in San Antonio, Texas.

Additionally, for guiding the 2011 East Mississippi squad to the program’s second Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges/NJCAA Region 23 championship in three years, Stephens has also already collected NJCAA Region 23 as well as MACJC North Division Coach of the Year honors this season. Stephens, who was a standout offensive lineman during his collegiate playing days at Delta State University and Pearl River Community College, has compiled a four-year head coaching record of 36-8 (.818), including a 22-2 (.917) division mark with three MACJC North Division titles, since being hired at EMCC in December 2007.

Prior to moving to the Scooba campus four years ago, Stephens spent the previous seven seasons (2001-07) serving as an assistant coach at perennial NJCAA powerhouse Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, Miss. During Stephens’ stint as offensive coordinator/offensive line coach under PRCC head coach Tim Hatten and previous head man Scott Maxfield, the Wildcats posted a seven-year composite record of 60-12 (.833), including an NJCAA National Championship in 2004 and four consecutive MACJC state titles (2003-06) which resulted in four straight NJCAA Top 5 national finishes.

American Football Monthly has helped college and high school coaches be more successful on and off the field by giving them the best offensive, defensive and special teams strategies, plays and drills – most of which continue to be provided by their coaching peers. In addition to publishing AFM, the company also produces and markets hundreds of coaching videos while maintaining a large library of coaching articles on www.AmericanFootballMonthly.com.

JACKSONVILLE — It's terribly simplistic, and even narrow minded, to measure a coach's overall success in mere wins and losses.

When looking at Lon Morris College head women's basketball coach Brenita Williams' complete body of work, it's easy to see why the Cedar Hill, Texas native has been selected as the 2011 Jacksonville Daily Progress Sportswoman of the Year.

Read more at: http://jacksonvilleprogress.com/sports/x1477831466/2011-Sportswoman-of-the-Year

Preseason Player of the Year: Tom Klosowski, Onondaga

NJCAA Women
1. Monroe
2. Anne Arundel
3. Catonsville
4. Onondaga
5. Harford
6. Howard
7. Herkimer
8. Mohawk Valley
9. Nassau
10. Brookdale

Preseason Player of the Year: Mary Milligan, Anne Arundel

Division I Player of the Week honors were awarded to Harden. Robinson was named Player of the Week in Division II and Becklens was named the Division III Player of the Week.

DIVISION I PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Kevin Harden; Santa Fe College, Fla.
Guard; Orlando, Fla.; Evans High School

Leading the Saints to a 2-0 record at the Polk State Classic, Harden (6’ 2”) put his talents on display. In an 80-74 overtime victory over Chipola College (Fla.), Harden totaled 21 points, six rebounds and three steals. The sophomore followed up the next day with 14 points and five boards in an 89-64 thrashing of the Tampa Swish. Harden and the Saints have completed their 2011 schedule, making their return against TAAG Academy Jan. 2.

DIVISION II PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Darrell Robinson; Cuyahoga Community College, Ohio
Guard; Philadelphia, Pa.; Bartram High School

Back-to-back double-double performances by Robinson (5’ 11”) paved the way for two victories for the Challengers last week. Beating Anne Arundel CC (Md.) 85-68, Cuyahoga benefited from 17 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists by Robinson. The freshman then recorded 38 points, 10 boards and six assists in a 83-78 win over Monroe CC (N.Y.). Robinson and the Challengers end 2011 with a 10-3 record and return to the hardwood Jan. 14 to host No. 4 Columbus State CC (Ohio).

DIVISION III PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Paul Becklens; Roxbury Community College, Mass.
Guard; Boston, Mass.; Bridgeton High School

Becklens (6’ 0”) utilized his unique passing abilities to direct No. 4 Roxbury to two key wins last week. In an 80-65 victory over Onondaga CC (N.Y.), Becklens totaled 13 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds and seven steals. The sophomore then registered a rare quadruple-double in a 97-78 win against Massasoit CC (Mass.). Becklens tallied 13 points, 10 rebounds, 20 assists and 10 steals in the Tigers’ rout. Roxbury and Becklens are a perfect 11-0 heading into the New Year.

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Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 13)
Division I: Canon Fields (G), Allen CC (Kan.)
Division II: Kevin Thompson (G), Dakota County Tech (Minn.)
Division III: Korey Fisher (G), Passaic CCC (N.J.)

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games Nov. 14-20)
Division I: Kaheem Ranson (G), Seward CCC (Kan.)
Division II: Brendan Cooper (F), Lakeland CC (Ohio)
Division III: Chris Austin (G), Ulster CCC (N.Y.)

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 21-27)
Division I: Derrick Barden (F), Odessa College (Texas)
Division II: Quasim Jones (G), Johnson CCC (Kan.)
Division III: Jerome Parkins (G), Gateway CC (Conn.)

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 28 – Dec. 4)
Division I: Devon Branch (G), Cloud CCC (Kan.)
Division II: Maurice Lewis-Briggs (F), CC of Beaver County (Pa.)
Division III: Bakari Turner (G), Cedar Valley College (Texas)

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Dec. 5-11)
Division I: Darren Goodson (F) – Pensacola State College (Fla.)
Division II: Deontray Dorsey (G) – Waubonsee CC (Ill.)
Division III: Carl Clemons (F) – Broome CC (N.Y.)

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Dec. 12-18)
Division I: Kevin Harden (G) – Santa Fe College (Fla.)
Division II: Darrell Robinson (G) – Cuyahoga CC (Ohio)
Division III: Paul Becklens (G) – Roxbury CC (Mass.)

Ward was named Player of the Week in Division I. The Division II Player of the Week was Wheeler, while Rash was selected Player of the Week for Division III.

DIVISION I PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Me Me Ward; Palm Beach State College, Fla.
Forward; Winter Haven, Fla.; Winter Haven High School

Ward (6’ 2”) led the Panthers to victory in all three games last week. Registering double-doubles in all three affairs, Ward began the week with 12 points and 10 rebounds in a 61-45 win over Clinton JC (S.C.). In game one of a double-header, Ward recorded 18 points and 14 assists for a 82-60 win over Wake Technical College (N.C.). The sophomore closed out the week with 16 points and 15 boards in a 79-52 win over Indian River State College (Fla.). With a 10-1 record, the Panthers and Ward confidently head into the Palm Beach Classic 2 next week.

DIVISION II PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Asia Wheeler; Guilford Technical College, N.C.
Forward; Brooklyn, N.Y.; Christopher Columbus High School

In all three of Guilford Tech’s matchups last week, Wheeler (6’ 0”) posted double-doubles to lead the Titans to victory. The sophomore racked up 19 points and 13 rebounds in a 61-46 win over Brunswick CC (N.C.), adding three steals and four block defensively. A five-block performance in a 55-49 win against Illinois Valley CC was complimented by 16 points and 16 rebounds. Wheeler closed out the week with 21 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks during a 51-46 victory over Prince George’s CC (Md.). Guilford Tech and Wheeler will be back Jan. 11 to host Catawba Valley CC (N.C.).

DIVISION III PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Lenae Rash, Rainy River Community College, Minn.
Guard; Milwaukee, Wis.; Rufus King High School

Highlighted by two 35-point outings by Rash (5’ 7”), Rainy River added a win and a loss to their record last week. Rash tallied nine rebounds and seven steals in a 76-61 defeat at the hands of Minnesota State CTC. The sophomore posted a triple-double in a 61-58 win over Central Lakes College-Brainerd (Minn.), recording 16 boards and 11 steals. At 2-8, Rash and the Voyageurs will try to regroup over the holidays and make a strong return in January.

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Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 13)
Division I: Kelva Atkins (G), Columbia State CC (Tenn.)
Division II: Ashley Robbins (G), Delaware TCC
Division III: Jaeivonnte Wright (G), Hostos CC (N.Y.)

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games Nov. 14-20)
Division I: LaPrecious Naylon (G), Itawamba CC (Miss.)
Division II: Kara McLemore (F), Cincinnati State TCC (Ohio)
Division III: Lavon Childress (F), Gloucester CC (N.J.)

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 21-27)
Division I: Antoinette Carter (F), Murray State College (Okla.)
Division II: Diane Abbady (F), Essex CC (N.J.)
Division III: Celestra Warren (G), Joliet Junior College (Ill.)

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 28 – Dec. 4)
Division I: Dionne Harris (F), Barton CC (Kan.)
Division II: Abby Weinreis (G), Bismarck State College (N.D.)
Division III: Rebecca Pope (G), UCONN-Avery Point

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Dec. 5-11)
Division I: Jenisha Jackson (C), Southwest Tennessee CC
Division II: Tiara Maxon (G), Bismarck State College (N.D.)
Division III: Elizabeth Lawler (C), Ocean CC (N.J.)

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Dec. 12-18)
Division I: Me Me Ward (F), Palm Beach State College (Fla.)
Division II: Asia Wheeler (F), Guilford Technical College (N.C.)
Division III: Lenae Rash (G), Rainy River CC (Minn.)

At just 6-1, Taylor is used to having opposing post men tower over him while angling for shots and battling for rebounds for the St. Louis Community College men's basketball team.

But that hasn't kept Taylor from being perhaps the best-kept secret for the Archers thus far this season.

Through 13 games, Taylor, a freshman from Fort Zumwalt North High School, is third on the Archers in scoring with 9.9 points per game and is second in rebounding with 6.7 boards per contest.

"I think Jamese Taylor has been the biggest surprise on our basketball team," head coach Randy Albrecht said. "We didn't know a lot about him, but we invited him to some open gyms. He came out. He practiced with us and won a starting position."

Taylor took a circuitous path to both St. Louis Community College and collegiate basketball. He last played basketball competitively during the 2006-2007 school year, as a senior at Fort Zumwalt North. Taylor, who was a multi-sport athlete in high school, then went to Southeast Missouri State to run track and play basketball. But his time at SEMO was brief, and he did not appear on the court for the Indians. In the three years following, Taylor left school and went to work.

"I worked a lot of places," Taylor said. "Goodwill, Walmart, Radio Shack. It was a tough road back (to basketball)," Taylor said.

The basketball bug bit Taylor again this past summer, and his efforts to re-enroll in college began. But all of the college coaches Taylor contacted insisted that he would need to re-establish himself at a junior college first.

Enter STLCC and Albrecht, who was limited in his recruiting time due the districtwide consolidation of athletics.

After joining STLCC, Taylor reached out to Albrecht and assistant coach Ken Libby.

"I had talked to Coach Albrecht two years ago, but this is the year we got together," Taylor said. "He put me on a summer team and then onto this squad."

Despite having four years of rust to knock off since his last game, it didn't take Taylor long to impress the STLCC coaching staff.

Taylor scored at least 10 points in five of his first six games with the Archers, including a career-high 21 points against Kaskaskia College on Nov. 19. While his offensive production has been stellar, it's Taylor's defensive performance that has made the greatest impression on his coaches.

"The most impressive thing about him has been his rebounding," Albrecht said. "He's only 6-1, and there are usually five or six people on the court that are bigger than he is."

For Taylor, size becomes an issue of mind over matter. By outworking his opponents and maintaining superior positioning, he has been able to flourish despite his comparatively diminutive stature.

"My main thing is any ball I see, I go get it," Taylor said. "Every time I think that, I know every one out of three chances, the ball is going to be in my hands."

Due to the amount of time off for Taylor, and the limited exposure he received prior to joining the Archers, getting a read on just how productive he'll become has been difficult to determine.

"We've been really pleased with Jamese, and we're not really sure where his ceiling is, because having been out so long, (it's hard to) know how that's going to work out," Albrecht said.

If his production continues at its current rate, his future with the Archers will work out just fine.

It's a characteristic she learned from her father, former NBA point guard Darrell Armstrong, the 1998-99 6th Man of the Year award winner and current Dallas Mavericks assistant coach.

"I get the positivity and energy from my dad. I don't have as much energy as him on the court, but I always try," Armstrong said. "Anytime I call him to get some words of wisdom, he always reminds me to stay positive."

Arkia Armstrong, 20, has produced encouraging results during her Wallace State career thus far. The 5-foot-4 guard from McDonough, Ga. has played in all 14 games, leading the team in assists while chipping in 7.4 points per game. She's also second respectively in 3-pointers made and steals for the defending state champion Lady Lions.

"Arkia has come in and done nothing but get better. She's had to play out of position at times this year and adapt to playing point guard. Arkia wants to get better every day and is very coachable," said Wallace State coach Ron Burdette. "Arkia's been a real asset to our team and obviously has a great basketball pedigree. She's quick and defends the ball as effectively as her dad did."

Darrell Armstrong carved out a solid 14-year NBA career, playing for five teams from 1994-2008, but is most remembered for his stints with the Orlando Magic and Dallas Mavericks. Armstrong averaged 9.2 points during his career, but mainly established himself as a high-energy, defensive-minded guard, finishing with 1,133 career steals.

If Armstrong wasn't starting for his respective teams, he was the first man off the bench and earned the NBA's premier award for a top bench performer, winning the 1998-99 6th Man of the Year honor with the Orlando Magic.

As the daughter of a former NBA player, Arkia Armstrong is used to being peppered with questions about her father's playing or coaching career.

"I honestly forget sometimes he played in the NBA. People say your dad did this or your dad that, but to me he's just dad," said Arkia, who played at Eagles Landing High in Georgia. "He's just like any good father."

Arkia Armstrong enrolled at Wallace State last spring, but wasn't eligible to play for the program until this season. Upon looking for a new college to play for at her previous school, Armstrong said she discovered Wallace State after an extensive search on strong junior college programs and sent video highlights of herself to former Wallace State coach Larry Slater. She was invited to Hanceville for a workout and eventually earned a scholarship.

Upon enrolling, Arkia Armstrong witnessed Wallace State's impressive state championship run last March, culminating in four wins in four days at the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC)/Region 22 championship. She is excited to be a key piece in Wallace State's pursuit of defending its title, when conference play begins next month.

"I love this team because we have such strong chemistry on and off the court. We all get along; there's not much drama. When we do hit a bump in the road, we make sure to keep working hard and do what we need in practice and in the games to correct it," said Armstrong, who scored a season-high 20 points vs. Faulkner University's JV on Dec. 6. "There's no doubt in my mind we'll strongly contend for another state championship."

While Arkia Armstrong seeks a state title with Wallace State, her father and the Dallas Mavericks begin the defense of their NBA title on Christmas afternoon. The Mavericks won the franchise's first title last June, beating the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.

"Winning the NBA championship meant so much to him (Darrell Armstrong). He said it meant just as much, if not more, than anything he did as a player. It meant a lot to my dad because he was on the Mavericks team in 2006 that lost to the Heat. He was so emotional. He had us all crying after the Mavericks won it. He talked about the championship for weeks and weeks. We are so proud of him," said Arkia Armstrong, who has a 15-year-old sister and 9-year-old brother.

Because of the recent NBA lockout, Darrell Armstrong was able to watch Arkia and the Lady Lions play on multiple occasions in November, including a game at Wallace State's Tom Drake Coliseum. Burdette said Darrell Armstrong has been extremely complimentary of the program and athletic facilities in Hanceville.

And Burdette is impressed with the progression Arkia Armstrong has made since she arrived at Wallace State.

"It would be real easy for Arkia to have an attitude or ego, considering who she is or who her family is, but she's an outstanding person and solid player for us," Burdette said. "Arkia's doing well on the court, well in the classroom and gets along with everyone. She's a positive person for our program and represents Wallace State well."

For more information about Wallace State athletics, visit wallacestate.edu.

Stephens, a native of Huntsville, Ala., recently completed his fourth season as EMCC's head football coach by guiding the 2011 Lions to the school's first-ever National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Championship. The Lions' perfect 12-0 campaign was capped off by their 55-47 El Toro Bowl victory over previously top-ranked Arizona Western College in the NJCAA Football Championship Game played Dec. 3 in Yuma, Ariz. This past year, Stephens also guided EMCC to the program's second NJCAA Region 23/Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) State Championship in the past three seasons.

