It is hard to believe but the majority of the  Antelope Valley College Basketball team-members have already registered for the 2015-16 summer and fall semesters.  Working with Academic Counselor/Assistant coach Mike Rios, the players are putting together their academic plans.  These plans are key for the success of the players for their goal for garnering a university scholarship.

The players individually were called out of basketball practice to meet with Rios to discuss the student athletes goals both athletic and on the floor. 

Eastside High School’s, Brandon Wade, 6’3”, 190 sophomore shooting guard is very familiar with the academic process as he is close to completing his AA degree as he red shirted at AVC and is entering his third year at AVC preparing for his university scholarship.

AVC’s academic/athletic system has been very successful in preparing the basketball players for the next level.  The goal is to prepare an optimal environment that allows all of the team members to have a 2.5 GPA or above. In the past four years, the AVC basketball team has placed 90% of their graduating student athletes with a university scholarship. 

For example, so far this year, two student athletes have accepted university scholarships;  Lawrence White, 6’4, 215, guard with 3.6 GPA is heading for UC Davis and Tim Gilmore  6’3” 200 guard with a 3.5 GPA is heading for Texas A and M International.

Does the AVC system always work?  No.  It still comes down to the bottom line; its up to the individual. 

KJ Moffett is entering his sophomore at Antelope Valley College.  As he showed in his freshman year, he is a very versatile player.  A true combo guard that is athletic with great hops who was the backup point guard, shooting guard and played occasionally at the shooting forward position in the 2014-15 season.  As the season progressed he got more and more minutes at the three positions.

Out of high school(Alemany), KJ did not receive the university offers that were satisfactory to him. He joined a local prep school out of high school and felt it was helpful for him. He got to play against bigger, stronger and experienced competition.

KJ’s major is Kinesiology and his short and long term goals are a college degree and then a well paying job.  He has excellent academics and is very unselfish and is a leader by example on the floor.   Keep an eye on this guy as his maturity and stability will add much to the AVC team this year.

After AVC’s state play off run ended, Brandon Ruffin, 6’1”, 170  put off his basketball recruiting and headed off to the track team to concentrate on the 400 meters.  After a successful time on the track, he is now back looking forward to his future in basketball.

Ruffin,  known for his unbelievable dunks, court speed but mostly for his shut down defense, spent his weekend in the Bay Area at Cal State East Bay University. He met with basketball team and coaching staff, the track coach was seen talking to Brandon as well.  Cal State East Bay is a D-2 NCAA University that plays in the  California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).

More to come. 

Brandon graduated from Eastside High School, Lancaster, CA in 2011.  He and the coaching staff decided that a red-shirt year would be helpful  to get his basketball game and academics up to a skill level after two years away from college and basketball.  Wade made the AVC team last year and was the backup two guard.  Always a deadly long range shooter he was assigned to improve his defense, passing and ball-handling which he did.

Never a man to shirk from hard work, Wade is a completely different player from the one that joined the AVC after two years ago.  Shooting, defense, passing and ball handling now are college level.  Add to that 15 pounds of muscle from the weigh room and a world full of confidence.  Brandon said to me the other day, "This is my year." "I own the two-guard position on this team and someone is going to have to play very hard to take it away from me."

Brandon is looking toward to the future. His goal is to play D-1 basketball and go beyond if it is possible. No one knows yet how far Brandon will go in basketball but, we do know how how hard he will work to get there.

The double-double man from Burroughs High School in Ridgecrest, CA is a quiet hard working and extremely smart player.  Last year he explored a number of national JUCO scholarships and carefully evaluated other Cal JUCO’s before decided that Antelope Valley College offered him the best opportunities in the long run. 

After a successful summer and early fall with AVC last year, in October he injured his elbow and was unable play for the rest of the year.  Alex worked with his physician, rehabbed and now is back at practice. 

Some interesting observations;  He has lost about 10-15 pounds and is much quicker on the floor, especially on the defensive end.  He has learned the AVC system and looks to be a step ahead of many players.  Alex has a nice mid-range and three ball shot and is not adverse to banging with the “bigs” for rebounds.

Ludford did not drop his classes after his injury as so often happens at the JUCO level.  He completed his academics successfully last year and will complete his under graduate requirements by the end of the year.  A true student athlete. 

A man to watch this year at AVC.

Its official, Shelton Boykin signs with Angelo State University.  When Boykin flew into San Angelo, Texas last week-end, the weather channel was warning that a line of tornadoes were heading into the San Angelo area.  The weather stayed fine…except for a few thunderstorms…but Angelo State picked up a F5 tornado on The Enhanced Fujita scale for its basketball program. 

