2011 - 2012 Preview
The 2011-12 basketball season promises to be another exciting one for the Wolves.
Head Coach Joe Kuhn, who enters his fifteenth season as JJC's coach with a JJC record of 323-142, is looking forward to the challenges that come with being back to back Region IV champs and having only one returning player from last year's team that finished 30-5 and seventh at the national tournament.
"Every year is different and brings a variety of challenges, especially at the junior college level, and this year is no different. I feel that we have had another very successful recruiting year and it is our job as a coaching staff to develop it into a cohesive group that will play together as a team," Kuhn said.
The Wolves return only Reomey Northington from last year's team but All-American Jon Bartlett has returned from the 2009-10 team. Northington averaged 3.2 points a game but played a significant defensive role off the bench last season.
"Reomey played an important role for us last season as his defense really allowed us to disrupt other teams by providing continual pressure on their guards. "Re" is a great team player and has very good leadership qualities," Kuhn said. "And with Jon, anytime you have a 6'9 player with his skills it provides a tough match up for the other teams. Jon also does a lot of little things that really help you win."
Bartlett, who averaged 16.1 points and 8.2 rebounds in 2009-10, was instrumental in the Wolves national championship run.
JJC also has had several good local prep players transfer back and join the team including Joliet Township's Brian Byrd (Illinois Valley), Wesley Powell (Lincoln), Bolingbrook's Antione Cox (Iowa Western), Plainfield North's Ben Daniel (Oral Roberts), and Romeoville's Harrison Hines (Lewis). Byrd, who had an outstanding freshmen season averaging 11.5 points and 8.6 rebounds a game, helps provide experience for the Wolves. Although the rest of the group did not play last year they had very good credentials in high school.
"All of these guys are very talented and are local kids", Kuhn said. "I think all of them will have an impact for us this season.
Out of area players that have transferred to the Wolves include Brock Duke (Indiana Southeast), Cory Proctor (Triton), and Alex Vogel (Coe). The only true freshman is Shazzon Mumphrey from Louisville, KY.
"All four of these young men should play a significant role this year," according to Kuhn.
Proctor averaged 7.8 points for Triton last year and Kuhn looks for him to have a good season.
"Cory can really shoot the ball well but he has the ability to get to the basket as well. Vogel and Duke are both very skilled I look for all three of them to have outstanding seasons."
The Wolves, who are back to back Region IV and N4C conference champs, have a chance to be competitive again.
"In order for us to be a top team it will be important for us to come together quickly as we have so many new players, stated Kuhn. Look for JJC to have another good season."