"I'm very humbled about the great news of receiving this tremendous honor coming from coaching peers," Stephens said. "This is certainly a coaching staff of the year award in our particular situation here at East Mississippi Community College. This honor is a true measure of just how good our players and assistant coaches really were this football season. We had great chemistry all around from the players to the coaching staff as well as administratively and throughout our entire support staff. "

In running the table on the gridiron this season with the nation's top-rated offensive unit, the EMCC Lions knocked off eight teams that were ranked among the NJCAA Top 20 at some point during the course of the season, including four foes ranked in the Top 5 nationally at the time of their head-to-head meetings with the Lions. The program's first-ever, 12-win season also included a third perfect 6-0 mark in MACJC North Division play since 2008 as well as a fourth consecutive appearance in the MACJC State Playoffs.

Honored this season as the NJCAA Region 23 Coach of the Year for the second time in three seasons, Stephens was also tabbed as the 2011 MACJC North Division Coach of the Year by his coaching peers. Since being hired as head football coach at East Mississippi Community College in December 2007, Stephens has compiled an impressive 36-8 (.818) overall record and 22-2 (.917) division mark in his four seasons at the Lions' helm. Along with this year's school-first national championship, Stephens' Lion squads have also captured EMCC's first-ever state football championships (2011 & 2009) as well as earning three division crowns (2011, 2009 & 2008).

"With the support of our administration in (EMCC President) Dr. Rick Young and (EMCC Vice President/Director of Athletics) Mickey Stokes, everything has come to fruition from what we set out to do four years ago," Stephens added. "Hopefully this season validates everything we've been attempting to accomplish here at EMCC."

A proven winner in the Mississippi junior college ranks for the past decade, Stephens arrived on the Scooba campus four years ago after spending the previous seven seasons as an assistant coach at perennial MACJC powerhouse Pearl River Community College. During Stephens' stint as offensive coordinator/offensive line coach under PRCC head coach Tim Hatten and previous head man Scott Maxfield, the Wildcats posted a seven-year composite record of 60-12 (.833), including an NJCAA National Championship in 2004 and four consecutive MACJC state titles (2003-06) which resulted in four straight NJCAA Top 5 national finishes.

A former standout offensive lineman at Pearl River CC and subsequently at Delta State University, Stephens becomes the first ACCFCA Coach of the Year recipient from a Mississippi-based school since his former mentor, Tim Hatten, earned the honor after guiding the Pearl River Wildcats to the 2004 NJCAA national title.

The American Community College Football Coaches Association (ACCFCA) is an umbrella coaches association formed in 2002 between the National Junior College Football Coaches Association and the California Community College Football Coaches Association. Prior to that, both organizations selected their own coach of the year recipients.

About the ACCFCA: Community college football coaches are among the very best in the profession. In recent years, there have been two organizations, the California Community College Football Coaches Association and the National Junior College Football Coaches Association. Each organization had its own coach of the year. In 2000, the AFCA invited the organizations to meet at the AFCA Convention. Three national goals were set: to form a national community college football coaches' association, to study the possibility of a national championship game between the two organizations and to elect, yearly, a national coach of the year and to have that coach recognized by the AFCA.

Their initial goal, to create an umbrella coaches association, has been accomplished. In 2002, the American Community College Football Coaches Association selected its first national coach of the year, Michael White of Reedley College. Past winners of the ACCFCA Coach of the Year are: Troy Morrell, Butler Community College, 2003; Tim Hatten, Pearl River Community College, 2004; Don Dillon, American River College, 2005; John Featherstone, El Camino College, 2006; Jeff Chudy, Bakersfield College, 2007; Jeff Jordan, Butte College, 2008; Brad Franchione, Blinn College, 2009 and Bob Jastrab, Mt. San Antonio College, 2010.

NAPLES, Fla. – Vincennes University Tennis Coach Ron Albers received the 2011 Wilson/Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Junior College Men's Coach of the Year Award Thursday night during the ITA Membership & Awards Reception & Banquet in Naples, FL. The banquet and program were part of the 2011 ITA Coaches Convention.

Washington became a two-time NJCAA All-American at the University of Michigan and finished his sophomore year ranked as the NCAA's top-ranked player. In 1996 he reached the Wimbledon Championships final, becoming the first African American man to reach a grand slam singles final since the iconic Arthur Ashe won Wimbledon in 1975. The two remain the only African American men to achieve the feat.
Albers' honor came hand-in-hand with VU's first NJCAA Div. I National Tennis Championship in May. The Trailblazers won the title in Plano, TX, defeating perennial power Tyler (Texas), 43-42. Tyler shared the crown in 2010 with Collin and Laredo, which had won six straight championships. The Trailblazers claimed the 2011 championship by beating Tyler, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, in the decisive No. 2 doubles match.
The latest coaching recognition is Albers' third Junior College Coach of the Year award (others were in 1999 and 2008). Now in his 32nd year at VU, he was also the 1998 winner of the Hershel Stephens Coaching Award for outstanding service and dedication to tennis and the NJCAA Tennis Coaches Association. In 1997, Albers was inducted into the NJCAA Tennis Hall of Fame.


Albers and other 2011 ITA coaching honorees received their awards from the program's keynote speaker, 1996 Wimbledon Championship finalist MaliVai Washington.

Photo Courtesy: University of Southern California Athletic Dept., Florida State University Athletic Dept.

Bo Wallace

Caleb Leichtnam

NJCAA Football Poll – Dec. 5, 2011 (Final Poll of 2011 Season)
School, Record, Poll Votes (1^st Place Votes), Previous Ranking
1. East Mississippi CC, 12-0, 140 (7), 2
2. Butler CC, Kan., 11-1, 127, 3
3. Arizona Western College, 11-1, 123, 1
4. Grand Rapids CC, Mich., 10-0, 116, 3
5. Navarro College, Texas, 10-2, 113, 6
6. Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, 10-2, 107, 9
7. Iowa Western CC, 9-2, 103, 8
8. Dean College, Mass., 8-1, 90, 11
9. Hutchinson CC, Kan., 9-3, 84, 14
10. Blinn College, Texas, 9-2, 77, 5
11. Trinity Valley CC, Texas, 8-3, 66, 10
12. Snow College, Utah, 9-3, 64, 16
13. Nassau CC, N.Y., 8-2, 62, 13
14. New Mexico Military Institute, 9-3, 44, 12
15. Hinds CC, Miss., 7-3, 35, 20
16. Glendale CC, Ariz., 8-4, 31, 18
17. Rochester CTC, Minn., 11-1, 28, 7
18. Tyler JC, Texas, 7-4, 18, RV
19. Eastern Arizona College, 8-4, 15, 17
20. Iowa Central CC, 6-4, 12, NR

Others: Lackawanna College, Pa, 7-4, 7, 19; Scottsdale CC, Ariz., 7-4, 7, RV; Central Lakes College-Brainerd, Minn., 7-3, 1, 15

Dropped from Rankings: Central Lakes College-Brainerd, Minn. (15), Lackawanna College, Pa. (19)


Full NJCAA Football Bowl Results (Nov. 20 – Dec. 4)

Top 20 Schedule
1. Arizona Western (11-1) lost to No. 2 East Mississippi (12-0) in the El Toro Bowl, 55-47.
2. East Mississippi (12-0) defeated No. 1 Arizona Western (11-1) in the El Toro Bowl, 55-47.
3. Butler (11-1) defeated No. 10 Trinity Valley (8-3) in the Citizen’s Bank Bowl, 21-17.
3. Grand Rapids (10-0) did not participate in a bowl game.
5. Blinn (9-2) lost to No. 9 Mississippi Gulf Coast (10-2) in the Mississippi Bowl, 46-17.
6. Navarro (10-2) defeated No. 12 New Mexico Military (9-3) in the Heart of Texas Bowl, 40-24.
7. Rochester (11-1) lost to No. 8 Iowa Western (9-2) in the Graphic Edge Bowl, 62-0.
8. Iowa Western (9-2) defeated No. 7 Rochester (11-1) in the Graphic Edge Bowl, 62-0.
9. Mississippi Gulf Coast (10-2) defeated No. 5 Blinn (9-2) in the Mississippi Bowl, 46-17.
10. Trinity Valley (8-3) lost to No. 3 Butler (11-1) in the Citizen’s Bank Bowl, 21-17.
11. Dean (8-1) defeated No. 18 Glendale (8-4) in the Valley of the Sun Bowl, 26-25.
12. New Mexico Military (9-3) lost to No. 6 Navarro (10-2) in the Heart of Texas Bowl, 40-24.
13. Nassau (8-2) did not participate in a bowl game.
14. Hutchinson (9-3) defeated No. 19 Lackawanna (7-4) in the Salt City Bowl, 70-20.
15. Central Lakes (7-3) lost to Iowa Central (6-4) in the Graphic Edge Bowl, 42-12.
16. Snow (9-3) defeated No. 17 Eastern Arizona (8-4) in the Top of the Mountains Bowl, 36-9.
17. Eastern Arizona (8-4) lost to No. 16 Snow (9-3) in the Top of the Mountains Bowl, 36-9.
18. Glendale (8-4) lost to No. 11 Dean (8-1) in the Valley of the Sun Bowl, 26-25.
19. Lackawanna (7-4) lost to No. 14 Hutchinson (9-3) in the Salt City Bowl, 70-20.
20. Hinds (7-3) did not participate in a bowl game.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20

The Graphic Edge Bowl (UNI Dome – Cedar Falls, Iowa)
Iowa Central CC (5-4) vs. #15 Central Lakes College-Brainerd, Minn. (7-2) – Iowa Central 42, Central Lakes 12
#8 Iowa Western CC (8-2) vs. #7 Rochester CTC, Minn. (11-0) – Iowa Western 62, Rochester 0


SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

Zions Bank Top of the Mountains Bowl (Rio-Tinto Stadium – Salt Lake City, Utah)
#16 Snow College, Utah (8-3) vs. No. 17 Eastern Arizona College (8-3) – Snow 36, Eastern Arizona 9

Salt City Bowl (Gowans Stadium – Hutchinson, Kan.)
#14 Hutchinson CC, Kan. (8-3) vs. #19 Lackawanna College, Pa. (7-3) – Hutchinson 70, Lackawanna 20

Valley of the Sun Bowl (Matt O. Hanhila Stadium – Glendale, Ariz.)
#11 Dean College, Mass. (7-1) vs. #18 Glendale CC, Ariz. (8-3) – Dean 26, Glendale 25

C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl (Bulldawg Stadium – Copperas Cove, Texas)
#6 Navarro College, Texas (9-2) vs. #12 New Mexico Military Institute (9-2) – Navarro 40, New Mexico Military 24

El Toro Bowl (Veterans Memorial Stadium – Yuma, Ariz.)
#1 Arizona Western College (11-0) vs. #2 East Mississippi CC (11-0) – East Mississippi 55, Arizona Western 47


SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4

Citizen’s Bank Bowl (Carnie Smith Stadium – Pittsburgh, Kan.)
#3 Butler CC, Kan. (10-1) vs. #10 Trinity Valley CC, Texas (8-2) – Butler 21, Trinity Valley 17

Mississippi Bowl (Biloxi Indians Stadium – Biloxi, Miss.)
#5 Blinn College, Texas (9-1) vs. #9 Mississippi Gulf Coast CC – Mississippi Gulf Coast 46, Tyler 17

Click here to view dates and info for this year's NJCAA bowl games



2011 NJCAA Football All-Americans

1st Team Offense
QB Bo Wallace – East Mississippi CC (Fresh.)
RB Damien Williams – Arizona Western College (Soph.)
RB Rasheed Williams – Louisburg College, N.C. (Soph.)
WR Cordarrelle Patterson – Hutchinson CC, Kan. (Soph.)
WR Marquez Clark – Navarro College, Texas (Soph.)
TE Blake Jackson – Scottsdale CC, Ariz. (Soph.)
OL Ellwood Clement – Eastern Arizona College (Soph.)
OL Donald Hawkins – Northwest Mississippi CC (Soph.)
OL Armondo Alverez – Blinn College, Texas (Soph.)
OL Carlin Landingham – Grand Rapids CC, Mich. (Soph.)
C David Kekuewa – Arizona Western College (Soph.)
K Cody Dickson – Iowa Western CC (Soph.)
RS Kali Rashaad – Cisco College, Texas (Soph.)

1st Team Defense
DL Chaz Nelson – Garden City CC, Kan. (Soph.)
DL Marcus Cribbs – Grand Rapids CC, Mich. (Soph.)
DL Bernardo Nunez – Lackawanna College, Pa. (Soph.)
DL Denico Autry – East Mississippi CC (Soph.)
LB Martrell Spaight – Coffeyville CC, Kan. (Fresh.)
LB Jermaine Longino – Trinity Valley CC, Texas (Soph.)
LB Chris Young – Arizona Western College (Soph.)
DB Zach Miller – Butler CC, Kan. (Soph.)
DB Alonzo Lawrence – Mississippi Gulf Coast CC (Soph.)
DB Caleb Leichtnam – Rochester CTC, Minn. (Fresh.)
DB Travell Dixon – Eastern Arizona College (Soph.)
P Zach Kerndt – Iowa Central CC (Soph.)

2nd Team Offense
QB Cody Sokol – Scottsdale CC, Ariz. (Soph.)
RB Vintavious Cooper – Southwest Mississippi CC (Soph.)
RB Marion Grice – Blinn College, Texas (Soph.)
WR Javon Bell – Mississippi Gulf Coast CC (Soph.)
WR Kendall Wrenn – Butler CC, Kan. (Soph.)
TE Keyon Cole – Grand Rapids CC, Mich. (Soph.)
OL Dylon Holley – Mississippi Gulf Coast CC (Soph.)
OL Mark Glowinski – Lackawanna College, Pa. (Soph.)
OL John McClure – Butler CC, Kan. (Soph.)
OL Travon Carter – Trinity Valley CC, Texas (Soph.)
C Nate Richards – Trinity Valley CC, Texas (Soph.)
K Kurt Walker – Blinn College, Texas (Fresh.)
RS Wes Smith – Iowa Western CC (Soph.)

2nd Team Defense
DL Demarcus Lawrence – Butler CC, Kan. (Soph.)
DL Calvin Barnett – Navarro College, Texas (Soph.)
DL Dontrill Hyman – Hinds CC, Miss. (Fresh.)
DL Tenny Palepoi – Snow College, Utah (Fresh.)
LB Terrell Porter – Grand Rapids CC, Mich. (Fresh.)
LB Nick Gilbo – Hudson Valley CC, N.Y. (Fresh.)
LB Chris Ficklin – East Central CC, Miss. (Soph.)
DB Evan Ray – Grand Rapids CC, Mich. (Soph.)
DB Kewitt Koonce – Louisburg College, N.C. (Soph.)
DB Deion Belue – Northeast Mississippi CC (Soph.)
DB Dehendret Collins – Copiah-Lincoln CC, Miss. (Soph.)
P Will Scott – Mississippi Gulf Coast CC (Soph.)

Click here for the honorable mention teams and more information on the 2011 All-Americans.


Top Seasons from Former NJCAA Football All-Americans in the NCAA

Lavonte David, LB at Nebraska (Fort Scott CC, Kan. ‘09) – David’s senior season with the Cornhuskers was one to remember as the former-Greyhound was a first-team All-America selection by the American Football Coaches Association. The Big Ten’s third-leading tackler was also named the Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year by the conference and was first-team All-Big Ten. In only two seasons with Nebraska, David is only three tackles away from becoming the fourth-leading tackler in the storied history of the program. David and the No. 20 Cornhuskers will clash with No. 9 South Carolina in the Capitol One Bowl on Jan. 2.

Tirrell Rennie, QB at Northern Iowa (Ellsworth CC, Iowa ’09) – Rennie had a spectacular season with Northern Iowa, leading the Panthers to the FCS quarterfinals. A first-team All-Missouri Valley selection, Rennie became the school’s all-time single-season leader in touchdowns and points scored. The former-Ellsworth quarterback threw for 1,709 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2011, while adding 834 yards and nine touchdowns rushing.

