Tommie Carter   #0   6'1"   182   FR   Guard   Northwestern High School,   Detroit, Michigan

…2007 high school graduate…coached by Steve Hall...played varsity basketball all 4 years...played in the All Star game at Five Star Camp last year...Free Press All State Honorable Mention...Prep Spotlight Top 50 shooting guards in Michigan...averaged 16 points per game last season, many coming in transition...averaged a team high 4 steals per game his senior season...Criminal Justice major

Coach’s Comments:  “Tommie has excellent quickness and has shown signs of being a fine long-range shooter.  He finishes well around the basket and has shown signs of being able to become a solid defender.  Tommie's challenge is to play more consistently on balance on offense, and become more aware of weakside defense.  His effort and attitude could make him a major contributor this season."

Dominique McKinney   #1   5'10"   160   FR   Guard   Central High School,   Battle Creek, Michigan

…2007 graduate...coached by Greg Williams...averaged 9.3 points for the Bearcats while leading his team in assists and 3-point percentage shooting...earned Battle Creek Enquirer All City Honors in the tough SMAC...dropped in 53 triples on his frosh team...majoring in Public Relations and Communications

Coach’s Comments:  “Dominique has worked hard to survive the rigorous tryout battles.  He must gain more confidence and improve his consistency at both ends to be able to earn playing time this season.  He has shown signs of handling the ball well enough to run our team, and his defense is improving so the jury is still out on the extent of his minutes played this season.  As his intensity and shot selection improve, so should his contribution and playing opportunities." 
 

Ryan Sisson   #2   6'3"   175   FR   Forward   Thornapple-Kellogg High School,   Middleville, Michigan

…2007 graduate...coached by Lance Laker...was leading scorer (17 points per game) and rebounder (9 per game) in the league that has recently produced Drew Neitzel (MSU) and David Kool (WMU)...earned OK Gold All Conference honors in both his junior and senior seasons...interested in a Secondary Education degree so he can teach Special Education and coach basketball

Coach’s Comments:  “Ryan is another of many of our swing-type players.  He has good athleticism and could surprise as the season progresses.  He seems more comfortable facing the basket, but must develop better perimeter skills to play outside.  Rebounding appears to be a strong suit for him and his mid-range jumper has been effective in early practices.  I am anxious to see how quickly he can develop into a solid college player.  I would not be surprised if he becomes a major factor in our season.  His attitude and work ethic will hasten his development."
 

Nick Neal   #3   5'11"   155   SO   Guard   Southeastern High School,   Detroit, Michigan

...2006 graduate...coached by Carlton Johnson...selected as a captain for this season...played in all 30 games last season, starting most of them late in the season...averaged 6.2 points and 3.5 assists...earned Most Improved Player award his junior year in high school...has traveled overseas to play in Ireland...WPE Major...wants to teach and coach

Coach’s Comments: “Nick came on strong last season and has worked hard in the off season on his fundamental skills.  He has improved in every aspect of the game: shooting, dribbling, passing, defending, and leading.  Consistency will be his greatest challenge.  He must learn to stay on balance when he penetrates, and he must continue to improve his decision making.  He must lead on and off the floor.  When he does these things, he will be a big factor in our success."

Nick Watts   #5   6'4"   185   FR   Guard   West Ottawa High School,  Holland, Michigan

Brendan Birchmeier   #11   6'3"   185   FR   Guard   Corunna High School,   Corunna, Michigan

...2007 graduate...coached by former Cougar John Fattal until his senior season, then by Jason Schemenauer...averaged 18 points while a junior earning First Team All Mid-Michigan Conference recognition ...played only 5 games his senior year before a tear of his ACL required surgery, thus ending his senior season prematurely...played AAU basketball with the Mid-Michigan Hurricanes and Mid-Michigan Mustangs...undecided on a major

Coach’s Comments:  “Brendan has a keen sense for fundamental basketball.  He has recovered nicely from his surgery, and he has shown the ability to play several positions, including point guard, in early practices.  His trademark should be solid play, and as his strength and confidence improve, he should play a vital role for the Cougars this season." 
 

Derek Turtle   #13   5'11"   170   FR   G   Marcellus High School,   Marcellus, Michigan

…2007 high school graduate …coached by Dennis Small...small school standout leading Marcellus to a 20-4 season and a Conference and District Championship his final season and a Conference Championship during his 17-3 junior year...earned First Team All Conference honors both his junior and senior seasons...Honorable Mention All State his senior year...Business Major

Coach’s Comments: “Derek is a former Cougar summer basketball camper.  He has demonstrated solid point guard skills in high school.  Tendonitis in his patella tendon has slowed his pre-season workouts.  He missed the first four weeks of practice, but is still hopeful of healing and making the transition to college basketball quickly.  He has excellent dribbling skills and, when healthy, he jumps extremely well for a point guard.  As disappointing as the injury is, I remain confident that Derek will prevail over this adversity."
 

