Talbert Ollie   #RS   6’2”   210   FR  Forward   Kalamazoo Central High School, Kalamazoo, Michigan

…2003 high school graduate…coached by Tom Shields…1st Team All Conference receiver in football...started 17 games in basketball, averaging 15 points and 5 assists...studying Computer Information Systems at KVCC

Coach’s Comments:  “Benito is making his first attempt to play college basketball.  He has good quickness and speed, but must become comfortable with new offensive and defensive systems.  He has made the decision to red-shirt this season.”

Shawn Earl   #3   5'9"   160   FR   Guard   Three Rivers High School, Three Rivers, Michigan

…2004 graduate...coached by Frelen Gowen...played his Freshman and Sophomore years at Colon HS...St. Joe Valley All Conference his sophomore year... earned Detroit Free Press 3rd Team All State honors...All Wolverine Conference selection two times...led conference in scoring his senior year with 17 points per game...also led conference in 3's made that same season...made the Honor Roll and played varsity basketball all four high school years...led his team to two consecutive Wolverine Conference Championships...majoring in Pharmacy

Coach’s Comments:  “Shawn attended Grand Valley State University last year, but he missed competitive college basketball.  He comes to us as a solid point guard who had an outstanding high school career.  His dribbling skills and his understanding of the game make him a welcome addition.  He will be challenged with guarding taller, stronger guards, but his determination to succeed more than offsets his physical size.  His solid passing skills and his exceptional unselfish attitude inspires others to play hard and together.  He will be a key player for us this season."

Kevin Ludwig   #5   6'2"   170   FR   Guard   West Ottawa High School,   Holland, Michigan

…2005 graduate...coached by Von Washington...Tri-captain his seniior year...led his school to its first conference championship in 34 years in the OK Red Lakeshore league...03-04 16-6 record is the best in school history...BCAM Honorable Mention All State...1st Team All Conference junior and senior seasons...two-time Holland Sentinel All Area Team...Holland Sentinel Player of the Year in 04-05...two time Zeeland Record All Area pick...averaged 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists last year...3.2 high school GPA...undecided on major
 

Coach’s Comments:  “Kevin is a versatile player.  We are grooming him to add point guard to the various positions he can play.  He is an excellent shooter, and dribbles the ball well.  His fine leaping ability will enable him to be a solid rebounder for a perimeter player.  As he improves his defense and becomes stronger physically, his game will elevate significantly.  Kevin will be counted upon heavily as the season progresses."

Dontae Burnett   #11   5'11   180   FR   Guard   Northrup High School, Ft. Wayne, Indiana
…Dontae was seen by Cougar loyalist Bill Hiday at an open gym shootout in Ft. Wayne last spring...he was encouraged to attend a KVCC Open Gym a few days later...Dontae impressed the Cougar coaches and, inspite of not playing high school basketball at Northrup, he decided to give college basketball a shot...2003 graduate...first year of college competition...solid SAT scores...Business Administration major

Coach’s Comments:  “Dontae is another rare athlete that is attempting to jump from no high school basketball his senior year and no competitive basketball since then into the community college arena.  Few players are able to make such a jump successfully, but Dontae has the desire and the quickness to make it happen.  He is an emotional player that is determined to succeed.  Dontae must develop more consistent fundamental skills, and he must learn to use his quickness to prevent offensive penetration against him.  His improvement in these areas, plus his ability to become comfortable with college offensive patterns will, to a large degree, determine the amount of playing time he could receive this year.  His attitude and work ethic should accelerate his development." 

Daniel Gay, Jr.   #13   6'1"   185   FR   Guard   Union High School, Grand Rapids, Michigan

...2003 graduate of Union HS...coached by Bennette Gay...National Honor Roll...attended Aquinas College then Grand Rapids CC before transferring to KVCC...first season of college competition...received numerous All City, All Area, and Advanced All Area West honors from the Grand Rapids Press...led the city in scoring with a 19.6 average his senior year...also averaged 6.7 assists that same year...Free Press All State Class A Honorable Mention...Liberal Arts major

Coach’s Comments: “Daniel's progress was slowed by a bad back forcing him to miss two weeks of early practice.  However, his desire to play, coupled with his defensive quickness will make him a valuable asset to our team.  His solid outside shot, and fine dribbling skills make him a fine 2-guard.  Daniel is a good team player with the athleticism and attitude to become a good college athlete.  As he becomes stronger and learns to play more physically, and as he becomes more comfortable with the offensive patterns, his contribution should increase. He has already gained the respect of his teammates both on and off the court.  He certainly is a welcome addition to our program."