Jasmin Hopkins, RB at Northern Illinois (Fort Scott CC, Kan. ‘09) – Leading the Huskies’ to their first Mid-American Conference championship since 1983, Hopkins earned himself a second-team All-MAC selection. The senior led Northern Illinois in rushing touchdowns this season with 15. Having ran for 932 yards this season, Hopkins will have an opportunity to pass the 1,000-yard mark against Arkansas State in the GODADDY.com Bowl on Jan. 8.


Top Seasons from Former NJCAA Football Players in the NFL

Cam Newton, QB with the Carolina Panthers (Blinn College, Texas ’09) – When the season is over, Newton will go down as one of the best rookie quarterbacks in the history of the NFL. The former-Blinn Buccaneer already holds single-season rookie records for touchdowns with 28 and rushing touchdowns by a quarterback with 13. With three games remaining, Newton is only 166 passing yards shy of Peyton Manning’s single-season rookie record. Newton’s best performance of the season came against the defending-champion Green Bay Packers where he set the rookie single-game passing record with 432 yards through the air. Although the Panthers won’t be making a postseason appearance, the future is bright behind the arm and legs of Newton.

Jason Pierre-Paul, DE with the New York Giants (Fort Scott CC, Kan. ‘08) – Ranking fifth in the NFL in sacks, Pierre-Paul has brought opposing quarterbacks to the turf 12.5 times in 2011. Anchoring one of the best defensive lines in football, Pierre-Paul has recorded 60 tackles this season and has forced two fumbles. With nine tackles and two sacks, the former-Greyhound’s best game this season came against Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles. Pierre-Paul and the Giants are locked up with the Dallas Cowboys for first in NFC East.

Dashon Goldson, S with the San Francisco 49ers (Coffeyville CC, Kan. ’03) – Goldson has been a surprise leader this season on the league’s surprise team, the 49ers. With five interceptions on the season, Goldson is tied for the fourth-most picks in the NFL. The former-Coffeyville Raven has also displayed his physical abilities with 54 tackles and a forced fumble. Goldson’s top tackling-performance came at the Philadelphia Eagles when he single-handedly brought down 10 ball carriers. The 49ers have already clinched the NFC West and are tied with the Saints for a first-round bye.


LINKS TO MORE NJCAA FOOTBALL
www.kjccc.org (Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference website)
www.iccac.org (Iowa Community College Conference and Midwest Football Conference website)
www.northeastfootball.com (Northeast Football Conference website)
www.region14athletics.org (NJCAA Region 14 and SW JC Football Conf. website)
www.mcac-sports.com (Minnesota College Athletic Conference website)
www.accac.org/sports/football/ (Western States Football League website)
www.jucoweekly.org (Website dedicated to Mississippi NJCAA sports)
www.jcfootball.com (Dedicated site to Two-Year College Football)
www.jcgridiron.com (Dedicated site to Two-Year College Football)
www.jrcollegefootball.com (WSFL coverage and live show streamed on Saturday's)

For more on NJCAA Football download the 2011 NJCAA Football Guide

About the NJCAA: The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) is the governing body of two-year college athletics, offering athletic and academic opportunities to college students. It is the second largest national intercollegiate athletic organization in the United States with over 500 member schools in 43 states. Each year over 60,000 student-athletes compete in one of 28 different sports and the organization sponsors 48 national championship events and nine football bowl games. For more, visit http://www.njcaa.org.

Photo Courtesy: David Rosinksi, Steve Carpenter, Jared Dort, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Athletic Dept., Nebraska Athletic Dept., Kent Smith/Carolina Panthers, Eric Berg/http://www.scoreyourpics.com/

"Winning this award just shows what can be done with a lot of time and effort, whether it's Pete Harris, Jordan Carter or myself taking care of our field. I especially want to thank Pete Harris for all the time he spends mowing the grass and maintaining the field," said Wallace State softball coach Jayne Clem. "I also want to thank Mark Brown (of Fyffe) for helping us the last two years, by putting new dirt down and top dressing the outfield."

Bobby McCracken Stadium seats 1,000 fans and measures 200 feet down the lines, 210 in the gaps and 220 in center field. A brick wall makes up the backstop.

Wallace State softball won the 2008 NJCAA Division I national championship and is a six-time state and region champion.

Stabilizer Solutions is the official playing surface of the NFCA.

For more information about Wallace State athletics, visit wallacestate.edu.

James Shibest, a former University of Arkansas receiver and an assistant to Houston Nutt for 12 seasons at Arkansas and Ole Miss, will be recommended to the Tennessee State Board of Regents for approval. Shibest, 47, will coach special teams and tight ends, according to Fuente.

Shibest will join a staff that includes Galen Scott from recently dismissed Memphis coach Larry Porter's staff and is adding offensive line coach Vance Vice, who will come to the UofM from Louisiana-Monroe.

Fuente, 35, formerly the co-offensive coordinator at TCU, was hired last week to replace Porter, the ex-Tiger running back who went 3-21 in two seasons at his alma mater.

In Shibest, Fuente will welcome a special teams coordinator who enjoyed success at both Arkansas and Ole Miss. Shibest spent eight years coaching special teams at Arkansas and in his first season at Ole Miss in 2008 he was recognized as the nation's Special Teams Coordinator of the Year by FootballScoop.com.

Shibest's 2008 Rebel special teams made drastic improvements in several areas, including going from No. 93 to No. 35 nationally in net punting and from 107 to 34 in punt coverage. In 2010, he coached Tyler Campbell, who finished the season ranked first nationally with a 46.37 punting average.

Before joining Arkansas in 2000, Shibest spent eight seasons coaching in junior college. In 1998 and '99, he directed Butler (Kan.) Community College to back-to-back national titles and a 23-1 record. He was the National Junior College Athletic Association Coach of the Year both those years.

As a player at Arkansas in the mid-1980s, Shibest earned All-Southwest Conference honors in 1984 and '86. He finished his Razorbacks career with 97 catches for 1,920 yards.

East Mississippi Community College quarterback Bo Wallace and Navarro College (Texas) wide receiver Marquez Clark highlight the First-Team offensive selections. Wallace led EMCC to the 2011 NJCAA Football Championship, which is the first in any sport for the rural school in Scooba, Miss. The freshman from Pulaski, Tenn., shattered NJCAA single-season records for touchdown passes (53), passing yards (4,604) and total offense (4,810). Clark, a sophomore from Texarkana, Texas, helped the Bulldogs clinch their second consecutive conference championship while setting new NJCAA records for single-season receptions (98) and receiving yards (1,639).

Another record breaker highlights the First-Team defensive squad. Rochester Community & Technical College (Minn.) defensive back Caleb Leichtnam set a new NJCAA single-season record for interceptions with 20 picks, including two he returned for touchdowns. The freshman from Grand Medow, Minn., had two or more interceptions in seven contests, and three or more picks in three of those games.

To view the complete 2011 NJCAA Football All-America teams click the link below:

2011 NJCAA Football All-Americans

In addition, links to NJCAA football All-Conference teams are below:

Western States Football League

Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference

Mississippi Assn. of Community & Junior Colleges

Northeast Football Conference

Midwest Football Conference

Minnesota College Athletic Conference

Southwest JC Football Conference

Things did not look promising in the first quarter, as Glendale took an early 10-point lead on a 22-yard touchdown pass and Jordan Rueschoff's first of three field goals. The Bulldogs answered with a 17 yard strike from Jamal Small to Demetri Davis, but on the ensuing PAT, the kick was blocked and Glendale returned it for 2 points, leaving the score at 12-6. The Gauchos added another 1st quarter TD and a 2nd quarter field goal to lead at the half 22-6.

After Glendale added their final field goal, Dean started its comeback under sixty degree overcast skies. Late in the 3rd quarter, Jamal Small completed 5 passes on a drive punctuated with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Robbie Jackson. The defense held Glendale on downs, forcing them to punt. Dean took over on the 20-yard line and marched 80 yards in eight plays, ending with a 17-yard touchdown run by Aundre Johnson. Blaine Moriarity's PAT made it 25-20.

After the teams traded punts, the Bulldogs started their final dramatic drive on their own 44-yard line with less than five minutes remaining in the game. Again, Jamal Small was the catalyst, completing six passes culminated with an acrobatic catch by Rodney Whitehead, who dove for the right pylon for the touchdown, giving Dean its first lead of the game. Dean's two-point conversion attempt was broken up, leaving them with a tenuous 1-point advantage.

Glendale's kicker showed great range in warm-ups, and had already kicked three field goals, so with 1:45 left in the game, the Gauchos had a chance as they started their last drive. Starting from their own 16-yeard line, they marched 67 yards in 9 plays, where they faced a 4th and 8 from the Dean 17-yard line. With the game on the line, Glendale's kicker, Jordan Rueschoff, pulled his field goal attempt to the left, and the Dean College celebration was on.

Jamal Small was voted the most valuable player of the game, completing 17 passes, 3 for touchdowns. Aundre Johnson rushed for 57 yards on 14 carries, while Robbie Jackson caught 6 passes for 73 yards and 1 touchdown.

With the defense holding Glendale to 3 points in the second half, outstanding performances were turned in by Charles Watson with 10 tackles, including a sack, and Chamarcus Pittard, who recorded 9 tackles. Donovan Walker, Jonathan Roundtree and Vishawn Williams all recorded an interception, which stalled Glendale in their attempts to score more points earlier in the game.

Dean ends its season at 8-1, and hopes to climb from its 11th position in the final NJCAA national poll

Links to each complete team are below.

2011 NJCAA Division I Men's Soccer All-Americans

2011 NJCAA Division III Men's Soccer All-Americans

Links to each complete team are below.

2011 NJCAA Division I Women's Soccer All-Americans

2011 NJCAA Division III Women's Soccer All-Americans

"You think about all the guys you have coached and assistant coaches that you've worked with," said Schumacher, who has an

88-19 overall record in his fourth year as head coach of the Wildcats.

In his 22nd year as head coach at the junior college level,......read the entire article here: http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/341597/group/Sports/

By Chuck Smith, TJC Assistant Athletic Director

The Tyler Junior College (Texas) Lady Apaches (24-0) closed out a perfect season with a 1-0 victory over Darton College of Georgia (18-3-2) to claim the 2011 NJCAA Division I Women's Soccer National Championship Sunday afternoon at Melbourne Central Catholic School in Melbourne, Fla.. This marks the second NJCAA Championship in three years for the Lady Apaches in only four years of existence.

The first 45 minutes ended with an equalized no goals scored result with both teams taking seven shots on goal each. The only stat not equal at halftime favored Darton's three corner kick attempts compared to the Lady Apaches only attempting two corners.

The Lady Apaches' closest attempt at a goal came with 10 minutes remaining in the half when Chelsea Palmer sailed a shot wide left when cleared for a one-on-one with Darton goalkeeper Sarah Story.

Coach Rose's comments on the first half: "The wind was definitely a factor today. It was against us in first half. We struggled on goal kicks and punts into the wind. The Darton goalkeeper has a strong kick and punt. Almost every punt was into our 18 box and a dangerous situation. The girls kept working hard against a determined Darton team. Both teams are very athletic and dangerous on offense. To be honest I ¬think Darton had the best scoring opportunities in first half. We were glad to get thru the first half 0-0 against wind."

The Lady Apaches scored the game's only goal with 36:30 left in regulation when Chelsea Palmer (#16 in right picture) netted a header from Bianca Norman's lofted shot from 25 yards out.

Goalkeeper Hideka Shikata closed out the last Darton attack and saved an equalizer attempt with nine minutes remaining by deflecting a shot off the top cross bar and bounced right back to grab a header attempt on the deflection.

Coach Rose's comments on 2nd half and game: "Again, both teams had goal scoring opportunities to start the second half. We made an adjustment at right back putting Bianca Norman there because their speed was hurting us. We also wanted our outside backs to attack more. It paid off when Bianca took her space and served a brilliant diagonal ball into the box and found Palmers head into goal. I looked at clock and saw 36 minutes left. The feeling was that there was too much time remaining and that one goal would not be enough. We made another adjustment moving Lauren Emmerson to center back. That move paid off too with her size and athleticism. The girls did a great job holding off Darton's attack for the last 36 minutes. What a great game to be a part of and not to mention, winning. Darton has a great team and Ken Veilands is a good friend. Hats off to their team for working hard and not quitting."

The 2011-2012 Lady Apache Sophomores close out their NJCAA career with an overall record of 41-1, 2011 National Champions, 2010 National Runner-Up, 2010 & 2011 District E Champions, and the 2010 & 2011 Region XIV Champions.

Sophomore Katie Miller's comments on season, game, being a Lady Apache: "This is the most amazing feeling winning nationals! It was hard work but we pulled it off. We have such a great team and it was so amazing playing with these girls this year. I am truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to be so close to home at a great school and amazing soccer program. Coach Rose is such a great coach and we could not have won without him or the other great coaches!!! Shout out to everyone on the team, you did amazing and to my friend Bianca, she did great this tournament to step up her game and to set up the winning goal! I'm going to miss TJC so much. It was an amazing two years here and wouldn't trade it for anything."

Shots on Goal: TJC-12, DC-15
Corner kicks: TJC-5, DC-7

All games of the tournament can be seen via video archive at www.njcaatv.ihigh.com.

All-Tournament Team
#4 Natausha Sanchez, Butler County Community College
#2 Karly Tolentino, Monroe Community College
#1 Audrey Baldwin, Harford Community College
#16 Alex Kapudsos, Harford Community College
#9 Heather Cady, Scottsdale Community College
#10 Annie Newell, Scottsdale Community College
#12 Taryn McClendon, Scottsdale Community College
#16 Shelby Bush, Darton College
#17 Renee Hurd, Darton College
#16 Chelsea Palmer, Tyler Junior College
#21 Jahmela Williams, Tyler Junior College
#28 Lauren Emmerson, Tyler Junior College

MVP Forward- #14 Bianca Norma, Tyler Junior College
MVP Defense- #5 Danielle Connolly, Tyler Junior College
MVP Goalkeeper- #25 Sarah Story, Darton College
Lea Plarski Sportsmanship Award- Butler County Community College
Coach of the Tournament- Corey Rose, Tyler Junior College

All games of the tournament can be seen via video archive at www.njcaatv.ihigh.com.

See the complete bracket at http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/njcaa/

All-Tournament Team
Dillion Gaffney, College of Southern Maryland
Dayvin Palmer, Iowa Western
Kolby Jacobson, Pima
Edwin Moalosi, Lincoln
Samuel Hosseini, Tyler
Bradon Riley, Tyler
Carlos Catano, Darton
Patrick Dacosta, Darton
Neil O’Sullivan, Cloud County
Luke Huggett, Cloud County
German Barreiro, Cloud County
Anthony Assante, Monroe
Lamin Janneh, Monroe

Tournament MVP
German Barreiro, Cloud County

Coach of the Tournament
Steve Ralos, Cloud County

Photos courtesy of Frawgbyte Photography

Toledo, Ohio -- After finishing runner-up in 2005 and 2009, the Lady Tigers of Cowley College (Kan.) won the school's first national championship in volleyball Saturday (Nov. 19). Cowely defeated Oakland Community College (Mich.) in the title match of the NJCAA Division II Volleyball Championship tournament. Scores for the final match were 23-25, 25-18, 25-21 and 25-21.

Cowley was the top-ranked team nationally most of the year and finishes the season on a 22-match win streak and with a record of 38-2. Oakland ends the season with a record of 41-4.

For Lady Tiger head coach Jenifer Bahner (right) it has been a whirlwind season. "It has all been so surreal, I am still trying to soak it all in," Bahner said. "Winning the national championship was such an exciting moment for the girls."

For the second time in the tournament Cowley had to rally after dropping the first set.

