Sixth Place Chipola Has Several Recruitable Sophs
Chipola Junior College in Marianna, Fla., copped a sixth place finish at the recent NJCAA Tournament, although the Indians might want to burn some of their game tapes from Hutch.
Chipola set a dubious record at the tourney, according to NJCAA historian Michael Johnson. The Indians shot just 31 percent from the field over a four-game stretch, but Chipola managed to split its four games and finish sixth -- a testament to Head Coach Chris Jans' defensive philosophy.
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Following their last game against Coffeyville, JUCO Junction had a chance to catch up with a raspy-voiced Jans regarding the Indian sophomores.
Here's the latest on the program:
Je'Kel Foster, a 6-3 combo guard from Natchez, Miss., continues to garner the most attention this spring.
Foster averaged 16.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.5 steals per game this season. He shot 45 percent from the field, 41 percent beyond the arc and 84 percent from the foul line.
"Je'Kel influences a game in so many ways," Jans said. "He does so many things so well."
Despite a tough shooting week at the NJCAA Tournament, Foster has scholarship offers from Illinois State, Washington State and Ohio State. St. Louis and Oklahoma are also in the mix with Foster, Jans said.
While he didn't sign early, explosive 6-2 shooting guard Mario Jointer of Jackson, Miss., is expected to ink with South Alabama this spring, Jans said.
Jointer carried Chipola at the NJCAA Tournament from an offensive standpoint. Not surprisingly, he made the all-tournament team.
Another key sophomore, 6-5, 220 pound power forward Vas'shun Newborne of Natchez, Miss., has a slew of mid-major recruiting interest this spring.
While he's not a speed demon or a high riser, Newborne is an intelligent basketball player blessed with a nose for the basketball.
He has adequate low post scoring skills, using footwork and fakes to outmaneuver bigger defenders. He's also capable of stepping out to 15 feet and knocking down jumpers.
Newborne averaged 11.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game in 2003-2004. He shot 53 percent from the floor and 57 percent from the foul line.
Coach Jans said that St. Louis, Northern Iowa, Southeast Louisiana, Central Florida, South Alabama and Wisconsin-Green Bay have offered Newborne scholarships. Western Kentucky is also eyeballing Newborne this spring.
Forward Leon Woodstock, a husky, undersized 6-4, 225 pound power forward from Miami, Fla., gets quite a bit done on grit and determination.
Woodstock averaged 9.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. Not afraid to dive on the floor for a loose ball or give up his body on defense, Woodstock led the Indians by taking 41 charges.
Coach Jans said that High Point, Wright State, Wisconsin-Green Bay and Bowling Green are the colleges actively recruiting Woodstock.
The last player we'll touch on is 5-11, 185 pound point guard Deke Thompson of Tulsa, Okla.
Thompson came to Chipola after spending his freshman year at Coppin State College in Baltimore.
After overcoming some early season injuries, Thompson was a key cog in the Indian backcourt. He averaged 7.1 points, 2.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game, shooting 43 percent from the field, 32 percent beyond the arc and 77 percent from the foul line.
Thompson has good quickness and is able to get his team into offensive sets. He's also a guy capable of knocking down open jumpshots.
Tulsa and Southwest Missouri State has offered scholarships to Thompson. Denver and Wright State are also involved with him, Jans said.
JUCO Junction will keep you posted on the Chipola sophomores as they set up official visits and make decisions. Stay tuned!