Spotlight on Lincoln Trail CC

Lincoln Trail College in Robinson, IL made a great run by winning the Region 24 Tourney a few years back under head coach Junsie Cotten. The Statesmen are looking to return to better days this season. JucoJunction had a chance to see Lincoln Trail College play this past weekend in Vincennes, Indiana at the 5th Annual Vincennes Jamboree Classic.

The Statesmen return their top scorer from last season in Anthony Griffis. Griffis, a wing player from Fuquay Varina, NC, averaged 11.8 ppg and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 46.5% (113-243) from the floor.

"Anthony has good size for a wing player and can really knock down the mid-range jumper while also getting to the rack," said JucoJunction staff analyst Bret Swanson.

Ali Abdoul Djim, (SO) 6-foot-8 from Chad, Africa, played his freshman season at Western Nebraska Community College last year. Djim prepped at Bethel in Virginia a few seasons back. Abdoul Djim averaged 3 ppg and 2.3 rebounds last season for the Cougars.

"Ali gives Lincoln Trail a post player this season that doesn't mind playing physical in the paint and someone who will rebound the basketball and play his role on the team," said Swanson.

Antonio Sullivan, (SO) 6-foot-1 from Louisville, KY, played last year across the border at Vincennes University in Indiana. Sullivan, a left-handed combo guard, saw action in 10 games for the Trailblazers while averaging 4 ppg.

"Antonio really likes to spot up from the wing and shoot the three ball," said Swanson.

The Statesmen brought some promising freshman into the mix this season that should see some quality minutes. Bronson Flack, Kenny Edwards, Karee Ferguson and Demetrius Simmons will help finish out the top seven players on this team. Flack attended UT-Martin back in January 2009 as student after leaving Laurinburg Institute back in the fall 2008. Flack, an academic qualifier, out of high school is from Kingsport, TN.

"Kenny Edwards is a freakish athlete that brings a lot of energy to both ends of the court," said Swanson.

Edwards is an Indianapolis, IN native. Ferguson and Simmons will help the Statesmen this season. Ferguson is a athletic 6-foot-8 forward from Willingboro, NJ while Simmons is a point guard from Saginaw, MI.

JucoJunction will keep you posted on the Statesmen this season and the rest of the action from Region 24 in Southern Illinois.