"We knew Oakland was a great team but we never stopped fighting and competing," Bahner said. "We had so many girls contribute in so many different ways"

Sophomore setter Molley Scanlon was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player as she consistently put her teammates in position to be successful.

"Molley has worked so hard all year and has shown so much maturity and leadership," Bahner said. "I was so excited for her to get that award."

Joining Scanlon on the all-tournament team was sophomore outside hitter Danika Maggard and freshman right side hitter Martyna Gluchowicz.

After getting slighted on the all-conference selections, Maggard's play did not go unnoticed at the national tourney.

"She has done such great things for us this season and has grown so much as a player," Bahner said. "She had a phenomenal tournament."

Like she has done all season, Gluchowicz led the Lady Tigers in kills during their four matches at the national tournament, and fittingly scored the final point, which clinched the title.

"Martyna has been our go to person all season and is very deserving of the honor," Bahner said.

Bahner was proud of the contributions of each member of the squad, whether they were contributing on the court or were cheering their teammates on from the sideline.

Looking for a sixth person to provide a lift at the national tournament, Cowley got that from freshman outside hitter Georgina Perez.

"She did a great job hitting around the blocks and played some of her best defense of the season," Bahner said.

Cowley's five sophomores, Scanlon, Maggard, Goda Jankauskaite, Emily Barto, and Shanna Seyfarth, played vital roles in leading Cowley to an undefeated season in the conference and ultimately a national championship.

"Their determination and drive to leave here at the top, pushed them to be their best on a daily basis," Bahner said.

All-Tournament Team
Shelby Geers, Parkland College
Hannah Geelhoed, Grand Rapids
Xiao Liang, Iowa Lakes
Mackenzie Johnson, Kishwaukee College
Mel Church, MCC Longview
Katie Beiermann, Central, Neb.
Malorie Kelley, Phoenix College
Lauren Maxwell, Oakland
Ashley Fields, Oakland
Danika Maggard, Cowley College
Martyna Gluchowicz, Cowley College

Tournament MVP
Molley Scanlon, Cowley College

WEST PLAINS, Mo. – The top-seeded and No. 1 ranked Blinn College (Texas) Buccaneers capped off a perfect 38-0 season with a 3-1 win over No. 3 seed over Western Wyoming Community College 25-19, 25-22, 23-25, 25-23 on Saturday at the West Plains Civic Center in West Plains, Mo. to take home the program’s second national title in volleyball. In 2008, the Bucs defeated the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith for the program’s first national championship.

For an elated Blinn head coach David Rehr, who was also inducted into the NJCAA Volleyball Hall of Fame on Wednesday, it all boiled down to a team effort and the leadership from the sophomore class.

“We came out strong in the first two sets then we lost a little control in the third,” Rehr said. “The fourth set wasn’t easy and a little closer than it should have been at the end, but it was just a matter of gutting it out for the win.”

The Buccaneers were led by sophomore outside hitter Shelby Dickson, who had a team high 13 kills, while also getting 10 digs and three blocks. Sophomore outside hitter Preslie Alexander added 10 kills, six digs and five blocks, while freshman outside hitter Ksenia Sukhareva added 10 kills, seven digs and three blocks.

Sophomore setter Jackie Gerig guided Blinn's attack, dishing out 42 assists and finishing with five kills and four digs, while sophomore defensive specialists Paige Hamilton and Kalli Mikulik each had 16 digs apiece to lead the Bucs in that category.

“Like all season, it was a total team effort tonight,” Rehr said. “This group of kids all play as a team, not individuals, and it couldn’t have been any better tonight.”

Dickson was named the tournament MVP, and was joined by Gerig and Alexander on the all-tournament team.

The contest marked the final game as a Buccaneer for ten sophomores, including Courtni Bauer, Tracee Hamacher, Vladi Kopanarova, Chelsea Soto, Kelsey Schwartz, Alexander, Dickson, Gerig, Hamilton and Mikulik.

“This was a special class that completely bought into the program,” Rehr said. “They brought the program back to where it is supposed to be.”

All tournament games are archived and available to view on NJCAA TV.



2011 NJCAA DI Volleyball Championship All-Tournament Team
EASTERN ARIZONA
#2 Jessica Johnson

COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN IDAHO
#13 Beth Carey

IOWA WESTERN
#6 Zoraida Heredia Cruz

SAN JACINTO
#7 Marie-Pierra Bakima
#3 Jazmine Green

WESTERN NEBRASKA
#11 Fernanda Goncalves
#8 Debora Araujo

WESTERN WYOMING
#24 Olivera Medic
#5 Makayla Keck
#2 Cori Perrault

BLINN
#8 Preslie Alexander
# 6 Jaclynn Gerig

MVP - #5 Shelby Dickson, Blinn

*Complete Race Results

*Top Six Finishers Earn First-Team NJCAA All-American honors

Kimbrel earned all 32 first-place votes, finishing ahead of Atlanta teammate Freddie Freeman and becoming the first Wallace State pitcher to win the award.

The 23-year-old Kimbrel established a major league rookie record with 46 saves this season and finished with 127 strikeouts in only 77 innings. He limited opponents to a .178 batting average and worked 37 2/3 scoreless innings from June 12-Sept. 8, converting 25 straight saves during the stretch.

“Winning Rookie of the Year is a very prestigious and deserving honor for Craig. It shows how great his career may be because you figure he’s going to get better each year,” said Wallace State baseball coach Randy Putman. “He’s such a young guy to figure the game out as quickly as he has. It’s not easy.

“Let’s face it; the sky is the limit for Craig Kimbrel. There’s no telling the saves and strong numbers he’s capable of piling up in his career. Maybe he’ll be the next Mariano Rivera.”

Kimbrel, a 2008 third-round draft pick, pitched at Wallace State during the 2007-08 seasons. The Lee-Huntsville graduate finished 8-0 with a 1.99 ERA as a freshman, serving as a closer and spot starter and went 9-3 with a 2.88 ERA and 123 strikeouts in 81 innings as a sophomore, pitching primarily as a starter.

Before winning Monday’s official award, Kimbrel had collected multiple honors the last month for his All-Star rookie campaign. He was named the Sporting News National League Rookie of the Year and selected to the Sporting News NL All-Star team in mid-October, along with being the MLB.com Breakout Player of the year and the National League’s Outstanding Rookie as voted on by his peers.

Kimbrel becomes the first reliever to win the NL ROY award since 1999 and the fifth in Atlanta Braves history.

Kimbrel’s achievement put a bow on a successful year for former Wallace State pitchers. Kimbrel’s former college teammate Derek Holland accounted for one of the best pitching gems in Texas Rangers postseason history, tossing 8 1/3 scoreless innings in a Game 4 victory in the World Series. Graham Godfrey of the Oakland A’s made his MLB debut in June, winning his second MLB start against Tim Lincecum and the San Francisco Giants.

“All of it tickles me. Watching those guys perform in the big leagues makes you feel good and it should for anyone who’s ever put on a Wallace State uniform. You love for your former players to be successful, whether they’re on TV every night or a teacher or doctor,” said Putman earlier this year. “It makes you feel good to be their coach and a part of their life for a couple of years.”

For more information about Wallace State athletics, visit www.wallacestate.edu.

After a goal from Cody Farrier to take a 3-0 lead, Genesee got on the board with 11:15 remaining, but Anderson netted another goal with just over eight minutes to play to make the score 4--1.

Herkimer and Genesee were the top two seeds in the DIII national tournament. The two teams played each other earlier in the regular season with Genesee winning that contest 1-0.

Herkimer ends their championship season with a 17-1 record, while Genesee closes out 2011 with a 16-2-1 mark.

The tournament championship game, and all games of the eight-team tournament, can be seen via broadcast archive on NJCAA TV (www.njcaatv.ihigh.com).

Awards
Tournament MVP: Reco McLaren – Herkimer CCC
Coach of the Tournament: Pepe Aragon – Herkimer County CCC

All-Tournament Team
David Neuberth – Howard CC
Peter Radev - Bergen CC
German Nielsen –Nassau CC
Arnulfo Castillo –Nassau CC
Stuart Trench - Anoka-Ramsey CC
Adem Jillo – Anoka-Ramsey CC
Jonny Bonner –Genesee CC
Josh Gray –Genesee CC
Brady Smith – Genesee CC
Cody Farrier –Herkimer CC
Davion Bailey –Herkimer CC
Charlie Anderson –Herkimer CC

Photo: All-Tournament Team members Josh Gray (4), Jonny Bonner (8), Brady Smith (11), Cody Farrier (7), Davion Bailey (1), Charlie Anderson (19), and Tournament MVP Reco McLaren (10)

Photo courtesy of the Rochester Amateur Sports Commission

The victory on Saturday (Nov. 12^th) over Brookhaven gave Ridgewater its second consecutive national championship and fourth since 2002 (2002, 2006, 2010, 2011).

Sophomore hitter, Hannah Smith, was named Tournament's MVP and Ridgewater head coach Joe Sussenguth was named the NJCAA Division III Coach of the Year.

Ridgewater (31-3) entered the eight-team tournament as the No. 1 seed and defeated Davidson County CC, N.C., 3-0 and Rock Valley College, Ill., 3-0 on Friday to advance to Saturday’s final, which marked the eighth time the Warriors have advanced to the championship match in program history.

Complete Bracket of the 2011 NJCAA DIII Volleyball Championship – All-Tournament Team

The championship match, in addition to the fourth place and third place matches, can be seen via broadcast archive on NJCAA TV (www.njcaatv.ihigh.com).

For more on the tournament visit www.rochsports.org/2011njcaavolleyball.php.

Hobbs, N.M. – The men's 8k race at the 2011 NJCAA Division I Cross Country Championships was dominated by Paradise Valley Community College, Ariz., as four Puma runners finished in the top 12 to win the team championship. The event was hosted by New Mexico Junior College on Saturday, Nov. 12th at Ocotillo Golf Course in Hobbs, N.M., and featured over 750 student-athletes from 72 different NJCAA member colleges.

Jacob Naybr was the first PVCC runner to cross the finish line, taking home fourth place (26:23.35). Alejandro Valencia was seventh (26:56.01), Ryan Norton was next at eighth overall (27:01.94) and Matthew Whitlatch finished 12th (27:09.65). Those four All-American performances, along with Ruganza Mugisha's 26th place finish (27:40.66), gave PVCC just 54 team points to finish 59 points ahead of second place Garden City Community College, Kan. (113). Central Arizona College was third (128), North Iowa Area Community College fourth (200) and Johnson County Community College, Kan. (220), rounded out the top five.

Kemoy Campbell of South Plains College, Texas, won the men's individual title. Campbell took early control of the 8k race and never looked back, cruising to a 38-second victory (25:22.08). He was the runner-up finisher a year ago.

Edward Limo of Colby Community College, Kan., was this year's runner-up finisher (26:00.47) followed by Viktor Slesarenoks of Cloud County Community College, Kan. (26:17.75).

The team championship is the third overall for the PVCC men's cross country program (2004, 2008, 2011).

Click here for complete results

NOTE: *1-5 finishers = First-Team All-Americans; 6-10 = Second-Team All-Americans; 11-15 = Honorable Mention All-Americans

Three Iowa Central runners were among the first the cross the finish line. Jodi Miller was fifth (19:46.67), Aden Alemu was 12th (19:56.66) and Fiona McKenna came in 14th (20:05.42). ICCC finished with 84 total team points in front of Central Arizona College (91), El Paso Community College, Texas (105), South Plains College, Texas (152) and Macomb Community College, Mich. (153).

South Plains' Natoya Goule improved upon her second place finish at last year's championship by claiming first place, crossing the finish line nearly 20 seconds ahead of the field (18:45.16). The victory is Goule's seventh NJCAA national title in cross country and track.

Anna Buenneke of North Iowa Area Community College was second overall (19:04.14) followed by Darrensira Lott of South Plains (19:07.44).

The national championship is the third for Iowa Central's women's cross country program (2007, 2008, 2011).

Click here for complete results

NOTE: *1-5 finishers = First-Team All-Americans; 6-10 = Second-Team All-Americans; 11-15 = Honorable Mention All-Americans

ROCKFORD — Steve Vee knew it was time for him to step down. And for a guy who wanted to go out on top, he couldn't have scripted it any better.

This year's NJCAA Division III National Coach of the Year, and the orchestrator of Rock Valley College's latest national-title run, is calling it quits. Vee, RVC's men's and women's head tennis coach, will officially announce today that he will step down from his posts, just two weeks after he locked down his fourth national championship. He insists he is "ready to move on to the next thing in life," and that "it's just the right time."

"I love what I do, and I know it will leave a huge void when I don't have it anymore," Vee said. "But I've done it for a long time, and there are other things I want to do now."

A long time is right. Vee first took over the RVC men's program in 1978, six years after he started teaching biology at the school. He coached the men's team for 34 years, and picked up the women's program 12 years ago and lifted it to new heights as well. He finishes with a 271-137 dual-meet record with the men and a 56-45 with the women.

....read the entire article here: http://www.rrstar.com/sports/college/x574913589/RVC-tennis-coach-Steve-Vee-decides-to-go-out-on-top

The 2011-12 season marks Schumacher's fourth year at the helm of North Dakota State College of Science. In his inaugural season, he led the Wildcats to one of their best seasons in the 94 years of the school's history. During the past three seasons, Schumacher has led the Wildcats to two conference championships, one regional championship, and a berth to the national tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas. Each team has been nationally ranked as well.

Coach Schumacher is one of the select few coaches that have lead three different junior college programs to a conference championship title. Each of these programs was also ranked in the NJCAA top ten national polls. The two previous teams Schumacher led to championships include Kilgore Junior College in Kilgore, Texas and Paris Junior College in Paris, Texas.

Throughout his 22 year junior college coaching career, he has had the privilege of coaching eleven players named to the NJCAA All American team. Every sophomore that Schumacher has coached has had the opportunity to continue his education while playing basketball at the four year college level.

Coach Schumacher is also very active with junior college basketball at the national level. He has been heavily involved in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). He has served two terms as the NJCAA Basketball Coaches Association President. He has also been the junior college representative on the USA Basketball Collegiate Selection Committee. In addition, he served as the head coach for an NJCAA all-star team that traveled to Antigua and led the team to a 6-0 record to capture the championship.

Coach Schumacher has also been a premier speaker at a number of events. Most recently he was the only junior college keynote speaker at the prestigious Nike Clinic held in Las Vegas. In addition, he has spoken at the clinic for the NABC at the 2009 Final Four in Detroit, Michigan.

Scott Schumacher had this to say about his 400th career coaching victory, "This is the Thanksgiving season and I have plenty to be thankful for. I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by good players and tremendous assistant coaches. They have bought into what I believe makes a quality team and for that, I am truly grateful."

