2003-04 Season Outlook

The early assessment of this new Cougar squad is difficult.  On one hand we appear to have good overall quickness and more athleticism than in some past years.  But, on the other hand, we are not physical and have not established a good inside game at this point.  We should be able to press more than usual, and our depth may be better than last year.

At the point guard position, BJ Jameson (Corunna) and Arthur Price (Winnsboro, SC) return.  BJ is quicker and stronger and is playing with more confidence and an improved shooting touch.  Arthur looks quicker and also more confident in running the squad.  An ankle injury has slowed BJ, but his performance in an early scrimmage--9 points, 0 turnovers--hint at increased playing time.  Both leaders will share time with newcomer, Adam Kerfoot (Gaylord St. Mary's).  Adam averaged a whopping 29.5 points per game while earning 1st Team All State honors.  He is a hard-nosed penetrator that is third in MHSAA history in number of free throws shot during one season.  Although Adam played 2nd guard most of his senior year, he has handled the transition to the point position quite well.  His strength and tenacity help him defend rather well for a freshman.  The battle for playing time at this position has already been intense, and the slight differences among all three players should make for a solid year at this important spot.

The 2nd guard battle is no less intense with four players stepping up to the challenge.  George Sharp (Muskegon) holds an early edge, but, again, at least three other players are VERY close behind.  George is an excellent shooter with good quickness and dribbling skills.  He must improve his team defense and off the ball skills to maintain the edge.  Quincy Bell (Mattawan) has returned from a stint in the Navy and has surprised in early practices.  Quincy has great desire and should become a fine defender in the weeks ahead.  He has a nice left-handed jumper and is perhaps the strongest physically of the scoring guard candidates.  Greg Dutton (Napoleon) surprised in late summer by contacting me about transferring from Adrian College, where he had seen some varsity action as a freshman.  Greg's year of experience has shown in practice.  He is a fine shooter when he gets set, and he picks up offensive patterns well.  He knows where to be on defense and has been able so far to utilize his experience in a battle for playing time.  He was well prepared for the adjustment to Cougar basketball.  And, finally, another serious contender for playing time at the two spot is returnee Gerald Fletcher (Toledo Whitmer).  Gerald saw 14.2 minutes per game last season and contributed 7.9 points per game.  His difficult academic schedule (18 hours) forced him out of practice for a few days, but he has come back strong and will challenge for playing time again.  Gerald has good quickness and works hard, but he must improve his shot selection and consistency to reach his full potential.  This position is still unsettled as we enter the season opener.

David Stephens (Pontiac Northern) has emerged as a prime time player at the small forward spot, but he is getting plenty of competition from newcomer Lorne Johnson (Ypsilanti).  David sparked us repeatedly last year with his "instant offense."  His play has been steady again this year.  Lorne offers solid defensive potential, and has good quickness coupled with, like David, a good work ethic.  Both of these players may play well enough to have to play other positions (David the 5 spot, Lorne the 2 or 1) so they can be on the floor at the same time.  Ace Willhite (Loy Norrix) has shown signs of handling this position admirably as well.  Ace must become more intense and provide greater defense and scoring firepower, but he has the attitude and athleticism that he could surprise before season's end.  Sharp, Bell, and Dutton can also play this position, so the unfolding here will be interesting to watch as well.

Larry Weller (6'5" Comstock) returns at another forward position, and he has returned stronger and better than last year.  His play in an early scrimmage was superlative, but a knee injury has forced him to the sideline.  He has recently had an MRI so his status is hopeful, but uncertain at this time. 

Jamie Smith (6'7" Loy Norrix) has taken the opportunity to play college basketball seriously.  Having been out of school for five years, Jamie continued to play at the Douglass Community Center regularly.  I encouraged him to come to KVCC and give college life his best effort.  He has done just that.  His progress at learning the college game has been impressive.  He still needs to become stronger, and his game must become much more physical, but his shooting and passing skills have given glimpses of his potential.  His development as a solid fundamental player may be the biggest key of all for this year's team. 

Darrahyl Brown (6'5" Mattawan) has also been out of school for a few years.  He is realizing a childhood dream of playing basketball at the college level.  Darrahyl is slender for his position, but he is determined to overcome this factor with his quickness and finesse.  His attitude has been outstanding, and he should play a lot for the Cougars this season.   Gareth Murray (6'6" Pennfield) came to Battle Creek as an exchange student from Scotland.  He has enough of all the skills in the game to become a good college player.  He must learn to play with more intensity and physical strength, but his desire to improve has shown us that he could develop quickly.  He could become a fine rebounder as he becomes a more aggressive player.  Jarett Flechsenhaar (6'11" Yuma, AZ) could be a sleeper for us this year.  Injuries have prevented him from practicing and red-shirting may become an option.  He has the badly needed size that could fill a hole in the middle for us.  His participation this season, however, is doubtful at this juncture.

In summary, I am pleased with the work ethic and the overall attitude of this team at this point in the season.  However, we are not ready to make a serious run for the championship yet.  We have been solid at not turning the ball over much in our early scrimmages, but our team defense has been sporadic at best.  We hope to be up tempo again this year, looking to fast break at every opportunity.  But we also realize that we must control the boards to make this happen.  We are improving at blocking out, but this area remains a concern.  Our quickness and our depth, hopefully, will enable us to press more, thereby forcing the up tempo style a bit.   Keys will again be defensive improvement, both inside and on the perimeter, better screening, cutting, and passing to establish the open man, and definitely, rebounding.  This squad will not be "big" or particularly physical so we must depend upon helping each other out to plug up the holes.

We obviously have a lot of work to do, but I am confident that the character of the players we have will enable us to improve steadily.  I'm looking forward to a challenging and rewarding season.

Why not come out to see some exciting basketball?  Bring a friend and see the 2003-04 Cougars continue the tradition!

[2003-04 Player Sketches]