Jaime Brandon   #15   6'0"   190   SO   F/G   Monterey High School, Lubbock, Texas

…graduated in 1998 with honors...returns to the KVCC basketball program following a short stint (Winter '05 semester) on the team...prior to enrolling at KVCC, Jaime attended Texas Tech University, accumulating a 3.12 GPA in the Field of Exercise and Sports Sciences...recognized by the MCCAA last semester as Academic All Conference and Academic All State...hopes to realize his full basketball potential on the collegiate level...Secondary Education major with an interest in coaching and teaching Math

Coach’s Comments: “Jaime is a solid student-athlete.  He has shown a remarkable desire to improve as a basketball player.  Although he saw limited action last winter, this time around he has dedicated himself to maximizing his potential.  A hard worker who must continue to improve his dribbling, passing, and shooting skills in order to gain significant playing time.  His agility and quickness will enable him to become a fine defensive player.  He is a consummate team player and has earned the respect of every person in the program.  Several faculty have commented that he is a joy to have in class as well."

Dirail Flenorl, II    #21      6’3”     175      SO   Forward   Portage Central High School, Portage, Michigan

...2004 graduate...coached by Dominic Siciliano...averaged 11.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in league action last season...Most Improved Player his Junior year in high school...as a senior he averaged 16 points and 7 rebounds for the Mustangs...Most Valuable Player and recipient of the Captain Award his senior year at PCHS...outstanding leaper ...1st Team All Conference in tough SMAC conference...would like to continue to play college basketball following the conclusion of his KVCC career…Psychology major

Coach’s Comments: “Dirail is playing with much more confidence this season.  He is a team player with an excellent attitude.  He must continue to gain strength and aggressiveness in order to hold his own on the boards in our conference.  He is finishing his drives better, and he has improved his ball handling and dribbling skills significantly.  Every coach would enjoy having Dirail on his team because he is eager to learn, and he leads by example.  His continued development will play a great role in our overall success as a team this season.”

Paul Griffith   #23   6'4"   200   FR   Guard   Ottawa Hills High School, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Ian West   #25   6'4"   175   FR   Guard/Forward   Allegan High School, Allegan, Michigan

…2003 high school graduate…coached by Dave Ingles...did not play basketball his senior season in high school...took time off to regain his focus...passed 12 hours in the summer '05 semester at KVCC with a 3.75 GPA...also worked hard on his game this past summer and in September open gyms…Liberal Arts major

Coach’s Comments: “Ian has a great work ethic, and has committed himself to making our squad.  He must become stronger, especially relating to dribbling and guarding.  He has a good enough understanding of the game to play point guard, but his point guard skills must show rapid improvement in order to gain any minutes on the court this season.  His team approach makes him a joy to have around.  His fine attitude has already earned him the respect of each player in our program."

Alan Robinson   #31   6'5"   220   SO   Forward/Center   St. Joseph High School, St. Joseph, Michigan

…2004 high school graduate…coached by former Cougar Gregg Schaffer...3.83 GPA in his first two semesters at KVCC...after coming off knee surgery last year, he averaged 3.6 points in limited action...as a senior in high school he won First Team All Division honors...former KVCC Cougar Basketball Camp MVP ...averaged 14 points and 5 rebounds per game during senior campaign in the tough Big 16 Conference…scored 26 points in the South Bend Tribune Metro All Star after high school...helped his team to a 14-7 record his senior year...Secondary Education major...wants to coach basketball and teach Math and History

Coach’s Comments: “After being set back last season with surgery on a chronically painful knee, Alan is making a strong effort to contribute this season.  Alan has solid post moves to compliment his good hands and instincts.  Alan is a tremendous student and has unselfishly assisted in helping other players in study tables.  The extent of his on-court contributions will depend primarily upon his ability to defend and his rebounding efficiency."

Jon-Lamar Hamilton   #33   6'3"   190   FR   Guard   Huron High School, Ann Arbor, Michigan

…2005 high school graduate…coached by Waleed Samaha and former Cougar All American, Scott Hunter ...averaged 17 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 steals on his 17-6 team...tri-captain his senior year...member of Free Press' 2nd Team All Metro West and Associated Press Honorable Mention All State teams ...Business major

Coach’s Comments: “Jon-Lamar has good size and quickness for a perimeter player.  He has a good work ethic, and should improve his game rapidly.  He is already a fine defender, and his versatility makes it possible to play him at several different positions, including point guard.  His game will improve immensely as he works on his outside shot and his quickness of release.  To play successfully at the point guard position, he also must become more agile dribbling the ball.  Jon-Lamar's development will be a key factor in the success of this year's Cougar squad."

Josh Bartlett   #35   6'7"   200   FR   Forward/Center   Lakeview High School, Lakeview, Michigan

…2005 graduate…coached by Kyle Hondorp…two years CSAA 1st Team honoree...also Daily News 2004-05 Player of the Year...Montcalm County Dream Team...Detroit Free Press All State Honorable Mention...MEAP scholarship recipient...averaged 19.9 points and 9.5 rebounds in senior year...undecided on college major at this time.

Coach’s Comments: “Josh is one of our taller players so he is being counted upon to fill a rebounding need on this team.  He has a fine shooting touch, and good court vision.  Josh must show improvement dribbling the basketball to be able to succeed on the perimeter.  He also will have to defend smaller, quicker players from this position.  He must continue to adjust to the increased intensity of the college game to be able to realize his potential this season."