DIVISION I MEN'S BASKETBALL GUIDE (Download PDF)

DIVISION II MEN'S BASKETBALL GUIDE (Download PDF)

DIVISION III MEN'S BASKETBALL GUIDE (Download PDF)

DII Top 10 Schedule
1. Johnson County (13-1): vs. *Fort Scott (5-8), at *Neosho County (1-12)
2. Cincinnati St. (13-0): at %Ohio State Club, vs. Lakeland (9-6)
3. Iowa Central (14-2): at Iowa Lakes (4-9), vs. Southwestern (3-13)
4. Kalamazoo Valley (14-0): at Glen Oaks (2-12), vs. Muskegon (11-4)
5. North Arkansas (12-2): vs. +Mid-South (1-13), vs. %Ecclesia
6. Patrick Henry (11-1): at Wake Tech (4-7)
7. Southeastern (13-2): vs. #14 Kirkwood (12-2), vs. Marshalltown (5-4)
8. Highland-Kan. (12-1): vs. *Kansas City (11-4), vs. *Labette (4-7), at %Missouri Valley
9. Louisburg (10-1): at *Spartanburg Methodist (6-7), vs. USC Sumter (4-9)
10. Owens (14-3): vs. %Ohio State Club, at Sinclair (8-5)

DIII Top 10 Schedule
1. Anoka-Ramsey (11-2): at Riverland (7-5), at Minnesota State (9-3)
2. Rock Valley (12-4): vs. Joliet (6-7), at ^Wilbur Wright (0-13)
3. Onondaga (12-3): vs. Corning (6-6), vs. Adirondack (3-8), vs. Broome (5-8)
4. Roxbury (12-4): at Massasoit (7-3), at Bunker Hill (5-5)
5. Mohawk Valley (11-3): vs. %Army JV, vs. *Globe IT (2-8)
6. Mesabi Range (11-3): vs. Fond du Lac (0-7), vs. Northland (9-5)
7. Brookdale (11-4): at Montgomery County (8-5), at Sussex County (1-11)
8. MC-Rockville (13-3): vs. #19 ^Chesapeake (11-2), at Prince George’s (9-2)
9. Nassau (3-0): at Kingsborough (3-8), vs. Borough of Manhattan (2-11)
10. Northampton (11-3): at Atlantic Cape (8-6), at Camden County (4-8)

Wednesday, Jan. 11

Interdivisional Play
*Kansas City Kansas CC (11-4) at #8 ^Highland CC, Kan. (12-1)
#19 ^Chesapeake College, Md. (11-2) at #8 +Montgomery College-Rockville, Md. (13-3)

Division I
#1 Trinity Valley CC, Texas (14-0) at Tyler JC, Texas (10-5)
Butler CC, Kan. (11-4) at #3 Hutchinson CC, Kan. (15-0)
#5 Pensacola State College (14-1) at #7 Gulf Coast State College (13-2)

Division II
#14 Kirkwood CC, Iowa (12-2) at #7 Southeastern CC, Iowa (13-2)


Saturday, Jan. 14

Division I
#19 Paris JC, Texas (14-2) at #1 Trinity Valley CC, Texas (14-0)
#2 Northwest Florida State College (18-0) at #5 Pensacola State College, Fla. (14-1)
Tallahassee CC, Fla. (11-4) at #7 Gulf Coast State College, Fla. (13-2)

Division III
#8 Montgomery College-Rockville, Md. (13-3) at Prince George’s CC, Md. (9-2)

NJCAA Women’s Basketball Rankings

DIVISION I POLL
School; Record; Poll Votes (1^st Place Votes); Previous Ranking
1. Trinity Valley CC, Texas; 14-0; 160 (8); 1
2. Northwest Florida State; 17-0; 152; 2
3. Hutchinson CC, Kan.; 15-0; 143; 3
4. Central Arizona College; 16-1; 135; 4
5. Pensacola State College, Fla.; 14-1; 130; 5
6. Casper College; 12-1; 119; 6
7. Gulf Coast State College, Fla.; 13-2; 105; 7
8. Seward CCC, Kan.; 13-2; 101; 10
9. Walters State CC, Tenn.; 13-1; 99; 9
10. North Idaho College; 13-2; 71; 16
11. Northern Oklahoma College-Enid; 11-2; 70; 12
12. Arizona Western College; 14-2; 68, 19
13. Shelton State CC, Ala.; 12-2; 60; 15
14. Chipola College, Fla.; 14-4; 57; 13
15. Independence CC, Kan.; 11-2; 56; 11
16. Weatherford College, Texas; 11-1; 49; 8
17. Otero JC, Colo.; 14-0; 28; RV
18. Middle Georgia College; 10-0; 25; 18
19. Paris JC, Texas; 14-2; 24; 20
20. Southwest Tennessee CC; 15-1; 10; RV

Dropped from Rankings: Hill College, Texas (14); Jefferson College, Mo. (17)

DIVISION II POLL
School; Record; Poll Votes (1^st Place Votes); Previous Ranking
1. Johnson CCC, Kan.; 13-1; 80 (4); 1
2. Cincinnati State TCC, Ohio; 13-0; 76; 3
2. Iowa Central CC; 14-2; 72; 2
4. Kalamazoo Valley CC, Mich.; 13-0; 68, 4
5. North Arkansas College; 12-1; 64; 7
6. Patrick Henry CC, Va.; 10-1; 60; 5
7. Southeastern CC, Iowa; 13-2; 56; 6
8. Highland CC, Kan.; 12-1; 52; 10
9. Louisburg College, N.C.; 11-1; 48; 11
10. Owens CC, Mich.; 14-3; 44; 12
11. Pima CC, Ariz.; 10-5; 40; 17
12. Monroe College, N.Y.; 12-4; 36; 8
13. Illinois Valley CC; 11-4; 32; 13
14. Kirkwood CC, Iowa; 13-2; 28; 14
15. South Suburban College, Ill.; 14-4; 24; 9
16. Guilford Tech CC, N.C.; 11-3; 20; NR
17. Lake Michigan College; 12-2; 16; NR
18. Oakton CC, Ill.; 10-3; 12; NR
19. Chesapeake College, Md.; 11-1; 8; NR
20. Illinois Central College; 10-7; 4; 15

Dropped from Rankings: Moraine Valley CC, Ill. (16); Muskegon CC, Mich. (18); Elgin CC, Ill. (19); Jamestown CC, N.Y. (20)

DIVISION III POLL
School; Record; Poll Votes (1^st Place Votes); Previous Ranking
1. Anoka-Ramsey CC, Minn.; 11-2; 50 (5); 1
2. Rock Valley College, Ill.; 12-4; 45; 3
3. Onondaga CC, N.Y.; 12-3; 40; 2
4. Roxbury CC, Mass.; 12-4; 35; 4
5. Mohawk Valley CC, N.Y.; 11-2; 30; 5
6. Mesabi Range CTC, Minn.; 11-3; 25; NR
7. Brookdale CC, N.J.; 10-3; 20; 6
8. Montgomery College-Rockville, Md.; 13-3; 15; 9
9. Nassau CC, N.Y.; 3-0; 10; NR
10. Northampton CC, Pa.;11-3; 5; 10

Dropped from Rankings: Westchester CC, N.Y. (7); Northland CTC, Minn. (8)


Players of the Week – Jan. 11, 2012

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Jolie Olingende (Arizona Western College), Jazmyne Good (Muskegon CC, Mich.) and Jaeivonnte Wright (Hostos CC, N.Y.) have been named NJCAA Women’s Basketball Players of the Week for games Jan. 2-8.

In Division I, Olingende was named Player of the Week. The Division II Player of the Week was Good and Wright took the award for Division III.

DIVISION I PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jolie Olingende; Arizona Western College
Forward; Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Institut Ntemo

In three wins last week, Olingende (6’ 1”) made her mark with two double-doubles and another impressive outing. Olingende was held to 12 points but pulled down eight rebounds and dished out four assists in an 80-47 win over Division III No. 1 Anoka-Ramsey CC (Minn.). The sophomore then posted 14 points and 11 rebounds in a 75-53 win over Aratat and 20 points and 14 rebounds in a 67-38 win over Cochise College (Ariz.). The Matadors and Olingende hit the road Wednesday to face Chandler-Gilbert CC (Ariz.) before returning home to play South Mountain CC (Ariz.).

DIVISION II PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jazmyne Good (right); Muskegon Community College, Mich.
Guard; Windsor, Ontario; John Forster High School

Posting double-doubles in in both of Muskegon’s contests last week, Good (5’ 10”) showcased her abilities on both sides of the floor. The freshman scored 22 points, while recording 11 rebounds and seven steals in an 85-68 victory over Ancilla College (Ind.). Despite falling 121-111 to Jackson CC, Good had a triple-double with 40 points, 16 boards and 10 steals. Good and the Jayhawks have a big week ahead when they host No. 17 Lake Michigan College Wednesday and travel to No. 4 Kalamazoo Valley CC (Mich.).

DIVISION III PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jackie Awosika; Hostos Community College, N.Y.
Guard; Syracuse, N.Y.; Follower High School

Awosika (5’ 7”) made the most of her first three collegiate games as the Hostos Caimans went 2-1 in three games. The freshman recorded her first double-double of the week with 27 points and 15 rebounds en route to a 59-30 win over Dutchess CC (N.Y.). In a 71-19 victory over Bronx CC (N.Y.), Awosika registered a triple-double with 24 points, 17 rebounds and 11 assists. In their lone game this week, Awosika and the Caimans head to Cumberland CC (N.J.).

Key NJCAA Women’s Basketball Results (Dec. 14 – Jan. 10)

DI Top 10 Records (Record over Break)
1. Trinity Valley (14-0): 2-0
2. NW Florida St. (18-0): 6-0
3. Hutchinson (15-0): 3-0
4. Central Arizona (16-1): 5-0
5. Pensacola St. (14-1): 4-0
6. Casper (11-2): 2-0
7. Gulf Coast (13-2): 3-1
8. Weatherford (11-0): played no games.
9. Walters St. (14-1): 3-0
10. Seward County (13-2): 2-0

DII Top 10 Records (Record over Break)
1. Johnson County (13-1): 2-0
2. Iowa Central (14-2): 1-1
3. Cincinnati St. (13-0): 2-0
4. Kalamazoo Valley (14-0): 3-0
5. Patrick Henry (11-1): 2-0
6. Southeastern (13-2): 0-1
7. North Arkansas (12-2): 1-1
8. Monroe College (12-4): 2-1
9. South Suburban (15-4): 5-3
10. Highland-Kan. (12-1): 2-1

DIII Top 10 Records (Record over Break)
1. Anoka-Ramsey (11-2): 4-1
2. Onondaga (12-3): 1-2
3. Rock Valley (12-4): 4-0
4. Roxbury (12-4): 3-0
5. Mohawk Valley (11-3): 0-1
6. Brookdale (11-4): 2-2
7. Westchester (13-2): 4-2
8. Northland (9-5): 2-1
9. MC-Rockville (13-3): 4-0
10. Northampton (11-3): 3-1

Interdivisional Play
12/16: #1 +Anoka-Ramsey CC, Minn. (8-1) defeated ^Bismarck State College, N.D. (11-2), 72-53.
12/17: #4 +Roxbury CC, Mass. (12-4) defeated ^Essex County College, N.J. (7-5), 78-54.
12/30: *St. Petersburg College, Fla. (15-2) defeated #2 +Onondaga CC, N.Y. (11-3), 77-52.
1/3: #19 *Arizona Western College (12-2) defeated #1 +Anoka-Ramsey CC, Minn. (9-2), 80-47.
1/3: #3 +Rock Valley College, Ill. (11-4) defeated *Malcolm X College, Ill. (13-4), 72-44.
1/4: #4 *Central Arizona College (15-1) defeated ^Mesa CC, Ariz. (9-5), 60-43.
1/7: #3 +Rock Valley College, Ill. (12-4) defeated #15 ^Illinois Central College (10-7), 67-61.
1/7: #10 ^Highland CC, Kan. (12-1) defeated #11 *Independence CC, Kan. (11-2), 62-58.

Division I
12/17: #9 Walters State CC, Tenn. (12-1) defeated Spartanburg Methodist College, S.C. (6-7), 62-46.
12/30: #2 Northwest Florida State College (15-0) defeated Darton College, Ga. (7-5), 51-44.
12/30: #3 Hutchinson CC, Kan. (13-0) defeated Lon Morris College, Texas (11-5), 71-63.
12/30: #4 Central Arizona College (14-1) defeated Malcolm X College, Ill. (13-3), 69-61.
1/7: #2 Northwest Florida State College (17-0) defeated #7 Gulf Coast State College, Fla. (13-2), 68-58.
1/10: #2 Northwest Florida State College (18-0) defeated #13 Chipola College, Fla. (15-5), 46-44.

Division II
12/17: #8 Monroe College, N.Y. (11-3) defeated Union County College, N.J. (9-1), 71-61.
1/4: #1 Johnson County CC, Kan. (12-1) defeated #10 Highland CC, Kan. (11-1), 68-51.
1/4: #2 Iowa Central CC (14-1) defeated Ellsworth CC, Iowa (11-4), 70-53.
1/7: #13 Illinois Valley CC (11-4) defeated #9 South Suburban College, Ill. (15-4), 67-58.
1/7: Ellsworth CC, Iowa (12-4) defeated #6 Southeastern CC, Iowa (13-2), 74-67.

Division III
12/14: #4 Roxbury CC, Mass. (10-4) defeated Massasoit CC, Mass. (7-3), 108-79.
12/15: #6 Brookdale CC, N.J. (9-3) defeated #10 Northampton CC, Pa. (8-2), 73-38.
12/17: #10 Northampton CC, Pa. (9-3) defeated Ocean County College, N.J. (5-1), 74-61.
12/22: Ocean County College, N.J. (6-2) defeated #6 Brookdale CC, N.J. (11-3), 50-46.
1/10: Ocean County College, N.J. (8-3) defeated #6 Brookdale CC, N.J. (11-4), 66-49.


For more on NJCAA Women’s Basketball checkout the NJCAA Women’s Basketball Media Guides.

About the NJCAA: The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) is the governing body of two-year college athletics, offering athletic and academic opportunities to college students. It is the second largest national intercollegiate athletic organization in the United States with over 500 member schools in 43 states. Each year over 60,000 student-athletes compete in one of 28 different sports and the organization sponsors 48 national championship events and nine football bowl games. For more, visit http://www.njcaa.org.

Photo Courtesy: Fort Scott Community College Athletic Dept., Trinity Valley Community College Athletic Dept., Muskegon Community College Athletic Dept.

In Division I, Olingende was named Player of the Week, while the Division II Player of the Week was Good.

DIVISION I PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jolie Olingende; Arizona Western College
Forward; Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Institut Ntemo

In three wins last week, Olingende (6’ 1”) made her mark with two double-doubles and another impressive outing. Olingende was held to 12 points but pulled down eight rebounds and dished out four assists in an 80-47 win over Division III No. 1 Anoka-Ramsey CC (Minn.). The sophomore then posted 14 points and 11 rebounds in a 75-53 win over Aratat and 20 points and 14 rebounds in a 67-38 win over Cochise College (Ariz.). The Matadors and Olingende hit the road Wednesday to face Chandler-Gilbert CC (Ariz.) before returning home to play South Mountain CC (Ariz.).

DIVISION II PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jazmyne Good; Muskegon Community College, Mich.
Guard; Windsor, Ontario; John Forster High School

Posting double-doubles in in both of Muskegon’s contests last week, Good (5’ 10”) showcased her abilities on both sides of the floor. The freshman scored 22 points, while recording 11 rebounds and seven steals in an 85-68 victory over Ancilla College (Ind.). Despite falling 121-111 to Jackson CC, Good had a triple-double with 40 points, 16 boards and 10 steals. Good and the Jayhawks have a big week ahead when they host No. 17 Lake Michigan College Wednesday and travel to No. 4 Kalamazoo Valley CC (Mich.).

DIVISION III PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jackie Awosika; Hostos Community College, N.Y.
Guard; Syracuse, N.Y.; Follower High School

Awosika (5’ 7”) made the most of her first three collegiate games as the Hostos Caimans went 2-1 in three games. The freshman recorded her first double-double of the week with 27 points and 15 rebounds en route to a 59-30 win over Dutchess CC (N.Y.). In a 71-19 victory over Bronx CC (N.Y.), Awosika registered a triple-double with 24 points, 17 rebounds and 11 assists. In their lone game this week, Awosika and the Caimans head to Cumberland CC (N.J.).

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Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 13)
Division I: Kelva Atkins (G), Columbia State CC (Tenn.)
Division II: Ashley Robbins (G), Delaware TCC
Division III: Jaeivonnte Wright (G), Hostos CC (N.Y.)

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games Nov. 14-20)
Division I: LaPrecious Naylon (G), Itawamba CC (Miss.)
Division II: Kara McLemore (F), Cincinnati State TCC (Ohio)
Division III: Lavon Childress (F), Gloucester CC (N.J.)

