1998-99 KVCC Men’s Basketball Team
Parke
Bluhm Born: 6/10/79...a '98 graduate of East Jordan HS...poured in 43 vs
Mancelona...averaged 16 points and 4 assists to lead his team to a 14-7 season...shot an
impressive 45% from 3-pt range...selected MVP of his high school team...wants to become a
Graphic Designer
Coach's comments: Parke is a very skilled, rugged, and hard-nosed point guard in the
tradition of many former small quarterbacks that have succeeded at KVCC. His fiercely
competitive approach and his unselfish play make Parke a valuable asset in spite of his
5'8" stature. As always, the ability to guard taller guards may determine the extent
of his contribution this year. However, with his current approach to the game, he will
only get better.
Eugene
Brooks Born: 4/8/77...a '96 graduate of Ypsilanti HS...attended Rochester College (MI)
for a brief stint in the spring of' '97 ...in his final high school season, averaged 21.6
ppg, 3.1 rpg, and 4.2 apg with two single game scoring highs of 31 vs Highland Park and
Detroit Catholic Central...was selected First Team All-Conference and First Team All-Area,
and led the conference in scoring his senior year in high school...wants to major either
in communications or education...considering teaching WPE classes and coaching basketball
and/or football at the high school level
Coach's comments: Eugene is a pleasant surprise addition. His diminuitive size (5'7")
belies his quickness and his outstanding shooting ability. He handles the ball well, and
is a fine passer. Teamwork is already a trademark of his game. Contribution this year at
the hotly-contested guard spot could well be determined by his ability to play without
making many mistakes and his ability to defend taller guards."
Michael
Davis Born: 11/7/72...a hard-working, non-traditional student who has dreamed of
playing college basketball for some time...graduated from Kalamazoo Central HS in
1990...has taken classes, mostly part-time, at KVCC for several years, but finally
positioned himself to be able to tryout for the team...had an impressive summer in one of
the area's top competitive leagues at the Douglass Community Center...majoring in
accounting but might decide to go into teaching
Coach's comments: Mike is a focused, determined
student-athlete. His desire to play at KVCC has already had a positive impact on those
around him. He has an outstanding work-ethic, and his ardent preparation has literally put
him in position to be able to contribute to a college basketball program, in spite of not
having formal teaching or coaching for over 8 years. He is a rugged rebounder and will get
to the FT line often because of his powerful inside play. He can also shoot from the
perimeter. His biggest challenge will be to develop his fundamentals to the point of being
able to maximize his potential as a basketball player. His steady leadership is needed and
appreciated.
Kevin
Darby Born: 6/4/76...versatile performer "discovered" by former KVCC
standout Corey Sterling, who is currently playing for Wisconsin-Parkside in Kenosha,
WI...graduated from Horlick HS in Racine in 1993...led his 21-4 team in rebounding (10 per
game) and FT percentage (.899) while scoring 10 ppg...majoring in Business Marketing
Coach's comments: After working for 4 years beyond high
school, Kevin now is ready to buckle down to become a student-athlete. He is a talented
performer who has his priorities in order. He can play a variety of positions. Most
impressive, however, is the way he works hard every day to improve his skills. He likes to
play defense and could become a stellar defender with proper focus. He is an excellent
team player, and he definitely has the ability to play at a 4-year school after KVCC.
Kevin's development will be a key factor in the success of this year's team.
Lavelle
Guess Born: 9/16/78...comes from Chuck Henry's highly successful Wayne Memorial
squad...while scoring 16 ppg, he earned All Area, All Conference, and Honorable Mention
All State honors in his final high school season...last year he led KVCC's State
Championship team in steals with 79...averaged 9.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists
in 30 games...season scoring high was 23 vs Lake Michigan...pursuing a degree in Business
Management and desires to go into sales or finance after achieving his Bachelor's Degree
Coach's comments: Lavelle was a key component of last season's
success. He is a versatile athlete. His slender frame belies his outstanding quickness and
anticipation. He is a fundamentally sound team player that will undoubtedly contribute
heavily again this year. He is working to become even more aggressive at both the
offensive and defensive ends. He is a pleasure to coach because he leads by example.
Neil Johnson Born: 2/15/79...another in an ever-growing line of
Cougars from Schoolcraft HS...point guard that averaged 15 ppg and 5 apg while receiving
All SJV Conference Honors his senior year...won the Alfie Award for outstanding attitude
on last year's team...contributed sparingly in terms of minutes played, but impressively
in terms of overall contribution last year...his excellent shot makes moving from point to
second guard a distinct possibility...currently representing male athletes at KVCC in his
role on the Student Coalition Committee...majoring in Computer Programming
Coach's comments: Neil is every coach's dream...his
outstanding leadership qualities and his uncommon maturity enable him to contribute
mightily in whatever position he finds himself. He is not currently planning to coach
after graduation, but should that become a possibility for him, it would be a good match.
His steady work ethic combined with his excellent understanding of the game and his solid
fundamentals have made his improvement more rapid than normal. The extent of his playing
time this year may be determined by how well he can defend quicker guards and how well he
can dribble against quicker guards. Even though this team has many quality guards, Neil's
decision-making and his work ethic could propel him into significant playing time.
