Pioneers have plenty of talent

The Pioneers of Western Oklahoma State College in Altus, OK are currently (12-2) on the season under head coach Rolando De La Barrera. The Pioneers are also receiving votes in this week NJCAA poll. The Pioneers have defeated two teams in the Top 10 this season in Arkansas Fort Smith and Midland College. JucoJunction had a chance to catch up with the Pioneers head coach today to get a rundown on his players recruitment.

Mitchell Bouie, (SO) 6-foot-3 (200) signed in the early signing period with South Dakota. Bouie is averaging 9.2 ppg this season for the Pioneers.

Tadre Sheppard, (SO) 6-foot-7 (205), is originally from Lubbock,TX.

"Sheppard is a combo forward, more of a 4/3 type player," said JucoJunction Staff Analyst Bret Swanson.

Tadre is hearing from Liberty University,Stephen F Austin,Eastern Illinois, South Carolina State and Central Arkansas.

"Tadre plays hard at both ends of the floor. He will be a great get for somebody late. Tadre will exactly be the type of guy that will mesh with a already solid group," said De La Barrera.

Tadre is averaging 10.8 ppg and 9.2 rebounds a outing this season.

William Pratt, (SO) 6-foot-5 (200), is from New York, NY.

"Will is a strong left-handed driver that is athletic and he can really draw contact well," said Swanson.

Pratt visited South Dakota in the fall. Pratt is also receiving strong interest from Central Arkansas and St Peter's (NJ). William prepped at Laurinburg Institute after high school. Pratt is getting 9.8 ppg a outing this season along with 5.1 rebounds.

Akeem Bennett, (SO) 6-foot-3 (195) from Long Island, NY, prepped with Pratt at Laurinburg Institute.

"Akeem is a multi-position player and is a great rebounder at his position," said De La Barrera.

Akeem visited and was offered by St. Peters University in New Jersey. Akeem is averaging 10.5 ppg, 5.7 rebounds and 2.2 steals.

Kendall Cutler, (SO) 6-foot-0 (195), is from Brooklyn,NY.

"Kendall is a big point guard who knows how to create for his teammates," said Swanson.

Cutler visited South Dakota in the fall and was offered a scholarship.

"Kendall just comes up big in all the big games. He's a gamer and plays really cool under pressure," said De La Barrera.

Kendall is averaging 15.6 ppg and 5.5 assists through the first semester for the Pioneers.

Xavier Collier, (SO) 5-foot-11 (180) from Augusta, GA, is a point guard that played his freshman season at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, IA.

"Xavier is a quick set up point guard at this stage. He is sharing minutes with Cutler on the floor," said De La Barrera.

Collier is at 3.5 ppg an outing so far this year.

DeAndre Chambers, (SO) 6-foot-1 (180) from Monroe, NC, is a solid defender according to De La Barrera. Chambers is hearing from Division Two schools at this present time. DeAndre is averaging 4.3 ppg this season.

Quinton Doggett, (FR) 6-foot-8 (207) from Richmond, VA, is an academic qualifier who can leave after this season with three years left to play. Quinton would like to get back to the east coast to play basketball next season according to de La Barrera.

George Haynes, (FR) 6-foot-9 (210) from Barbados, will look to leave after this season with three years to play at the next level. Haynes will have to go the D2/NAIA route because of clock issues.

JucoJunction will keep an eye on the Pioneers this second half of the season while entering Region 2 play.