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 21-27)
Division I: Antoinette Carter (F), Murray State College (Okla.)
Division II: Diane Abbady (F), Essex CC (N.J.)
Division III: Celestra Warren (G), Joliet Junior College (Ill.)

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 28 – Dec. 4)
Division I: Dionne Harris (F), Barton CC (Kan.)
Division II: Abby Weinreis (G), Bismarck State College (N.D.)
Division III: Rebecca Pope (G), UCONN-Avery Point

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Dec. 5-11)
Division I: Jenisha Jackson (C), Southwest Tennessee CC
Division II: Tiara Maxon (G), Bismarck State College (N.D.)
Division III: Elizabeth Lawler (C), Ocean CC (N.J.)

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Dec. 12-18)
Division I: Me Me Ward (F), Palm Beach State College (Fla.)
Division II: Asia Wheeler (F), Guilford Technical College (N.C.)
Division III: Lenae Rash (G), Rainy River CC (Minn.)

Women’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Jan. 2-8)
Division I: Jolie Olingende (F), Arizona Western College
Division II: Jazmyne Good (G), Muskegon CC (Mich.)
Division III: Jackie Awosika (G), Hostos CC (N.Y.)

DIII Top 10 Schedule
1. Central Lakes (15-0): at Ridgewater (6-7), vs. Riverland (5-5)
2. Sullivan (15-3): has no games scheduled.
3. Roxbury (12-0): at Bunker Hill (5-5)
4. Brookhaven (17-1): vs. %Southwestern Adventist, at North Lake (11-6)
5. Herkimer (11-1): vs. Clinton (5-9), vs. Mass Bay (9-5)
6. Davidson (13-1): at Wytheville (3-10), vs. %Limestone JV, at ^Wake Tech (8-6)
7. Brookdale (12-1): vs. Montgomery County (9-7)
8. Sandhills (15-2): vs. #6 ^Louisburg (10-3), at Caldwell (9-4)
9. Mountain View (15-3): at Eastfield (15-3)
10. Gateway (11-2): vs. Quinsigamond (9-5), at ^Massasoit (11-3)

Wednesday, Jan. 11

Interdivisional Play
#2 *Indian Hills CC-Ottumwa, Iowa (16-0) at #3 ^Kirkwood CC, Iowa (13-2)

Division I
Cowley County CC, Kan. (12-2) at #5 Coffeyville CC, Kan. (13-1)

Division II
Macomb CC, Mich. (11-3) at #1 Mott CC, Mich. (13-1)

Thursday, Jan. 12

Interdivisional Play
#6 ^Louisburg College, N.C. (10-3) at #8 +Sandhills CC, N.C. (15-2)

Saturday, Jan. 14

Interdivisional Play
#10 ^South Mountain CC, Ariz. (14-2) at *Arizona Western College (14-3)

Division I
#1 Northwest Florida State College (17-0) at #14 Pensacola State College, Fla. (16-2)
#6 College of Southern Idaho (15-1) at #16 North Idaho College (16-1)
Sheridan College, Wyo. (10-3) at #9 Western Wyoming CC (14-1)

Division II
#4 John Wood CC, Ill. (13-2) at North Central Missouri College (9-4)

Division III
#9 Mountain View College, Texas (15-3) at Eastfield College, Texas (15-3)

Sunday, Jan. 15

Interdivisional Play
#7 *Monroe College, N.Y. (15-2) at #9 ^CC of Rhode Island (15-2)

Monday, Jan. 16

Interdivisional Play
+Joliet JC, Ill. (11-4) at #2 ^South Suburban College, Ill. (17-1)
#10 +Gateway CC, Conn. (11-2) at ^Massasoit CC, Mass. (11-3)

Division I
#3 South Plains College, Texas (15-0) at Midland College, Texas (10-2)

NJCAA Men’s Basketball Rankings – Jan. 10, 2012

DIVISION I POLL
School; Record; Poll Votes (1^st Place Votes); Previous Ranking
1. Northwest Florida State College; 16-0; 315 (11); 2
2. Indian Hills CC-Ottumwa, Iowa; 16-0; 300 (4); 3
3. South Plains College, Texas; 15-0; 290 (1); 4
4. Chipola College, Fla.; 17-1; 260; 6
5. Coffeyville CC, Kan.; 13-1, 139, 8
6. College of Southern Idaho; 15-1; 212; 12
7. Monroe College, N.Y.; 14-2; 191; 1
8. Vincennes University, Ind.; 17-2; 183; 9
9. Western Wyoming CC; 14-1; 172; 11
10. Odessa College, Texas; 16-1; 164; 15
11. Eastern Oklahoma State; 14-1; 150; 14
12. Hutchinson CC, Kan.; 14-2; 131; 10
13. Kansas City Kansas CC; 13-1; 102; 13
14. Pensacola State College, Fla.; 16-2; 83; 19
15. Barton CC, Kan.; 14-2; 67; 8
16. North Idaho College; 16-1; 64; RV
17. Northeast Mississippi CC; 9-1; 54; 20
18. Shelton State CC, Ala.; 10-2; 52; 17
19. North Dakota SCS; 15-2; 31; 18
20. Seward CCC, Kan.; 14-2; 28; RV

Dropped from Rankings: Salt Lake CC, Utah (5); Sheridan College, Wyo. (20)

DIVISION II POLL
School; Record; Poll Votes (1^st Place Votes); Previous Ranking
1. Mott CC, Mich.; 13-1; 238 (10); 1
2. South Suburban College, Ill.; 17-1; 228 (2); 2
3. Kirkwood CC, Iowa; 13-2; 211; 5
4. John Wood CC, Ill.; 13-2; 191; 3
5. Des Moines Area CC, Iowa; 14-2; 181; 6
6. Louisburg College, N.C., 10-2, 173, 9
7. Columbus State CC, Ohio; 14-2; 163; 4
8. Erie CC, N.Y.; 10-2; 141; 10
9. CC of Rhode Island; 15-2; 132; 13
10. South Mountain CC, Ariz.; 14-2; 131; 14
11. Central CC-Columbus, Neb.; 14-3; 118; 10
12. Lakeland CC, Ohio; 12-2; 104; 7
13. Southeast CC, Neb.; 11-3; 83; 15
14. Triton College, Colo.; 13-3; 73; RV
15. Essex CC, N.J.; 10-2; 62; 20
16. CC of Beaver County, Pa.; 13-3; 61; 12
17. Lincoln College, Ill.; 13-4; 52; 19
18. North Arkansas College; 11-5; 49; NR
19. Dakota County TC, Minn.; 12-4; 43; RV
20. Oakland CC, Mich.; 11-2; 29; NR

Dropped from Rankings: Bismarck State College, N.D. (8); Rend Lake College, Ill. (16); Massasoit CC, Mass. (17); Moraine Valley CC, Ill. (18)

DIVISION III POLL
School; Record; Poll Votes (1^st Place Votes); Previous Ranking
1. Central Lakes-Brainerd, Minn., 15-0, 78 (6), 1
2. Sullivan CCC, N.Y., 15-3, 72 (2), 2
3. Roxbury CC, Mass., 12-0, 63, 4
4. Brookhaven College, Texas, 17-1, 52, 6
5. Herkimer CCC, N.Y., 11-1, 44, 5
6. Davidson CCC, N.C., 13-1, 42, 8
7. Brookdale CC, N.J., 11-1, 27, 7
8. Sandhills CC, N.C., 14-2, 24, 2
9. Mountain View College, Texas, 15-3, 13, 9
10. Gateway CC, Conn., 10-2, 6, 10

Dropped from Rankings: None


Players of the Week – Jan. 11, 2012

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Kevin Smith (Frederick CC, Md.), De’Andre Upchurch (Highland CC, Kan.) and Taylor Smaller (Vermilion CC, Minn.) have been named NJCAA Men’s Basketball Players of the Week for games Jan. 2-8.

Earning Division I Player of the Week was Smith. Upchurch was Player of the Week for Division II and Smaller was honored in Division III.

DIVISION I PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Kevin Smith (right); Frederick Community College, Md.
Guard; Baltimore, Md.; Digital Harbor High School

Smith (5’ 11”) put forth impressive performances in both of Frederick’s games last week. A majority of the Cougars’ offense in a 92-86 win over CCBC-Essex (Md.) came from Smith’s 30 points and 12 assists. The freshman then put up 32 points and six assists against Allegany College of Maryland, but the Cougars fell short 78-77. Smith and Frederick will host Howard CC (Md.) and Cecil College (Md.) this week.

DIVISION II PLAYER OF THE WEEK
De’Andre Upchurch; Highland Community College, Kan.
Guard; Flint, Mich.; Northwestern High School

In Highland’s two matchups last week, Upchurch (6’ 1”) put his talents on display and led the Scotties’ to victory. In a 71-66 win over Johnson CCC (Kan.), Upchurch posted 24 points and three rebounds. The sophomore knocked down six three-pointers and totaled 27 points in a 87-84 win at Division I Independence CC (Kan.). Back at home this week, Upchurch and the Scotties will welcome in No. 13 Kansas City Kansas CC from Division I and Labette CC (Kan.).

DIVISION III PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Taylor Smaller; Vermilion Community College, Minn.
Guard; St. Paul, Minn.; Central High School

Smaller (5’ 9”) showed why he was an All-Region 13 selection last season in Vermilion’s two games last week. The sophomore recorded 28 points, five rebounds and four assists in the Ironmen’s 65-64 win over Minnesota West CTC. The next night, Smaller hit 12-of-17 shots from the field for 36 points in a 92-75 loss to No. 1 Central Lakes College-Brainerd (Minn.). In back-to-back home games this week, Vermilion and Smaller will battle Northland CTC (Minn.) and Fond du Lac Tribal & CC (Minn.).

NJCAA Men’s Basketball Key Results (Dec. 14 – Jan. 10)

DI Top 10 Records (Record over Break)
1. Monroe (15-2): 3-2
2. NW Florida St. (17-0): 5-0
3. Indian Hills (16-0): 3-0
4. South Plains (15-0): 4-0
5. Salt Lake (12-5): 2-4
6. Chipola (17-2): 4-2
7. Barton (14-2): 0-2
8. Coffeyville (13-1): 2-0
9. Vincennes (17-2): 3-1
10. Hutchinson (14-2): 1-1

DII Top 10 Records (Record over Break)
1. Mott (13-1): 5-1
2. South Suburban (17-1): 5-1
3. John Wood (13-2): 1-1
4. Columbus St. (14-2): 4-2
5. Kirkwood (13-2): 4-0
6. Des Moines Area (14-2): 1-0
7. Lakeland (13-2): 2-1
8. Bismarck St. (11-6): 1-4
9. Louisburg (10-3): 1-1
10. Central (14-3): 1-0
10. Erie (10-2): 1-0

DIII Top 10 Records (Record over Break)

1. Central Lakes (15-0): 4-0
2. Sullivan (15-3): 3-0
2. Sandhills (15-2): 3-1
4. Roxbury (12-0): 2-0
5. Herkimer (11-1): 1-0
6. Brookhaven (17-1): 2-0
7. Brookdale (12-1): 3-1
8. Davidson (13-1): 1-0
9. Mountain View (15-3): played no games.
10. Gateway (11-2): 2-1

Interdivisional Play
12/14: #4 +Roxbury CC, Mass. (11-0) defeated #17 ^Massasoit CC, Mass. (9-2), 97-78.
12/16: +Anoka-Ramsey CC, Minn. (8-1) defeated #8 ^Bismarck State College, N.D. (10-3), 106-78.
12/17: #9 *Vincennes University, Ind. (15-1) defeated #4 ^Columbus State CC, Ohio (10-1), 105-100.
12/18: #2 ^South Suburban College, Ill. (14-0) defeated +Prince George’s CC, Md. (8-5), 83-64.
12/29: #6 *Chipola College, Fla. (15-1) defeated ^Baltimore City CC, Md. (10-4), 75-59.
12/30: #2 *Northwest Florida State College (15-0) defeated ^Baltimore City CC, Md. (10-5), 95-53.

Division I
12/18: Santa Fe College, Fla. (11-2) defeated #6 Chipola College, Fla. (13-1), 80-74 (OT).
12/28: Three Rivers CC, Mo. (12-3) defeated #5 Salt Lake CC, Utah (11-2), 80-69.
12/30: #6 Chipola College, Fla. (16-1) defeated USC Salkehatchie, S.C. (9-5), 77-65.
1/3: #3 Indian Hills CC-Ottumwa, Iowa (15-0) defeated #9 Vincennes University, Ind. (15-2), 84-73.
1/3: #4 South Plains College, Texas (13-0) defeated Mesa CC, Ariz. (10-4), 89-77.
1/4: Seward County CC, Kan. (13-2) defeated #7 Barton CC, Kan. (14-1), 73-67.
1/5: #12 College of Southern Idaho (14-1) defeated #5 Salt Lake CC, Utah (12-4), 76-68.
1/7: North Idaho College (16-1) defeated #5 Salt Lake CC, Utah (12-5), 74-66.
1/7: Dodge City CC, Kan. (14-2) defeated #7 Barton CC, Kan. (14-2), 91-86.
1/7: #10 Hutchinson CC, Kan. (14-2) defeated Garden City CC, Kan. (9-7), 81-72.
1/10: #1 Northwest Florida State College (17-0) defeated #4 Chipola College, Fla. (17-2), 69-56.

Division II
12/14: #1 Mott CC, Mich. (9-0) defeated Owens CC, Mich. (9-4), 74-70.
12/14: #5 Kirkwood CC, Iowa (10-2) defeated #3 John Wood CC, Ill. (12-2), 73-55.
12/17: Dakota County Tech, Minn. (9-3) defeated #8 ^Bismarck State College, N.D. (10-4), 89-73.
1/5: Triton College, Ill. (13-3) defeated #2 South Suburban College, Ill. (16-1), 75-60.
1/7: #12 CC of Beaver County, Pa. (13-3) defeated #10 Erie CC, N.Y. (10-2), 77-67.

Division III
12/22: Ocean County College, N.J. (9-2) defeated #7 Brookdale CC, N.J. (11-1), 78-68.
1/10: #7 Brookdale CC, N.J. (12-1) defeated Ocean County College, N.J. (11-3), 72-65.


For more on NJCAA Men’s Basketball checkout the NJCAA Men’s Basketball Media Guides.

About the NJCAA: The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) is the governing body of two-year college athletics, offering athletic and academic opportunities to college students. It is the second largest national intercollegiate athletic organization in the United States with over 500 member schools in 43 states. Each year over 60,000 student-athletes compete in one of 28 different sports and the organization sponsors 48 national championship events and nine football bowl games. For more, visit http://www.njcaa.org.


Photo Courtesy: Jeff Gammons (www.85zero.com), Frederick Community College Athletic Dept. East Central Community College Athletic Dept.

Earning Division I Player of the Week was Smith. Upchurch was Player of the Week for Division II and Smaller was honored in Division III.

DIVISION I PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Kevin Smith; Frederick Community College, Md.
Guard; Baltimore, Md.; Digital Harbor High School

Smith (5’ 11”) put forth impressive performances in both of Frederick’s games last week. A majority of the Cougars’ offense in a 92-86 win over CCBC-Essex (Md.) came from Smith’s 30 points and 12 assists. The freshman then put up 32 points and six assists against Allegany College of Maryland, but the Cougars fell short 78-77. Smith and Frederick will host Howard CC (Md.) and Cecil College (Md.) this week.

DIVISION II PLAYER OF THE WEEK
De’Andre Upchurch; Highland Community College, Kan.
Guard; Flint, Mich.; Northwestern High School

In Highland’s two matchups last week, Upchurch (6’ 1”) put his talents on display and led the Scotties’ to victory. In a 71-66 win over Johnson CCC (Kan.), Upchurch posted 24 points and three rebounds. The sophomore knocked down six three-pointers and totaled 27 points in a 87-84 win at Division I Independence CC (Kan.). Back at home this week, Upchurch and the Scotties will welcome in No. 13 Kansas City Kansas CC from Division I and Labette CC (Kan.).