Andy McCormack Born: 6/13/79...point guard on Marshall's 26-1
Michigan Division II Runner-up last March...went to EMU for pre-season soccer tryouts and
returned to KVCC at the last minute to play basketball instead...averaged 7 points and 5
assists for Dan Coddens= magical team...was selected Honorable Mention All League and
Honorable Mention All State and was awarded "Unsung Hero" recognition on his
team...majoring in Secondary Education...wants to teach in a WPE curriculum and coach
basketball and/or soccer
Coach's comments: Andy is another pleasant last-minute
addition to our program. He is a coach on the floor. The amount of playing time he will
earn may largely depend upon his strength development and his ability to defend quick
guards on our schedule. He is a pleasure to have around.
Derek
McCoy Born: 3/14/79...explosive leaper from Covert...played in his developmental years
for KVCC long-time friend and summer camp coach, Ken Jackson, who is now Assistant
Principal at Loy Norrix...averaged 17.5 ppg and 12.5 rpg in last season at Covert...hit
single game high of 34 as his team advanced to the regionals...received All Conference and
Honorable Mention All State honors...majoring in construction management
Coach's comments: Derek has a lot of raw talent that needs to
be refined and controlled. He has a sincere desire to learn, both in the classroom and on
the court. Adjusting to college life has been tough, but his determination to be
successful makes it likely that he will reach his goals. He must learn to be patient as he
works hard to improve his fundamentals.
Dion McPherson Born: 4/5/76...graduated from Roberto Clemente
Development Center in Ypsilanti...received his high school diploma from Ann Arbor
Huron...had not played organized interscholastic or intercollegiate basketball until last
year...started fast last year surprising opponents with his quick jumper...averaged 10.6
and shot .347 from 3 point range, netting 35 of a team high 107 attempts...is pursuing a
major in English...wants to be a writer or journalist
Coach's comments: The rigors of college basketball took a toll
on Dion last year. Because of his excellent start, he became the opponent's marked man and
his weaknesses were exploited. He must learn to drive better, must become more physical,
must improve his shot selection and passing ability, and must improve his defense,
especially against stronger opponents. Dion has worked hard in these areas and his play
has already shown remarkable progress this fall, especially in passing and shot selection.
He has the quickness and shooting skills to provide solid offensive punch. Playing at this
level without previous experience has been a major achievement and his desire to play
beyond KVCC has intensified even more this season. His role may vary this year, but he has
shown remarkable maturity and understanding and should make a significant contribution
again.
Chris
Petty Born: 4/29/80...versatile utility player from Birmingham Brother Rice...coached
by former MSU assistant Bill Norton...averaged 11 ppg with single game high of 17 against
powerful University of Detroit Jesuit...team was 16-8 and advanced to regional
finals...was named All County Honorable Mention by the Oakland Press...Vice President of
the KVCC Fellowship of Christian Athletes...studying to become a Special Education teacher
Coach's comments: Chris is one of those support players that
makes other players look better. He will have to learn several positions as his size and
skill level make him what coaches call a "tweener." He's not quite a true guard
nor a true forward nor a true center, but he brings unique skills to each position. Coach
Norton could not say enough good things about Chris' character, leadership, and potential.
He should improve rapidly, but whether or not he earns significant playing time this
season, Chris will definitely be a positive force in our program.
Jeff
Rabey Born: 4/26/79...transfer from Contra Costa CC in California...graduated from
Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills...helped lead his high school team to a Michigan Division I
State Championship...received First Team All Conference and First Team All State
recognition while in high school and community college...averaged 17 points and 13
rebounds per game to lead his community college team last year to a 23-10 record and the
coveted "Elite 8" status in California...has signed a National Letter of Intent
to play at Bradley University...undecided on a major at this time
Coach's comments: Jeff will add a new dimension to KVCC
basketball this season. He is not only tall and strong, but he has excellent hands and
solid post moves. He is a good passer, and should become one of the all time best
rebounders to have ever played at KVCC...for his contribution to be maximized, he will
need to run the floor better and defend both inside and out better. As he improves his
intensity, he will improve his overall game dramatically.
Kyle
Smith Born: 5/12/79...a '97 graduate of Indianapolis Pike HS where he averaged 8 ppg
and 6.5 rpg as Pike HS won the tough Central Suburban Conference title...averaged 9.9 ppg
and set a modern day KVCC rebound record last season by garnering 317 for a 10.9 rpg
ave...led last year's team in charges taken, blocked shots, and minutes played...season
scoring high was 20 vs Clark State...nephew of Dr. Mark Noffsinger, prominent orthopedic
surgeon in Kalamazoo... majoring in Accounting
Coach's Comments: Kyle had a tremendous season for us last
year. He makes excellent decisions on the court. His unselfish team play coupled with his
fine court awareness make him a valuable tool in our offensive attack. In order to reach
his fullest potential, he will need to improve his perimeter defense. His consistently
good attitude, and his improved strength should enable him to make even greater
contributions toward the success of this year's team.
Brian Williams Born: 3/5/80...high school teammate of LaVelle
Guess...coached by Chuck Henry...averaged 18.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists per
game...high game was 31 vs Romulus...high school team was 12-10 and advanced to the
district finals...led his team in scoring, steals, and assists...made the All Conference,
All Area, and Honorable Mention All-State teams ...majoring in business...wants to earn
MBA degree and run his own business someday
Coach's comments: Brian adds many important elements to our
team. He is a tall point guard with excellent quickness. He has a quarterback's mentality.
He works hard. He has fine dribbling skills. He is unselfish, and he can shoot the open
shot. His potential to be an excellent defender and his ability to lead by example make
him a top-notch freshman recruit.
