Team Focus: ND State College of Science

North Dakota State College of Science is off to a very start at (15-0) and nationally ranked at number nine in the latest NJCAA poll under head coach Scott Schumacher. Schumacher had previously coached at Kilgore College in Texas before this season. JucoJunction had a chance to touch base with coach Schumacher today on his his players' recruitment.

Ridge McKeither, (SO) 6-foot-5 (242) from Danville, VA, played last season at Kilgore College along with four teammates who made the trek north to Wahpeton, ND with Schumacher this season.

"Ridge is a physically talented individual. He has great hands, good footwork and he is very quick," said Schumacher.

McKeither is off to a hot start, averaging 17.9 ppg and 9.7 rebounds in 22 minutes of action a night for the Wildcats.

Ohio University, Arkansas State, Wichita State, Western Kentucky, Eastern Illinois, Middle Tennessee State and Arkansas-Little Rock have expressed interest in McKeither according to Schumacher. Ridge is an undersized combo forward.

Nick Walls, (SO) 6-foot-2 from Memphis,TN, is the starting point guard for the Wildcats.

"Nick is a great team leader. He really knows how to keep his teammates happy on the floor," Schumacher said.

Walls played for Schumacher last season at Kilgore College. Nick logs a lot of minutes for the Wildcats at about 35 a night. Walls is averaging 4.9 ppg and 5.2 assists this season.

Maurice Foster, (SO) 6-foot-4 (195) from New Orleans, LA, has received interest from North Dakota State University and Nicholls State University according to Schumacher. Foster prepped at Helen Cox High School before heading off to Mount Zion Christian Academy in Durham, NC.

"Maurice can really put the ball on the deck and get to the rack," said Schumacher.

Maurice is getting 15.9 ppg and 5.1 rebounds an outing.

Fred Savoie, (SO) 6-foot-4 (205) from Baton Rouge, LA, played at Kilgore College back in 2006-2007 and sat out last season for personal reasons.

"Fred is extremely athletic; he is more of a junkyard dog on the floor for us," said Schumacher.

Savoie will have clock issues so he will have to entertain the D2/NAIA route. Fred played at Southern Lab High School in Baton Rouge. Savoie is getting 8.5 ppg and 7.7 rebounds a night for the Wildcats.

James Livingston, (SO) 6-foot-3 (175) from Trenton, NJ, played at Paris Junior College last season.

"James is a stat sheet stuffer who can create for others on the floor," said Schumacher.

Livingston is a guard that can score the ball from all over the floor. Livingston is wide open in the recruiting process along with teammate Nick Walls. James is averaging 14.8 ppg this season

Jon Kramer, (SO) 6-foot-0 from Wahpeton, is a strong guard who can really shoot the ball. Kramer is getting 8.3 ppg so far this season for the Wildcats. Jamie Mauch, (FR) 6-foot-4 (210), is a left-handed player who can really stroke it according to Schumacher.

The Wildcats get back after the new year and play at league rival Williston State College. JucoJunction will keep you updated with the Wildcats here this semester.