Texas talk: Region XIV loaded with prospects

As we continue to preview the nation prior to the start of the 2005-06 junior college season, today we check in on Region XIV in East Texas. Here is JucoJunction's team-by-team rundown in what is always one of the country's most hotly contested regions. This region may have as many Division One recruits as any in the land. We give you an early look at some of the names to watch from the dynamic dozen in Region XIV.

San Jacinto College

The Ravens, who are the defending regular season co-champions, no longer have the services of Kentrell Grandsberry (L.S.U.), Courtney Captain (East Carolina), Trey McDowell (LA Tech), and Joseph Polite (Southeastern Louisiana). But they do return Kevin Widemond (6-foot-0) point guard, Delwin Sylvester (6-foot-6) small forward, Tafari Toney (6-foot-8) power forward, and Manuel Neto (6-foot-9) center. All of these young men will all be highly recruited NCAA Division I prospects. The best news in Pasadena is the arrival of Rob McIver (6-foot-3) combo guard, who arrives via Providence College in the Big East Conference. These talented players will lead Coach Scott Gernander's squad back to the top of the TEC.

Paris Junior College

Don't expect the 2005 NJCAA National Champions to fall far. The Dragons do

return Brian Burrell (6-foot-3) guard, who will be a prime NCAA Division I target. They have also acquired the services of Bombale Osby (6-foot-8) power forward, a transfer from the University of New Mexico. Those two, along with a host of outstanding freshmen, should help to lead Coach Bill Foy right back into the hunt for another regional championship and a return to Hutchinson, KS.

Panola College

The Ponies do return two standouts from last season Mykal Riley (6-foot-6) small forward and Darren Hopkins (6-foot-1) guard. They may boast the top recruiting class in the TEC. That recruiting class is highlighted by three NCAA Division I transfers, Charles Bronson (6-foot-10) and Marvin Kilgore (6-foot-3) from East Carolina University, and Arsangue Souleymane (6-foot-9) from the University of Cincinnati. These talented newcomers should put Coach Monarch's club right in the mix for a spot in the National Tournament.

Kilgore College

The Rangers return more than anyone in the league. They did lose Cedric McGowan (Cincinnati). The returnees are highlighted by Marcus Hubbard (6-foot-9) power forward, who is one on the nations top juco recruits. Centered around Hubbard is a very athletic nucleus to lead Coach Scott Schumacher's up-tempo squad.

Lon Morris College

The Bearcats lost Michael Neal (Oklahoma), Melvin Richardson (South Florida),

Kylie Byrd (UTSA), and Todd Henry (SFA). They do return possibly the best post player in NJCAA basketball, Hernol Hall (6-foot-10), who has committed to Duquesne University and Chukwuma Awaji (6-foot-3) guard. These top recruits and some talented newcomers will help to lead Coach Dale Dotson's squad through this ultra tough conference.

Blinn College

The Buccaneers lost Maurice Barksdale to the University of Louisiana-Lafayette.

The good news is they did sign former Tulane University signee, Derek Burditt, and once football season is over they will have the services of Tommy Breaux 6-foot-9. Coach Steve Spurlin will need for freshman Desmond Boatner (6-foot-4) guard, Tamir Patel (6-foot-10) transfer from Prairie View A&M University and Charlie Jones (6-foot-1) from Colorado State to step up to return to the conference playoffs.

Navarro College

The Bulldogs must recover from the loss of Charles Dotson (Texas State University). They do return Shawn Reynolds who has committed to the College of Charleston. Reynolds, along with Kenneth Kelley, who transferred to Navarro from the University of Tulsa, to compose one of the regions top guard tandems. Coach Lewis Orr will need members of his frontcourt to step up like his backcourt to make a march into the conference playoffs.

Lee College

The Rebels return one of the most highly recruited power forwards in juco

basketball, Mike White (6-foot-6). Coach Roy Champagne will need Marcus Malone (6-foot-4) guard, who transferred from DePaul University and has committed to the University of Houston to lead their squad to a berth in the regional tournament.

Tyler Junior College

The Apaches lose as much as anyone in the region. They lost Ben Pemberton (Pacific), Kurt Looby (Iowa), Ed Moore (Gardner-Webb), Antonio Chavers (Washington St.), Theo White (San Diego), and Jessan Gray (Iowa St.). Coach Mike Marquis will rely on returnee Justin Johnson (6-foot-4) to lead his team of newcomers.

Trinity Valley Community College

The Cardinals lose Arizona State signee, Antwi Atuahene and Adenilson Clementino to Prairie View A&M University. They do return Sam Gammel and they have acquired the services of former Arizona Wildcat, Chris Dunn. They attempt to lead Coach Leon Spencer's squad to this season. With his first victory, Coach Spencer will record his 800th career win.

Jacksonville College

The Jaguars lost Jarvis Bradley (McNeese St.) and their head coach, Brandon Curran to Centenary College, as an assistant coach. They do gain the services of Texas State assistant coach, Greg Young and a teamful of newcomers.

Angelina College

The Roadrunners lost talented Mario Kersee. Coach Guy Davis welcomes another talented group to Lufkin, this season.

JucoJunction will continue to follow junior college basketball and recruiting across the land. To talk about this story with other juco hoops fans, check out the JucoJunction Board or our premium forum.