Most experts agree that  Boykin was the top physically talented JUCO player in the  State of California this year.  The 6’6”, 218 guard was named to the first team All-State team with his 18.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG and led Antelope Valley College its second straight conference championship, into the state playoffs and a 24-6 record. 

Cinco Boone, the head coach of Angelo State, left no stone unturned in  Shelton’s recruitment.  Coach Boone and his staff pointed out that Angelo State University’s sports teams participate in the NCAA DII Lone Star Conference. .  Attendance and support of ASU athletics is high.  ASU has ranked in the Top 20 schools in the nation 15 times in the last 20 years in attendance.

Shelton then toured Junell Center one of the most recognizable buildings on the Angelo State University campus and is home to one of the finest playing courts in NCAA Division II – Stephens Arena that accommodates up to 5,600 fans.

Shelton felt that the complex was definitely D-1 quality and is looking forward to having this available to him in the next two years. 

Finally Shelton met the college president who made it clear that Angelo State Universities’ vision was to help student-athletes be successful on and off the court, assist them in getting their diplomas and then propel them to successful careers in whatever they might choose to do while also competing for championships.  No stone unturned.

Angelo State University made it to the “sweet 16” in NCAA D-2 tournament this year and is hoping with Shelton’s help to go even further. 

Congratulations to AVC’s head coach John Taylor who worked so diligently with Shelton over the years to guide him to this next level. 

I expect that I will be following Shelton over the next decade documenting his success at the university and professional level. 

Congratulations Shelton!

Coach Taylor knows NBA Star Leon Powe doesn’t have any JUCO time left but next best thing receiving his little brother?

Over the past 10 years, AVC has been led by a D-1 point guard.  The team is built around the point who sets the example in practice/workouts/games.  He gets the ball to all of the players at the right time at the right place.  And, if necessary can become a scoring machine.  

With their point guard graduating(Ismail Ali heading to D-1 Bowling Green State University), AVC has picked up Sophomore Jalen Etienne 5’10 175. Energy man on the floor both offensively and defensively.  Absolutely hates to lose!  Tough guy.  Rocket fast and great point vision.

A graduate in 2013 from West Mesquite High School just outside of Dallas, Texas, he was being recruited by multiple D-1 universities.  Although he had his grades, his ACT score was not adequate.

He thought his D-1 college basketball career was history until he met Coach Murphy Davis then from Glendale Community College.

It didn’t take long and Jalen took over the starting point guard position.  He led Glendale to one of it’s most successful years in their history playing into the state playoffs.  Etiene averaged 11.6 ppg shooting a red hot 42% from beyond the three point line.  He was named first team 2013-14 Western State-South all-conference team at the end of his freshman year and expected a big sophomore year .

Instead, fate stepped in. His head coach Brian Beauchemin, required major surgery and Assistant Coach Murphy Davis left the team as well.  Jalen followed Davis and took the year off and when Coach Davis was hired at AVC, he joined the AVC squad.

Jalen Etienne is thrilled to have the opportunities to have the chance of  leading the AVC team.  Jalen is expecting an outstanding sophomore year in basketball and academics that will lead to a D-1 scholarship and a state championship ring.

The word is out that two AVC players are really opening up eyes at the Drew!  With 7 current and former players playing in the big boy league,  these two guys really impressing their peers.

Jason JJ Johnson, AVC and Cal State San Marcos graduate dominating at both ends of the court.  Warming up for his pro-team?

Shelton Boykin, AVC graduate who is joining San Angelo University on a full ride is  wowing the fans and players.  No boys here. 

They are taking each other on Sunday around noon.

Its been a long trip for Joseph “JJ” Moorer to Antelope Valley College. His basketball career started at Norbonne High School, with a transfer to Torrance High School where he graduated.  JJ then headed for a year to a prep school in North Carolina when he was offered a scholarship to D-2 University of Minnesota, Crookston. Due to grade issues Moorer left U of M, Crookston and in his travels he ran into AVC’s Zack Hollis at D-1 Lamar University in Texas.  They hit it off well and Zack suggested to JJ that AVC might be the place for him to get is mind, grades and basketball game together.

Joseph sat out the 2014-15 season and got his grades back in control and is now ready to head back into the wars of college basket ball.   I believe that AVC will be very happy with his upcoming success.  JJ has:

1. Maturity
2. Shooting
3. Ball-Handling
4. Defense
5. Tough Guy

Not much more to say other than you need to watch this guy this year.

Nevell Lenard 6’5” 210 forward graduated from Animo Pat Brown High School in LA in 2010 and he played as a starter for one year, 2010-11, at LA Southwest College.  Due to an ankle injury, he sat out the 2011-12 season. 