DIVISION III PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Taylor Smaller; Vermilion Community College, Minn.
Guard; St. Paul, Minn.; Central High School

Smaller (5’ 9”) showed why he was an All-Region 13 selection last season in Vermilion’s two games last week. The sophomore recorded 28 points, five rebounds and four assists in the Ironmen’s 65-64 win over Minnesota West CTC. The next night, Smaller hit 12-of-17 shots from the field for 36 points in a 92-75 loss to No. 1 Central Lakes College-Brainerd (Minn.). In back-to-back home games this week, Vermilion and Smaller will battle Northland CTC (Minn.) and Fond du Lac Tribal & CC (Minn.).

-------------------------------------------------------

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 13)
Division I: Canon Fields (G), Allen CC (Kan.)
Division II: Kevin Thompson (G), Dakota County Tech (Minn.)
Division III: Korey Fisher (G), Passaic CCC (N.J.)

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games Nov. 14-20)
Division I: Kaheem Ranson (G), Seward CCC (Kan.)
Division II: Brendan Cooper (F), Lakeland CC (Ohio)
Division III: Chris Austin (G), Ulster CCC (N.Y.)

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 21-27)
Division I: Derrick Barden (F), Odessa College (Texas)
Division II: Quasim Jones (G), Johnson CCC (Kan.)
Division III: Jerome Parkins (G), Gateway CC (Conn.)

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Nov. 28 – Dec. 4)
Division I: Devon Branch (G), Cloud CCC (Kan.)
Division II: Maurice Lewis-Briggs (F), CC of Beaver County (Pa.)
Division III: Bakari Turner (G), Cedar Valley College (Texas)

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Dec. 5-11)
Division I: Darren Goodson (F) – Pensacola State College (Fla.)
Division II: Deontray Dorsey (G) – Waubonsee CC (Ill.)
Division III: Carl Clemons (F) – Broome CC (N.Y.)

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Dec. 12-18)
Division I: None
Division II: Darrell Robinson (G) – Cuyahoga CC (Ohio)
Division III: Paul Becklens (G) – Roxbury CC (Mass.)

Men’s Basketball Players of the Week (Games through Jan. 2-8)
Division I: Kevin Smith (G) – Frederick CC (Md.)
Division II: De’Andre Upchurch (G) – Highland CC (Kan.)
Division III: Taylor Small (G) – Vermilion CC (Minn.)

DII Top 10 Schedule
1. Mott (8-0): vs. Owens (9-3), at Lansing (4-7)
2. South Suburban (12-0): vs. +Montgomery-Takoma (6-3), vs. +Prince George’s (7-3)
3. John Wood (12-1): at #5 Kirkwood (9-2)
4. Columbus St. (10-0): at #9 *Vincennes (14-1), at Danville Area (5-8)
5. Kirkwood (9-2): vs. #3 John Wood (12-1)
6. Des Moines Area (13-2): has no games scheduled.
7. Lakeland (11-1): at Genesee (5-5), vs. Jackson CC (5-4)
8. Bismarck St. (10-2): at +Anoka-Ramsey (7-1), vs. Dakota County Tech (7-3)
9. Louisburg (9-2): has no games scheduled.
10. Central (13-3): has no games scheduled.
10. Erie (9-2): has no games scheduled.

DIII Top 10 Schedule
1. Central Lakes (11-0): vs. Fond du Lac (0-7), vs. Rainy River (0-6)
2. Sullivan (12-1): at Ulster County (6-5), at Suffolk County (5-4), at Nassau (7-4)
2. Sandhills (12-1): vs. %Queen City Prep, at ^Catawba Valley (4-7)
4. Roxbury (10-0): vs. #17 ^Massasoit (9-1)
5. Herkimer (10-1): has no games scheduled.
6. Brookhaven (15-1): at %Tomball
7. Brookdale (9-0): vs. Northampton (4-7), at Cumberland County (3-10)
8. Davidson (12-1): has no games scheduled.
9. Mountain View (15-3): has no games scheduled.
10. Gateway (9-1): at Quinsigamond (6-4)

Wednesday, Dec. 14

Interdivisional Play
#17 ^Massasoit CC, Mass. (9-1) at #4 +Roxbury CC, Mass. (10-0)

Division II
Owens CC, Mich. (9-3) at #1 Mott CC, Mich. (8-0)
#3 John Wood CC, Ill. (12-1) at #5 Kirkwood CC, Iowa (9-2)


Friday, Dec. 16

Interdivisional Play
#8 ^Bismarck State College, N.D. (10-2) at +Anoka-Ramsey CC, Minn. (7-1) – Anoka-Ramsey CC Tournament


Saturday, Dec. 17

Interdivisional Play
#4 ^Columbus State CC, Ohio (10-0) at #9 *Vincennes University, Ind. (14-1)

Division II
#8 ^Bismarck State College, N.D. (10-2) vs. Dakota County Tech, Minn. (7-3) – Anoka-Ramsey CC Tournament


Sunday, Dec. 18

Interdivisional Play
+Prince George’s CC, Md. (7-3) at #2 ^South Suburban College, Ill. (12-0)

Division I
#6 Chipola College, Fla. (13-0) vs. Santa Fe College, Fla. (10-2) – Holiday Inn Classic

NJCAA Men’s Basketball Rankings – Dec. 13, 2011

DIVISION I POLL
School, Record, Poll Votes (1^st Place Votes), Previous Ranking
1. Monroe College, N.Y., 12-0, 312 (13), 1
2. Northwest Florida State, 12-0, 301 (2), 2
3. Indian Hills CC-Ottumwa, Iowa, 13-0, 277, 3
4. South Plains College, Texas, 11-0, 272 (1), 4
5. Salt Lake CC, Utah, 11-0, 234, 5
6. Chipola College, Fla., 13-0, 226, 7
7. Barton CC, Kan., 14-0, 194, 8
8. Coffeyville CC, Kan., 11-1, 189, 6
9. Vincennes University, Ind., 14-1, 176, 10
10. Hutchinson CC, Kan., 13-1, 160, 11
11. Western Wyoming CC, 13-0, 150, 14
12. College of Southern Idaho, 12-1, 143, 12
13. Kansas City Kansas CC, 11-0, 117, 15
14. Eastern Oklahoma State, 12-1, 101, 13
15. Odessa College, Texas, 12-1, 87, 17
15. Palm Beach State, Fla., 12-2, 87, 9
17. Shelton State CC, Ala., 8-1, 55, 16
18. North Dakota SCS, 14-1, 35, RV
19. Pensacola State College, Fla., 15-2, 28, RV
20. Northeast Mississippi CC, 7-1, 21, 20

Dropped from Rankings: Sheridan College, Wyo. (18); Howard College, Texas (19)

DIVISION II POLL
School, Record, Poll Votes (1^st Place Votes), Previous Ranking
1. Mott CC, Mich., 8-0, 234 (7), 1
2. South Suburban College, Ill., 12-0, 233 (5), 2
3. John Wood CC, Ill., 12-1, 212, 5
4. Columbus State CC, Ohio, 10-0, 205, 7
5. Kirkwood CC, Iowa, 9-2, 175, 4
6. Des Moines Area CC, Iowa, 13-2, 160, 9
7. Lakeland CC, Ohio, 11-1, 146, 3
8. Bismarck State College, N.D., 10-2, 138, 14
9. Louisburg College, N.C., 8-2, 135, 12
10. Central CC-Columbus, Neb., 13-2, 130, 10
10. Erie CC, N.Y, 9-2, 130, 13
12. CC of Beaver County, Pa., 10-1, 126, 20
13. CC of Rhode Island, 10-2, 100, 8
14. South Mountain CC, Ariz., 7-2, 78, 16
15. Southeast CC, Neb., 10-3, 59, 6
16. Rend Lake College, Ill., 8-2, 56, RV
17. Massasoit Community College, Mass., 9-1, 50, RV
18. Moraine Valley CC, Ill., 10-4, 45, 18
19. Lincoln College, Ill., 13-4, 36, 19
20. Essex CC, N.J., 5-1, 29, NR

Dropped from Rankings: Potomac State College of WVU (11); Raritan Valley CC, N.J. (15); Triton College, Ill. (17)

DIVISION III POLL
School, Record, Poll Votes (1^st Place Votes), Previous Ranking
1. Central Lakes-Brainerd, Minn., 11-0, 77 (5), 2
2. Sullivan CCC, N.Y., 12-1, 65 (2), 3
2. Sandhills CC, N.C., 12-0, 65 (1), 4
4. Roxbury CC, Mass., 10-0, 56, 5
5. Herkimer CCC, N.Y., 10-1, 43, 1
6. Brookhaven CC, Texas, 15-1, 39, 6
7. Brookdale CC, N.J., 8-0, 37, 7
8. Davidson CCC, N.C., 12-1, 12, 7
9. Mountain View College, Texas, 15-3, 12, 7
10. Gateway CC, Conn., 9-1, 6, NR

Dropped from Rankings: Joliet JC, Ill. (10)


Top NCAA Performances from Former NJCAA All-Americans

Jesse Perry, Forward at Arizona (John A. Logan College ‘10) – In a major non-conference matchup, Perry and the Wildcats travelled across the country to No. 12 Florida. Perry knocked down 8-of-10 shots from the field for a team-high 23 points in the 78-72 overtime defeat. The senior also pulled down seven boards and tallied two assists. Arizona and Perry will host Gonzaga and Oakland this week.

Xavier Johnson-Blount, Guard at Montana State (Cochise College ’11) – Dominating Virginia Willamette, Johnson-Blount hit 8-of-11 from the field for a game-high 19 points in a 109-64 blowout. The junior also recorded a game-high in assists with five. Despite falling 75-73 to UC-Riverside on a three at the buzzer, Johnson-Blount totaled 21 points and six rebounds. Johnson-Blount and the Bobcats hit the road this week for games at Pepperdine and New Mexico.

L.C. Doss, Guard at Eastern Illinois (Ellsworth CC ’10) – Doss continued his offensive efficiency last week for the Panthers. The senior scored a game-high 21 points and hit five three-pointers in an 83- 67 victory over Oakland City. Sunday, Doss and the Panthers will travel in-state to clash with Northwestern.

Deonte Alexander, Guard at Lipscomb (East Mississippi CC ’11) – The Bison fell 89-87 at Tennessee Tech but received a valiant effort from Alexander. The junior knocked down four three-pointers and totaled 21 points in the contest. Alexander also registered seven rebounds, three assists and was named Atlantic Sun Newcomer of the Week for his efforts. Continuing their road trip, Alexander and the Bison will face Murray State and Memphis this week.

Lazeric Jones, Guard at UCLA (John A. Logan ’10) – Jones led the Bruins to a 77-73 win over Pennsylvania behind a 21-point showing. The senior was 7-for-10 from the field and dished out four assists to teammates. Jones’ play earned him a nomination for PAC-12 Player of the Week. UCLA and Jones will clash with Eastern Washington, UC-Davis and UC-Irvine this week.


Players of the Week – Dec. 14, 2011

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Darren Goodson (Pensacola State College, Fla.), Deontray Dorsey (Waubonsee CC, Ill.) and Jerome Parkins (Gateway CC, Conn.) have been named NJCAA Men’s Basketball Players of the Week for games Dec. 5-11.

Division I Player of the Week honors went to Goodson, while Dorsey was selected Player of the Week for Division II. Parkins was named the Division III Player of the Week.

DIVISION I PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Darren Goodson; Pensacola State College, Fla.
Forward; Cincinnati, Ohio; Aiken High School

With the Pirates on the road last week, Goodson (6’ 5”) made a huge impact and scored three Pensacola State victories. Against College of Central Florida, Goodson racked up 34 points and 11 rebounds in a 77-66 victory. At the Florida Shootout in Gainesville, the sophomore scored 14 points against Polk State College (Fla.) and registered another double-double with 22 points and 10 boards in a 59-55 win over Florida State College-Jacksonville. Goodson and the No. 19 Pirates are off for the next two weeks for the holiday break.

DIVISION II PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Deontray Dorsey; Waubonsee Community College, Ill.
Guard; Peoria, Ill.; Peoria Central High School

Despite dropping two of three games last week, Dorsey (5’ 9”) put forward impressive individual performances for the Chiefs. The freshman tallied 32 points and four rebounds in a 70-66 loss Kishwaukee College (Ill.). Behind Dorsey’s 22 points, 11 assists and six steals, Waubonsee cruised to a 89-60 win over the JV squad from Aurora University. Hitting four three-pointers, Dorsey totaled 25 points in a 92-84 defeat at the hands of Illinois Valley CC. This week, Dorsey and the Chiefs face tests against Harper College (Ill.) and Olivet Nazarene JV.

DIVISION III PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Carl Clemons; Broome Community College, N.Y.
Forward; Ithaca, N.Y.; Union Endicott High School

Clemons (6’ 3”) put his interior talents on display in two close losses for the Hornets last week. In an 83-70 loss to No. 1 Herkimer CCC (N.Y.), Clemons hit 10-of-13 shots from the field for 26 points and added 19 rebounds and five steals to the effort. In his encore performance, the freshman recorded 35 points and 22 rebounds in a 85-79 loss to Hudson Valley CC (N.Y.). Enjoying a month off, Clemons and Broome will be back in action in the New Year.

Key NJCAA Men’s Basketball Results (Dec. 7–13)

DI Top 10 Results
1. Monroe (12-0): defeated Frederick 91-50; defeated ^Northern Virginia 97-64.
2. NW Florida St. (12-0): defeated St. Petersburg 74-51; defeated Polk 79-59
3. Indian Hills (13-0): defeated #18 ^Moraine Valley 89-67; defeated #19 Howard College 85-77.
4. South Plains (11-0): played no games.
5. Salt Lake (10-1): defeated ^Pima 97-65; defeated ^Tohono O’odham 83-81.
6. Coffeyville (11-1): played no games.
7. Chipola (13-0): defeated Fla. State-Jacksonville 61-42; defeated #9 Palm Beach St. 55-52.
8. Barton (14-0): played no games.
9. Palm Beach St. (12-2): defeated Manatee-Sarasota 89-60, defeated St. Johns River 102-67; lost to #7 Chipola 55-52.
10. Vincennes (14-1): defeated Olney Central 92-83 (OT).

DII Top 10 Results
1. Mott (8-0): defeated Jackson CC 89-62.
2. South Suburban (12-0): defeated *Truman 99-37.
3. Lakeland (11-1): defeated Oakland 85-72; lost to Monroe CC 97-80.
4. Kirkwood (9-2): defeated Iowa Lakes 81-63.
5. John Wood (12-1): defeated %MacMurray JV 105-50; defeated *Black Hawk-East 67-51.
6. Southeast (10-3): lost to *North Platte 76-71.
7. Columbus State (10-0): defeated Jamestown 71-62; defeated Jamestown 78-47.
8. Rhode Island (11-2): def. Dean 72-62; def. Genesee 76-71; lost to Niagara 76-71; def. +Northern Essex 72-49.
9. Des Moines Area (13-2): defeated %Indiana Dabney 86-49; defeated %Simpson JV 84-50.
10. Central (13-3): lost to *McCook 83-78; defeated North Platte 79-78; lost to *Iowa Western 97-84.

DIII Top 10 Results
1. Herkimer (10-1): lost to SUNY-Delhi 70-65; defeated Hudson Valley 90-69.
2. Central Lakes (11-0): defeated Hibbing 83-59; defeated Rainy River 120-89.
3. Sullivan County (12-1): defeated Kingsborough 95-71.
4. Sandhills (12-1): defeated %Methodist JV 97-60; vs. ^Rockingham (3-4), lost to #12 ^Louisburg 89-75.
5. Roxbury (10-0): defeated Northern Essex 63-54; defeated Nassau 80-65; defeated Onondaga 87-71.
6. Brookhaven (15-1): defeated %Balling for Christ 89-70.
7. Mountain View (15-3): lost to ^Collin County 78-68; defeated %Tomball 91-65.
7. Brookdale (9-0): defeated Passaic County 97-75; defeated Gloucester County 81-61; defeated Union 73-66.
9. Davidson County (12-1): defeated %Montreat JV 109-77; defeated %Tidewater 91-76; defeated Howard CC 95-80.
10. Joliet (7-3): lost to #18 ^Moraine Valley 56-51.

