2009 focus: Western Oklahoma

Rolando de la Barrera will be starting his third season at Western Oklahoma State College this season. The Pioneers of Altus, OK will have a lot of sophomores in the program this season. The Pioneers return about 90% of there scoring from last seasons squad. JucoJunction had a chance to talk to coach De la Barrera recently about some of the Pioneers sophomores.

William Pratt: (SO) 6-foot-5 (195) from Harlem, NY. Pratt attended Laurinburg Institute (NC) with Bennett coming out of high school. Pratt enrolled at Western Oklahoma State College in January 2007 as a student after leaving Laurinburg Institute halfway through the season. Pratt, a wing forward, led the team in scoring last year at 14 ppg and 6 rebounds while shooting 52% from the floor. Pratt was a second team Bi-West Conference player last season.

"Will is a big-time scorer with the ability to breakdown defenders and navigate interior traffic," said De la Barrera.

Liberty, Hofstra, Louisiana-Monroe and Binghamton have shown early interest on Pratt.

Akeem Bennett: (SO) 6-foot-3 (180) from West Hempstead, NY. Bennett prepped at Laurinburg Institute coming out of high school in New York City. Bennett, a wing player, averaged 12 ppg and 5.8 rebounds last season for the Pioneers.

"Akeem brings a tenacity and toughness to the game you don't see in players anymore. If you are going to war, this is the kid you take with you," said coach De la Barrera.

Bennett was a first team Bi-West Conference player last season.

Kendall Cutler: (SO) 6-foot-0 (165) from Brooklyn, NY. Cutler, a point guard, averaged 9 pgg and 7.5 assists last season. Cutler attended the Boys and Girls School in Brooklyn.

"Kendall has a pedigree of playing in numerous big-time games in the PSAL back in New York City. Cutler like most good New York players he can really initiate contact and can finish at the basket," said De la Barrera.

Mitchell Bouie: (SO) 6-foot-3 (200) from Chicago, IL. Bouie signed with Central Connecticut State out of high school while attending Marist High School in Chicago. Bouie failed to qualify academically. The third year player averaged 13 ppg and 5.6 rebounds this season while shooting 59% from the floor. Mitchell is hearing from Idaho and Louisiana-Monroe this summer.

"Mitchell is a superb athlete whose versatility will him a asset to any program. Mitchell will be attending Rick Ball's JUCO Camp in Chicago this July," said De la Barrera.

Deandre Chambers: (SO) 6-foot-1 (165) from Monroe, NC. Chambers, a two guard, averaged 12 ppg and shot 41% from three point range this past season. Chambers attended Jireh Prep (NC) in Charlotte before landing at Western Oklahoma State College.

"Deandre is one of the most underrated, yet effective, players we have," said De la Barrera.

Tadre Sheppard: (SO) 6-foot-7 (200) from Lubbock, TX. Sheppard averaged 9 ppg and 7 rebounds last season for the Pioneers.

"What makes Tadre a special player is his lateral quickness and ability to defend smaller players up the floor," said De la Barrera.