After his injury healed, he decided that he was going to be very cautious about the JUCO that he chose for his final year.  He needed a college that would provide him a strong academic and basketball environment as this was a jumping off point for a university scholarship.

When he heard that assistant coach Murphy Davis was joining Head Coach John Taylor at Antelope Valley College he joined the Marauders.  Currently, Lenard is taking classes leading toward degrees in Kinesiology and/or Business. 

About Nevell’s basketball.  The man is strong and his weight room time shows.  He has great jumping ability and is willing to play anywhere he can help the team.   He is very strong around the baskets, loves rebounds, put backs and a solid mid-range shooter.  He will not be pushed around. 

Nevell believes that this is his year as he is at the right place with the right people.  A man to watch.

Men’s Basketball | Mon, Jun, 29 | by Kevin Davis, Assistant Director for Athletic Communications(edited for reprint to blog)

Bowling Green, Ohio – Bowling Green State University men’s basketball head coach Michael Huger has announced the addition of Ismail Ali (South Hayward, California/Antelope Valley College/San Leandro H.S.) to the Falcon family to continue his academic and athletic careers at BGSU beginning in the summer of 2015.
A 6-1, 165 pound point guard, Ali will have two years of eligibility remaining for the Falcons after transferring in from Antelope Valley College where he suited up for the Marauders for two years. Last season as a sophomore, Ali averaged 8.9 points per game on 44.7 percent shooting overall and 42.1 percent shooting from behind the three-point line. He led the team with 6.3 assists per game, which also ranked fourth in the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA). Ali also averaged 1.3 steals per contest as the Marauders went 24-6 overall and 12-1 in conference play on the year in 2014-15. He was named the Chabot College Tournament Most Valuable Player as he averaged 9.0 points and 10.3 assists per game during the tournament, including posting a double-double of 12 points and 10 assists in the championship game to lead AVC to the first-place finish.
As a freshman in 2013-14 at AVC, Ali averaged 9.5 points, 4.8 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game as the Marauders went 27-5 overall and 11-1 in conference play on the year.
Prior to playing at Antelope Valley College, Ali played for four years at San Leandro H.S. where as a senior he averaged 10.2 points and 4.3 assists per game for his team that was ranked in the top-50 among all the high school teams in the state of California. He also played AAU basketball for the North Coast Express.
"Ismail is a throwback point guard as he looks to pass first," continued Coach Huger. "He has the ability to score, but would rather see his teammates score instead. I know he will be fun to coach."

###

Brandon Ruffin, 6’1”, 165  Antelope Valley College guard,  picked up a scholarship at NAIA Dickerson University.  Brandon is a talented basketball player…the shut down defender for AVC this year…possibly the most athletic player AVC hhas had for years.

However, Ruffin’s athletic skills extend beyond basketball.  One of the top track competitors in California JUCO,  he was offered a number of college track scholarships.  Dickerson University took it one step further and agreed that they would allow Brandon Ruffin to “Walk On” in their basketball program.  Brandon is thrilled.  I wouldn’t bet against Brandon making the basketball team.  He has the talent, skill, and drive to play.

Congratulation to Brandon Ruffin on becoming the 5th player to garner a full ride scholarship on this year’s basketball team  at AVC.   

Frustrating, exciting, never ending and surprising, same old stuff.  How summer is every year.  This is the time of the year when players make the decision for the coaching staff who makes the team. Its really hard to cut a player who never misses a workout and is always on time.   “Players cut themselves, I don’t have to do that.”  John Taylor, Head Coach. 

“There may be people that have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.”
Derek Jeter (born June, 1974) quote

So far four players are working a part-time jobs along with full-time school and college basketball.  Not much time for anything that could be negative. 

Summer shootouts and Vegas tournaments helping the players. 

A couple of years ago, AV Jim started a new award for the AVC team.  He names yearly the “Michael Jordon Award” player.  What is the Michael Jordon Award you ask?  Jim looks over the team and decides which player that “looks most like a Jordon-type basketball player.” 

The last two years,  Jim named Tim Gilmore, 6’3”, 205 shooting guard for the Michael Jordon award.  Tim not only looks like a basketball player but garnered a full ride D-2 scholarship at Texas A&M International.

This year, AV Jim has awarded the new Michael Jordon Award to Nevell Lenard, 6’5” 210 forward sophomore.  Will Lenard live up to Gilmore’s scholarship next year?  He sure “looks like” he could. 