Thursday, Dec. 8^th

Interdivisional Play
#18 ^Moraine Valley CC, Ill. (9-3) defeated #10 +Joliet JC, Ill. (7-3), 56-51.

Division III
SUNY-Delhi, N.Y. (11-3) defeated #1 Herkimer CCC, N.Y. (9-1), 70-65.

Friday, Dec. 9^th

Interdivisional Play
#3 *Indian Hills CC, Iowa (12-0) defeated #18 ^Moraine Valley CC, Ill. (9-4), 89-67.

Division II
#3 Lakeland CC, Ohio (11-0) defeated Oakland CC, Mich. (6-2), 85-72.

Saturday, Dec. 10^th

Division I
#3 Indian Hills CC, Iowa (13-0) defeated #19 Howard College, Texas (9-3), 85-77.
#10 Vincennes University, Ind. (14-1) defeated Olney Central College, Ill. (10-2), 92-83 (OT).

Sunday, Dec. 11^th

Division I
#7 Chipola College, Fla. (13-0) defeated #9 Palm Beach State College, Fla. (12-2), 55-52.

Tuesday, Dec. 13^th

Interdivisional Play
*Iowa Western (11-4) defeated #10 ^Central CC-Columbus, Neb. (13-3), 87-84.
#12 ^Louisburg College, N.C. (9-2) defeated #4 +Sandhills CC, N.C. (12-1), 89-75.


For more on NJCAA Men’s Basketball checkout the NJCAA Men’s Basketball Media Guides.

About the NJCAA: The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) is the governing body of two-year college athletics, offering athletic and academic opportunities to college students. It is the second largest national intercollegiate athletic organization in the United States with over 500 member schools in 43 states. Each year over 60,000 student-athletes compete in one of 28 different sports and the organization sponsors 48 national championship events and nine football bowl games. For more, visit http://www.njcaa.org.

Photo Courtesy: John Wood Community College Athletic Dept., J&L Photo

DII Top 10 Schedule
1. Johnson County (11-1): has no games scheduled.
2. Iowa Central (13-1): has no games scheduled.
3. Cincinnati St. (11-0): vs. *Southeastern Illinois (0-10), vs. *Roane St. (6-6)
4. Kalamazoo Valley (11-0): vs. Kankakee (4-4)
5. Patrick Henry (10-0): vs. *Spartanburg Methodist (6-5)
6. Southeastern (13-1): has no games scheduled.
7. North Arkansas (11-1): vs. *Moberly Area (7-5)
8. Monroe College (10-3): vs. Union County (9-0)
9. South Suburban (10-1): SSC Holiday Tournament
10. Highland-Kan. (10-0): vs. Brown Mackie (7-8)

DIII Top 10 Schedule
1. Anoka-Ramsey (7-1): vs. ^Bismarck St. (11-1)
2. Onondaga (11-1): has no games scheduled.
3. Rock Valley (7-4): at *Black Hawk-East (4-6), at ^Waubonsee (5-7)
4. Roxbury (9-4): vs. Massasoit (7-2), vs. ^Howard CC (1-9), vs. ^Essex CC (6-4), at Gateway (2-4)
5. Mohawk Valley (11-1): has no games scheduled.
6. Brookdale (8-3): vs. #10 Northampton (8-1), at Cumberland (1-10)
7. Westchester (9-0): has no games scheduled.
8. Northland (7-4): at %Turtle Mountain
9. MC-Rockville (9-3): vs. Westmoreland (6-5), at ^CCBC-Dundalk (6-3)
10. Northampton (8-1): at #6 Brookdale (8-3), vs. Ocean County (4-0), vs. Montgomery County (7-2)

Wednesday, Dec. 14

Division III
Massasoit CC, Mass. (7-2) at #4 Roxbury CC, Mass. (9-4)


Thursday, Dec. 15

Division III
#10 Northampton CC, Pa. (8-1) at #6 Brookdale CC, N.J. (8-3)

Friday, Dec. 16

Interdivisional Play
^Bismarck State College, N.D. (11-1) at #1 +Anoka-Ramsey CC, Minn. (7-1)


Saturday, Dec. 17

Interdivisional Play
#4 +Roxbury CC, Mass. (9-4) vs. ^Essex County College, N.J. (6-4) – Passaic County Tournament

Division I
#9 Walters State CC, Tenn. (11-1) at Spartanburg Methodist College, S.C. (6-5)

Division II
Union County College, N.J. (9-0) at #8 Monroe College, N.Y. (10-3)

Division III
Ocean County College, N.J. (4-0) at #10 Northampton CC, Pa. (8-1)

NJCAA Women’s Basketball Rankings – Dec. 14, 2011

DIVISION I POLL
School, Record, Poll Votes (1^st Place Votes), Previous Ranking
1. Trinity Valley CC, Texas, 12-0, 160 (8), 1
2. Northwest Florida State, 10-0, 152, 2
3. Hutchinson CC, Kan., 10-1, 142, 3
4. Central Arizona College, 11-1, 134, 4
5. Pensacola State College, Fla., 10-1, 130, 5
6. Casper College, 11-1, 117, 6
7. Gulf Coast State College, Fla., 10-1, 112, 7
8. Weatherford College, Texas, 11-0, 104, 8
9. Walters State CC, Tenn., 11-1, 95, 10
10. Seward CCC, Kan., 11-2, 93, 11
11. Independence CC, Kan., 10-1, 75, 12
12. Northern Oklahoma College-Enid, 11-2, 68, 9
13. Chipola College, Fla., 9-3, 57, 14
14. Hill College, Texas, 14-0, 44, 20
15. Shelton State CC, Ala., 8-2, 39, 13
15. North Idaho College, 7-4, 39, 16
17. Jefferson College, Mo., 10-2, 38, 17
18. Middle Georgia College, 10-0, 29, 19
19. Arizona Western College, 11-2, 21, 15
20. Paris JC, Texas, 11-2, 13, 18

Dropped from Rankings: None

DIVISION II POLL
School, Record, Poll Votes (1^st Place Votes), Previous Ranking
1. Johnson CCC, Kan., 11-1, 80 (4), 1
2. Iowa Central CC, 13-1, 76, 2
3. Cincinnati State TCC, Ohio, 11-0, 72, 3
4. Kalamazoo Valley CC, Mich., 11-0, 68, 4
5. Patrick Henry CC, Va., 9-0, 64, 5
6. Southeastern CC, Iowa, 13-0, 60, 6
7. North Arkansas College, 11-1, 56, 10
8. Monroe College, N.Y., 10-3, 52, 13
9. South Suburban College, Ill., 9-2, 48, 8
10. Highland CC, Kan., 10-0, 44, 16
11. Louisburg College, N.C., 11-1, 40, 19
12. Owens CC, Mich., 8-3, 36, 11
13. Illinois Valley CC, 8-3, 32, 12
14. Kirkwood CC, Iowa, 8-2, 28, NR
15. Illinois Central College, 6-4, 24, 15
16. Moraine Valley CC, Ill., 8-3, 20, 14
17. Pima CC, Ariz., 5-4, 16, RV
18. Muskegon CC, Mich., 10-1, 12, RV
19. Elgin CC, Ill., 7-2, 8, 17
20. Jamestown CC, N.Y., 11-1, 4, RV

Dropped from Rankings: Guilford Tech CC, N.C. (7); Mesa CC, Ariz. (9); Des Moines Area CC, Iowa (18); Lewis & Clark CC, Ill. (20)

DIVISION III POLL
School, Record, Poll Votes (1^st Place Votes), Previous Ranking
1. Anoka-Ramsey CC, Minn., 7-1, 50 (5), 1
2. Onondaga CC, N.Y., 11-1, 45, 3
3. Rock Valley College, Ill., 7-4, 40, 4
4. Roxbury CC, Mass., 9-4, 35, 2
5. Mohawk Valley CC, N.Y., 11-2, 30, 5
6. Brookdale CC, N.J., 8-2, 25, 8
7. Westchester CC, N.Y., 8-0, 20, 9
8. Northland CTC, Minn., 7-4, 15, RV
9. Montgomery College-Rockville, Md., 9-3, 10, RV
10. Northampton CC, Pa., 8-2, 5, RV

Dropped from Rankings: Madison College, Wisc. (6); UCONN-Avery Point (7)


Top NCAA Performances from Former NJCAA All-Americans

Gloria Brown (right), Forward at UTEP (Trinity Valley ’10) – With two key efforts, Brown and the Miners won both of their games last week. In a 53-43 win over New Mexico, Brown scored a game-high 12 points and hauled in seven rebounds. The senior went on to record a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds in a 74-51 win over Northern Colorado. Brown and UTEP will look to continue the best start in program history this week at Loyola Marymount.

Jasmine McGhee, Guard at Indiana (Vincennes ’11) – McGhee scored a career-high 27 points to lead the Hoosiers past IUPUI 65-64. The junior hit 9-of-15 shots from the field and was 8-for-11 from the free throw line. McGhee completed the double-double performance with 15 rebounds including five on the offensive end. Indiana and McGhee will host Northern Illinois Saturday before heading South of the border for the Caribbean Classic in Cancun, Mexico.

Ebony Davis, Forward at Long Island (State Fair CC ’11) – In two wins last week for the Blackbirds, Davis stood out with her interior play. The junior tallied 15 points and led the team with eight rebounds in a 66-59 overtime win over Stony Brook. Against Columbia, Davis recorded 11 points, a team-high nine rebounds and a game-high three blocks in the 58-50 win. Staying at home, Davis and the Blackbirds will host Cal Poly and William & Mary this week.

Krystall Parnell, Guard at Towson (Monroe CC ’10) – Parnell’s offensive effort directed the Tigers to three wins last week. Her best performance came in a 59-53 win over St. Francis (Pa.) when she led the team with 16 points and seven assists. Parnell scored a team-high 12 points in a 61-59 win over Coppin State and put up 11 points in a 58-46 victory over Maryland-Eastern Shore.

Kristine Mial, Forward at East Carolina (Monroe CC ’10) – Despite the Pirates’ 62-49 loss to VCU, Mial’s individual effort earned her recognition. The sophomore scored a team-high 17 points, while moving the ball around with three assists. East Carolina and Mial will try to get back on track this week at the Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Players of the Week – Dec. 14, 2011

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Jenisha Jackson (Southwest Tennessee CC), Tiara Maxon (Bismarck State College, N.D.) and Elizabeth Lawler (Ocean CC, N.J.) have been named NJCAA Women’s Basketball Players of the Week for games Dec. 5-11.

Jackson was named Player of the Week in Division I. The Division II Player of the Week was Maxon and Lawler earned Player of the Week for Division III.

DIVISION I PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jenisha Jackson; Southwest Tennessee Community College
Center; Sardis, Miss.; North Panola High School

Jackson (6’ 2”) led the Lady Saluqis to two wins last week and an impressive 12-1 record to start the 2011-12 season. The freshman tabbed a triple-double with 20 points, 13 rebounds and 12 blocks in an 88-77 win over Jackson State CC (Tenn.). Continuing her domination of the post, Jackson racked up 19 points, 11 boards and six blocks in a 77-66 win over Columbia State CC (Tenn.). The Lady Saluqis and Jackson will be off the next two weeks for the holidays.

DIVISION II PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Tiara Maxon; Bismarck State College, N.D.
Guard; McLaughlin, S.D.; McLaughlin High School

In two large victories for the Mystics, Maxon (5’ 11”) thrived on the offensive side of the court. En route to an 81-58 win over Jamestown College JV, Maxon posted 19 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the field. The sophomore sank 10 three-pointers and totaled 43 points as the Mystics pommelled Turtle Mountain CC 139-57. Maxon will look to keep up her hot shooting streak for Bismarck State when they close out 2011 against No. 1 Anoka-Ramsey CC (Minn.) and Rochester CTC (Minn.).

DIVISION III PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Elizabeth Lawler, Ocean County College, N.J.
Center; Lanoka Harbor, N.J.; Lacey High School

Two dominant performances by Lawler (6’ 0”) spurred the Vikings on to victory in both contests last week. The sophomore was 16-of-20 from the field in a 77-42 win over Middlesex CC (N.J.), totaling 35 points and 17 rebounds. Lawler’s encore performance featured 28 points on 10-of-15 shooting and 24 rebounds in a 71-63 victory over Atlantic Cape CC (N.J.). This week, Lawler and the Vikings will clash with two Pennsylvania schools in Montgomery CCC and No. 10 Northampton CC.

Key NJCAA Women’s Basketball Results (Dec. 7–13)

DI Top 10 Results
1. Trinity Valley (12-0): defeated Arkansas Baptist 109-48.
2. NW Fla. St. (12-0): defeated #13 Shelton State 67-62; defeated Baton Rouge 78-50.
3. Hutchinson (12-0): defeated NE Oklahoma A&M 60-56; defeated ^Brown Mackie 89-57.
4. Central Arizona (11-1): defeated Eastern Arizona 64-47; defeated #15 Arizona Western 71-62.
5. Pensacola State (10-2): lost to Baton Rouge 81-46; defeated #13 Shelton State 89-76.
6. Casper (10-2): defeated Western Wyoming 83-77; defeated Central Wyoming 55-45.
7. Gulf Coast (10-1): defeated Georgia Perimeter 76-43.
8. Weatherford (11-0): defeated Midland 69-62.
9. N. Okla.-Enid (10-2): lost to Cowley County 67-60.
10. Walters St. (11-1): defeated Motlow St. 59-39; defeated Volunteer St. 53-48.

DII Top 10 Results
1. Johnson County (11-1): defeated Brown Mackie 82-53; defeated Hesston 79-40.
2. Iowa Central (13-1): defeated %Sioux Falls JV 71-58; defeated *Iowa Western 61-60.
3. Cincinnati St. (11-0): defeated *Kennedy-King 94-61.
4. Kalamazoo Valley (11-0): defeated St. Clair County 84-51; defeated Columbus State 85-61.
5. Patrick Henry (10-0): defeated #7 Guilford Tech 106-96; defeated *USC-Sumter 65-60.
6. Southeastern (13-1): lost to *Iowa Western 72-60; defeated Lincoln College 90-50; defeated John Wood 66-42.
7. Guilford Tech (10-3): lost to Spartanburg 64-56; lost to #5 Patrick Henry 106-96; defeated Brunswick CC 61-46.
8. South Suburban (10-1): lost to %Robert Morris JV 73-71.
9. Mesa (6-3): defeated Scottsdale 66-49; lost to Pima 77-70.
10. North Arkansas (11-1): defeated %Bacone JV 99-51.

DIII Top 10 Results
1. Anoka-Ramsey (7-1): defeated Northland 56-50; defeated Itasca 80-48.
2. Roxbury (9-4): defeated Northern Essex 94-35, defeated %Lehigh-Carbon 120-42; lost to #3 Onondaga 66-65.
3. Onondaga (11-1): defeated Fulton-Montgomery 75-52; defeated Sullivan 103-62; defeated #2 Roxbury 66-65.
4. Rock Valley (7-4): defeated ^Olive-Harvey 79-42; at ^Highland CC-Ill. (1-5)
5. Mohawk Valley (11-2): defeated Hudson Valley 63-46.
6. Madison (6-2): defeated %UW-Waukesha 68-44.
7. UCONN-Avery Point (7-3): lost to #9 Westchester 67-60; defeated Rockland 58-49.
8. Brookdale (8-3): defeated Passaic County 81-53; defeated Gloucester 75-65.
9. Westchester (9-0): de