2009 focus: Antelope Valley

Antelope Valley College has had great success under head coach Dieter Horton. Horton is entering his third year at the helm of Marauders program which is looking to improve on a (25-10) season a year ago. Horton started off at Fullerton College where he won a California State Championship and his team finished (37-0). JucoJunction takes a closer look at the Marauders in this story.

Raymond Cody, (SO) 6-foot-5 (185) from Lancaster, CA, averaged 7.5 ppg and 2.5 rebounds last season while shooting 47% (32-68) from three point range.

"Raymond is a combo guard but best suited as a big two guard. He is very intelligent on the floor," said Horton.

Cody will visit Idaho on October 4 and San Francisco on October 11. Pacific is trying to set up a visit in the process also with Cody. Idaho, San Francisco and Pacific all have offered him a scholarship according to Horton.

Jerome Moton, (SO) 6-foot-8 (210) from Palmdale, CA, returns for his second season at AVC. Jerome averaged 5.5 ppg and 4 rebounds last season while shooting 53.4% (63-118) from the floor.

"Jerome is a power forward at the next level. He has exceptional feet and he is just learning to play with his back to the basket," said Horton.

Detroit Mercy will have Jerome on campus September 26 for a official visit. Fresno State has also shown interest in Moton.

Aaron Henson, (SO) 6-foot-6 (215) from Corona, CA, transferred in this season from the University of Wyoming. Aaron has been battling injuries this fall and the combo forward will look to sign in the late signing period according to Horton.

Lionell Holmes, (FR) 6-foot-3 (185) from Oswego, IL, is an academic qualifier who can leave Antelope Valley College after just one season. Holmes signed with East Central University (OK) out of high school in Oswego, IL located outside of Chicago. Holmes has already picked up two scholarships offers from Cal State Northridge and Northern Arizona.

"Lionell shot 45% from three point range in high school last season. He reminds me of Hersey Hawkins," said Horton.

Fresno State and Toledo will be in next week to evaluate Holmes.

Rod Singleton, (FR) 5-foot-10 (185), and Markese Fields, (FR) 6-foot-6 (180), both will see a lot of action for the Marauders this season. Singleton greyshirted last year at Antelope Valley College after enrolling in classes in January 2008. Singleton, a point guard, signed with Cal State Northridge coming out of high school at Los Angeles Fairfax. Fields redshirted last year at Seward County Community College in Liberal, KS. Fields, a small forward from Menlo Park, CA, can leave with three years to play at the four year level.