Chipola front court leads standout season

Chipola Junior College is 20-2 this season under first year coach Greg Heiar. There are only four sophomores on the roster, but Heiar explains the two major reasons for success.

"The kids are really making strides," Heiar said. "And I've got a big-time front line."

Big-time indeed. Leading the way is 6-foot-8 Mario Boggan. Boggan averages 22 points and 12 rebounds for Chipola and has shed 40 pounds sits setting foot on campus to reach his playing weight of 250.

"He plays like Chris Webber," Heiar said. "He's an inside-outside player. He can play at the high post and face you up or go down low. He's a great passer, he's got unbelievable hands and he's just got a really high basketball IQ."

Boggan committed to South Alabama out of high school and that school may still be in the driver's seat.

"They've put in their time here and they're really looking to get him back," Heiar said. "We haven't even discussed it. We're worried about the season and he's worried about going to class and getting his degree."

Complimenting Boggan is 6-foot-9 Brazilian Anderson Ferreira.

"He's a three-four player that can really really shoot it," Heiar said. "He's got a great motor, plays hard. He's a very good compliment to Mario; he can stand on the perimeter if you double off him, he's shooting 52% from three...That's what he is, a catch and shoot. He can put it on the floor, go down in the post and get a little something down there. But we don't really need that because Mario gets anything we do need down low."

Ferreira has the skills to play Division One ball next year, but he won't. Heiar said Ferreira is not going to graduate and will explore D2 and professional options after this year.

A third sophomore to watch at Chipola is Kendaris Pelton, a 6-foot-5 swingman.

"I call him the Scottie Pippen of junior college basketball," Heiar said. "He doesn't make mistakes. Last year, he played 22 games and had nine turnovers, and he averaged nine points and six boards...I think he's a big time w ing. He had knee surgery, he's only played in four games, all conference game, but he stepped in like he had played all year."

Pelton is averaging 14.5 points in his first four appearances.

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