We had an easy ride from Palmdale to Vegas this morning.  Left at 6 a.m., stopped for breakfast in Mojave and a coffee stop in Beautiful Baker, CA.  Traffic was light to moderate and we arrived at the 10 am and the games were about to begin.  When we tried to park in the Southern Highlands Boys and Girls Club parking lot…it was a NO GO!  Only coaches got to park their cars.  We were told to try the parking lot  of a public park about a 1/4 mile down the road which we did and got the last parking place.  There is no street parking so I am not sure where the late comers parked. 

$10.00 a head to get in.  Not bad.  Glad we took our “sports chairs” as the seats are backless hard plastic benches in the gym.  Again, got the last of seats. 

Rough count on the number of coaches scouting the players was between 100-150 and quite a number were standing due to lack of space.  Heard a couple of kids happy to see LSU and Tennessee head coaches there. 

Now about the players.  Great quality, size and skills.  Really the best of the best of JUCO in the West.  During the first day, I was feeling sorry for the “Bigs”….With 23 players 6’8” or above, very little passing was attempted into the paint where they could have been dominant.  Guards, wings were jacking up three balls from all over and there was little or no defense played.  Some of the Bigs got frustrated and starting shooting three’s as well…with little success of course.

Ok.  Now about AVC four players who are participating in the Tournament;

JOSEPH MOORER, 6’1”, 185  Guard

Of the six games I saw,  JJ was the dominant guard in all games.  Very much in control when he played the point.  Dropping three’s  and slashing into the middle and making his own shots at will.  Controlling the game and playing solid defense.  Led the team in scoring with 20 points.  Very impressive. 

ANTON WARREN, 6’10” 265, POST

Anton got in a game where there were four players 6’9” or above, two on each team.  Unfortunately, all four Bigs were ignored by their teammates on the offensive end.  Wings and guards just jack up three after three as the big men begged for a touch.  If I were to pick between the four bigs, I would pick AVC’s Warren even though he only put in seven points.

KASHIFF WILLIAMS, 6’5”, 249, FORWARD

The first half of “Chiefs” first game was tough on him.  He was used as a post player against two 6’9” post players.  They were much quicker and longer than Kashiff.  In the second half, Chief turned the tables on them.  He took them out beyond the three point line and hit a couple of three balls.  Then he used his “Charles Barkley” like body and pushed them out of position and pulled down 6 rebounds in the second half.  Great way to use one’s head and body.

JALEN ETIENNE, 5’10”, 170, POINT GUARD

Jalen’s stats speak for themselves;  13 points, 2 steals, 2 assists 

Rocket fast but in control.  Slashing into the middle for easy points for his team mates.  Making open threes.  He showed his Mom who had flown in from Dallas what a college point guard should look like.  Huge improvement of the Summer Shootout a couple weeks ago.

Solid interest from university coaches on all four AVC players.  Impressive.

Finally to remind everyone about the tournament rules.  Mandatory rotation of all players so all players get half a game.

AVC’s Zack Hollis is going to be playing in a new home this year.  He is leaving Lamar University in Texas after giving the team what they so desperately needed(they are on academic suspension);  academics(Hollis is Dean’s List Athlete) .  Here is an article on the arrival of Zack at the University of Tampa and the Tampa coach wants more;  academics and rebounds . 

Zach Hollis is a transfer senior for the Spartans, after spending his junior season at Lamar University. At Lamar, Hollis earned action in 21 games, as he racked up 30 points and 51 rebounds. Prior to Lamar, Hollis spent time at Antelope Valley College, where he averaged 6.0 points per game, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game. He helped guide AVC earn the top overall seed in the Southern California Playoffs. His team advanced to the Semifinal of the playoffs. He also helped guide the team to a 27-5 record, as the 27 wins marked the fourth most in school history. In high school, he averaged 16 points and 11 rebounds per game, as he ranked as a top-50 player in California. His most memorable athletic achievement was when he recorded a 30-point and 30-rebound game, as well as a triple-double in a game. At UT, he will be majoring in Communications, with aspirations of becoming a professional basketball player, a college basketball analyst, or a high school teacher.

Coach Pecka’s thoughts: “Zach comes to us with a ton of playing experience. He is big and strong and a great rebounder. We are counting on him to fill an immediate need in the front-court.”

Its been a good week for AVC basketball players, the coaching staff and the program as three players have signed professional contracts.

1. Mike Scott, Lithowana BC Siauliana, Lithuania
2. Jason JJ Johnson, Poland
3. Shanara Clark, UC Baschet feminin, Romania

More details coming soon.  Congratulations to the players, the coaches and the AVC program. 

“I really feel fortunate to play on this team this year.”  “There are so many good players that we could really go a long way.”  “If we forget right now about ourselves and where we are going to get a scholarship next year, this team could go all the way.”  “The further the team goes the better the ride we will get as individuals.” 

Smart young man.