Justin Thorp   #41   6'6"   235   FR     Center   Charlevoix High School, Charlevoix, Michigan

…1999 high school graduate…coached by Keith Haske…All Conference Honorable Mention...averaged a double-double, 10 points and 10 rebounds as his Class C team won Districts, Regionals, and Quarterfinals before losing to Kalamazoo Christian at the Breslin Center...was a teammate of Cougar Assistant Coach Matt Dennis...received his Construction License and has worked the last six years in construction  ...would like to become an Elementary Art teacher and is giving thoughts to coaching the game of basketball

Coach’s Comments: “Justin adds some experience and maturity to this team.  He is a strong rebounder, and possesses a good understanding of the game.  Justin's work ethic and his determination to get a college degree and to play college basketball are unique.  Justin should become one of our most solid rebounders this season.  His extraordinary motivation to succeed should propel him into a leadership role on this team as the season progresses.  His unselfishness and his willingness to serve others make him a positive role model.  Justin must continue to run the floor hard, and he must continue to work hard to defend, especially on the perimeter.  Regardless of how many minutes he ends up playing, I am confident that he will give his best for the team in them all.  He is a welcome addition to our program."

Darre Johnson   #43   6'4"   185   SO   Forward   Wayne Memorial High School, Inkster, Michigan

John Neal   #45   6'5"   225   SO   Forward   Mattawan High School, Mattawan, Michigan
 
…2003 high school graduate…coached by Dan Hoff...won All Conference Honors in both of his final high school seasons...1st Team All-Courier his senior year...All District in baseball at Mattawan...played basketball at Madonna University in 03-04, then transferred to KVCC to play baseball last season...Dean's List at Both Madonna and KVCC...MCCAA Academic All Western Conference and MCCAA Academic All State last year at KVCC...majoring in Architecture

Coach’s Comments: “John is a determined student-athlete who comes to our program with a solid fundamental background.  He picks up offensive and defensive concepts very well, and his work ethic adds to his effectiveness.  He must excel at the little things as he often will be matched up against a bigger or quicker opponent.  I am glad he decided to play basketball for us this year.  He will undoubtedly make an important contribution to our success."

Kyle Laker   #51   6'7"   190   FR   Forward   Wayland High School, Wayland, Michigan

John Rach   #53   6'6   250   FR   Center/Forward   St. Joseph High School, St. Joseph, Michigan
 
…2003 high school graduate…coached by former Cougar Gregg Schaffer...averaged 8 points and 8.5 rebounds a game in the tough SMAC Conference...transferred from WMU because he wants to play on a team again...Secondary Education major who hopes to teach Science or Math and coach someday

Coach’s Comments: “John is working to regain his eligibility this fall.  He should become eligible starting in January.  He has trimmed down, showing immense improvement since last spring.  His work ethic and overall skills make him a viable candidate for some playing time during our league.  He will have to work to improve his defense, but his rebounding ability has already caught our eye."

Keyven Welch   #RS  6'6"   245   FR   Center   Ottawa Hills High School, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Kyle Daneff   #RS   6'4"   185   FR   Forward/Guard   East Jordan High School, East Jordan, Michigan
 
…2005 high school graduate…coached by Lance Bailey...3 time All Conference performer...averaged 22 points per game his final season...selected MVP of the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan annual C-D All Star game...major undecided at this time

Coach’s Comments: “Kyle is a hard worker that is trying to adjust to the pace of the college game.  He is a fine shooter, but must learn to handle the ball more effectively on the perimeter, and defend smaller and sometimes quicker guards.  He has a good attitude about the game and should improve with proper focus and concentration.  He has decided to red-shirt this season."

Matt Dennis
Assistant Coach Charlevoix, MI

Third year Assistant Coach, Matt Dennis, has become a part of the coaching staff after playing on two successful KVCC teams in 2001-02 and 2002-03.  He showed tremendous improvement as a player while at KVCC and his attitude helped shape the success of the teams he played on.  Matt assisted at Charlevoix High School during their MHSAA State Runner-up Class C finish in 2000-01.  Matt is currently the Director of the Basketball Minds Summer Camps in Northern Michigan.  His is currently also serving as a KVCC part-time instructor in the Wellness and Physical Education Department.  He is pursuing his Bachelor's Degree in Health Education at Western Michigan University. 

"As Matt begins his third season on the KVCC staff, he brings a wealth of experience to the job.  Matt has a keen eye for evaluating talent, both from the attitudinal as well as the physical aspect.  He is a tireless worker with a great perspective on the role athletics can play in a student's overall growth and development.  We're blessed to have a person of his quality in this position." 

B.J. Boyden

Student Assistant Coach
Washington, D.C.

...born and raised in Washington, D. C. ...graduated from Oxon Hill High School in Fort Washington, Maryland...running back and middle linebacker in high school...has always loved sports.

 "BJ has already contributed heavily to our program.  He is energetic, focused, and determined to succeed.  His likeable personality makes him a tremendous asset to our coaching staff.  His is always eager to do whatever he can to make our program run more smoothly and to help our student-athletes succeed, both in the classroom and on the court.  Calling him a young Leonard Jordan is one of the finest compliments I could give him.  We're glad he's here."