Texas talk: Let the games begin

As always the Texas/New Mexico games started off hot and heavy. On opening night, San Jacinto College rolled over Lamar-Pt. Arthur 95-59, as they hit nineteen three pointers during the game. The Ravens were led by sophomore guard Kevin Widemond with 26 points and 8 three's.

Also, that evening Blinn College defeated Kingwood College 98-63. The Buccaneers were led by sophomore forward Derek Burditt with 29 points.

The biggest game of the evening was a game between Trinity Valley and Grayson Co. Trinity Valley Head Coach Leon Spencer was going for his 800th victory in his forty-two year career as the Cardinals head coach. The Cardinals rewarded coach Spencer with a 61-52 win. Coach Spencer is the all time winningest coach in Texas junior college history and is number two among NJCAA Division I coaches actively and sixth on the all-time list.

On Friday and Saturday, many schools participated in various classics around the state. McLennan hosted one and in it, Angelina College won both of its games. On Friday evening, the Roadrunners defeated Hill College 96-77, as sophomore guard Jonas Brown led them with 21 points. On Saturday night, they defeated the host team, McLennan 66-61 as they were lead by freshman forward Reggie Fuller with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Lee College hosted their own classic, as well. On Friday evening, the Runnin' Rebels defeated Lamar State College-Pt. Arthur 84-69. Sophomore forward, Mike White exploded for 39 points and 10 rebounds. On Saturday night, they downed Kingwood College 63-58. Mike White again led them with 24 points and 15 rebounds.

Kilgore College, who is picked to win NJCAA Region XIV, according to the coach's poll, opened up its season Friday night by defeating Eastfield College 92-69. They were led by sophomore forward Marcus Hubbard with 20 points and 6 rebounds.

Howard College opened its season with a resounding win over the University of Texas Permian Basin JV on Tuesday night with a 107-38 victory.

The Chaparrals of Midland College rolled in their first two games, also. On Friday evening, they rocked Bayside Christian 119-41 and on Saturday, they defeated Pima College 110-75.

New Mexico Military opened their 2005-2006 season on Tuesday night by defeating Wayland Baptist University's JV 90-75.

Coach Lewis Orr from Navarro College took his Bulldogs on the road this week twice. On Tuesday night, they defeated Hill 94-82. On Saturday, they took it on the chin vs. Temple, as they lost 102-100.

On Saturday, the defending NJCAA National champion Paris College Dragons traveled to Wilburton, OK to face Eastern Oklahoma College. The Dragons won 62-55, to spoil EOSC's homecoming and Head Coach Win Case's EOSC debut.

New Jacksonville College Head Coach Greg Young began his career at Jacksonville on a winning note. The Jaguars beat Richland College on Tuesday, 72-49.

The Apaches of Tyler Junior College opened with three victories this week. On Tuesday, they defeated Mountain View College 102-66. Sophomore forward, Justin Johnson led the Apaches with 26 points. On Friday, they knocked off Brookhaven 104-81. Then, on Saturday, they beat Southwestern Christian 91-68.

GAMES TO WATCH THIS WEEK

Tuesday, November 8th:

Hill College at Navarro College

Howard College at Weatherford College

Bossier Parish (LA) at Panola College

Ranger College at Paris Junior College

Western Oklahoma State College at Clarendon

Wednesday November 8th:

McLennan Community College at Trinity Valley Community College

Thursday November 9th:

McLennan Community College at Navarro College

Temple College at Jacksonville College

Clarendon at Garden City (KS) Classic

Friday November 10th:

Lee College Classic with San Jacinto College, Midland College, Odessa College, and Lee College.

Clarendon College at Garden City (KS) Classic

New Mexico Junior College at Hutchinson (KS) Classic

South Plains College at Eastern Arizona College Classic

Weatherford College at Independence College (KS) Classic

Kilgore College at University of Arkansas-Ft. Smith Classic

Tyler Junior College Classic with Panola College

Saturday November 11th:

Lee College Classic with San Jacinto College, Midland College, Odessa College, and Lee College.

Clarendon College at Garden City (KS) Classic

New Mexico Junior College at Hutchinson (KS) Classic

South Plains College at Eastern Arizona College Classic

Weatherford College at Independence College (KS) Classic

Kilgore College at University of Arkansas-Ft. Smith Classic

Tyler Junior College Classic with Panola College

Eastern Oklahoma State College at Paris Junior College

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Lee College's Mike White

He averaged 31.5 ppg and 12.5 rpg, as Lee went 2-0. The Rebels downed Kingwood College and Lamar State College-Pt. Arthur. White is probably going to wait until the spring to decide where he will take his athletic game. He has made an early visit to Purdue. If he waits, expect his recruitment to become as hot as anyone in America.

RECRUITING NOTES

Another school has entered the Ben Bell sweepstakes. The point guard from San Jacinto has visited Louisiana Tech University, in addition to the University of North Texas. The word on the street is he may wait until the spring to attract even bigger suitors.

Blinn College's Derek Burditt started his season on a tear. It has been learned that Burditt, who is 23 years old from New Orleans, is contemplating a jump next season overseas. The former Tulane University signee does not have any NCAA Division I eligibility and will face difficulties qualifying academically for NCAA Division II competition, due to his lengthy absence from school.

Two young men from Collin County Community College had some schools begin recruiting them. First, Eugene Spates, a 6-foot-8 215-pound forward has received interest from Sam Houston State University. Also, Elijah Miller, a 6-foot-10 210-pound center, has received offers from McNeese State and University of North Texas.

JucoJunction will post its Texas and New Mexico notebook every Monday morning throughout the season.