Hutch ready for second semester

The Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons are off to a (2-0) start in the Jayhawk West Division and a (13-3) overall record this season. JucoJunction had a chance to touch base with head coach Ryan Swanson today on his sophomores' recruitment.

Devon McBride, (SO) 6-foot-3 from Richmond, VA, signed in the fall signing period with Arkansas-Little Rock. Devon is off to a great start this season by averaging 15.4 ppg.

Cliff Dixon, (SO) 6-foot-10 from Suitland, MD, is a forward played his freshman season at Motlow State College in Tenenssee. Dixon has reopened his recruitment after the word was out that he was going to Seton Hall. Dixon will not be able to attend an ACC or SEC Conference school because of attending two different junior colleges. Dixon is currently averaging 14.5 ppg and 7.5 rebounds this season for the Blue Dragons.

Austin Bond, (SO) 6-foot-5 (190), is from Kansas City, KS.

"Austin is a big-time shooter who is coming around after missing most of last year with a bad back," said coach Swanson.

Bond is at 4.8 ppg this season.

Javari Williams, (FR) 6-foot-5 (200) from Brampton, Ontario, Canada, redshirted last season and will have three years to play after he leaves this spring. Javari is currently averaging 6.5 ppg and 4.6 rebounds this season.

"Javari is a very athletic wing player and a very good defender," said JucoJunction Staff Analyst Bret Swanson.

Tom Shirley, (FR) 6-foot-7 (210) from Grantville, KS, is an academic qualifier who can leave with three years left to play at the next level. Tom's brother Paul played at Iowa State University.

"Tom is a step out 4 man who is shooting 47% from three point range this season," said Huthinson Community College Head coach Ryan Swanson. Toledo, Pacific and Illinois State have all shown interest in Shirley so far this season. Tom is currently averaging 8.5 ppg this season.

The Blue Dragons have two freshmen that are receiving a great deal of attention this fall. Darius Johnson-Odom, (FR) 6-foot-2 from Raleigh, NC ,is currently 23.1 ppg and 6.7 rebounds this season. Johnson-Odom prepped at the Patterson School in Lenoir, NC last season. Dominique Rutledge, (FR) 6-foot-8 (220) from Newark, NJ, played at Edison Prep in New Jersey last season. Rutledge is currently averaging 9.2 ppg and 7.8 rebounds this season for the Blue Dragons.

JucoJunction will keep an eye on the Blue Dragons this second semester while heading into the Jayhawk Conference play.