Shawn Carter    #15      6’3”     205      SO   Forward   Community High School, Detroit, Michigan

...2006 graduate...coached by Nkwane Young...averaged 10.4 points and 5.3 rebounds while earning Freshman of the Year honors for the Cougars...selected as a captain on this year's team...selected Free Press All City and Honorable Mention All State while averaging 18 points and 7 rebounds for his 20-6 Community High School team...Nursing major

Coach’s Comments: “Shawn came on strong late last season.  His passion and enthusiasm for the game have driven him to work hard to develop his skills over the summer.  He will play against bigger opponents regularly, but his energy level will give them problems.  Shawn is being looked upon for his rebounding and scoring, but even more importantly, for his leadership on and off the court.  I'm confident that he will be up to the task."
 

Jovon Mosley   #21   6'3"   205   SO   Guard-Forward   Lincoln High School,  Warren, Michigan
 

...2006 graduate...coached by James Benefield...helped his Conference and District Championship high school team to a 21-2 record averaging 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists his final season...earned Class B All State honors as well as Free Press First Team All East, First Team B-C-D, and First Team All Macomb County honors... averaged 17 points and 5 rebounds for his 20-3 high school team...named Co-MVP and All Mac Silver Conference First Team his final high school season...transferring from Panola Junior College in Texas...Communications major

Coach’s Comments: “Jovon has only one season with us.  He is a decent perimeter shooter and has a strong first step to the basket.  The extent of his contribution may well depend on his improvement in his overall intensity, especially at the defensive end.  Jovon is a pleasant surprise and could develop into a major contributor as he adjusts to our expectations this season."
 

Jeremy Hunter   #23   5'9"   140   SO   Guard   Pinckney High School, Pinckney, Michigan
 
...2006 graduate...played for Terry Trumbull...saw limited action last year in 20 games...earned All Kensington Valley Conference and All Area Honorable Mention honors while averaging 10 points and 4 assists his senior season...Business Administration major

Coach’s Comments: “Jeremy is back determined to make a contribution again this season.  His understanding of the team game works to his advantage.  His ability to handle the ball against quicker and bigger opponents and his ability to defend them will again be the determining factors in the amount of playing time he may earn."
 

   Mark Casterman   #25   6'3"   200   FR   Forward   Central High School,   Grand Rapids, Michigan

…2007 graduate...coached by Troy Wilbon and Van Mayfield...All City Wide Receiver...averaged 15 points and 9 rebounds for the Rams...selected Grand Rapids Central Athlete of the Year...interested in pursuing a degree in either Nursing or Business

Coach’s Comments:  “Mark is an energetic, athletic small forward.  He possesses the potential to become an explosive scorer, especially on the offensive glass.  He must learn to harness his talents and play more consistently on balance.  When he develops his mental toughness, he should also become a solid defender.  Perhaps rebounding at both ends will ultimately be the shining part of his game.  The jury is still out, but Mark is a player worth watching.  He could be the sleeper on this year's team." 
 

Jason Cockrell   #33   6'6"   220   FR   Center   West High School, Traverse City, Michigan
 

…2007 high school graduate…coached by Brett Graham...averaged 18 points, 9 rebounds while earning All Big North Conference honors...played some varsity as a freshman...was rated in the Mlive Basketball Bulletin's Top 50 players in Michigan last season...undecided on a major

Coach’s Comments: “The best part of Jason's game right now is his rebounding.  As he develops more low post moves and improves his defensive understanding, he should become a solid college player.  Jason is an unselfish player who must learn to run the floor better and play with more intensity at both ends of the court before he will be able to maximize his talents."
 

   Bobbie Patton   #35   6'3"   190   FR   Guard-Forward   Comstock High School, Comstock, Michigan

…2007 graduate…coached by former Cougar, Mike McKinley...averaged 15 points a game in both his junior and senior campaigns...a two-time Wolverine Conference All Star...played both guard and forward in high school...majoring in Computer Science

Coach’s Comments: “Bobbie has worked hard toward becoming successful as a college player.  He is another slashing-type player that must improve his guard skills, especially dribbling, against smaller guards and must also improve his rebounding against larger players.  His performance so far has been a pleasant surprise.  He seems committed to doing what must be done to help this team.  I am impressed with his desire, his energy, and his coachability.  He must get stronger and continue to improve his decision-making, but his current attitude could enable him to earn valuable playing time."

 

  
   Andrew Glascodine   #41   6'5"   195   FR   Forward   Northern High School, Portage, Michigan

…2007 high school graduate…exchange student from Aberdeen, Scotland...coached by Ben Neal...played on the under 18 Scotland National Team, averaging 12.9 points and 9.0 rebounds in the 2006 European Championships...averaged 10 points and 8.5 rebounds for the Huskies 14-9 season...majoring in Wellness and Physical Education

Coach’s Comments: “Andrew is working hard to adjust to the speed and quickness of the college game.  He has a good attitude and is progressing in the areas of defense and rebounding.  He must hasten his improvement in order to get playing time this season.  His desire to do so will aid him in this struggle to take his game to the next level."

   Michael Tilmon, Jr.   #43   6'6"   210   SO   Center   Martin Luther King High School,   Detroit, Michigan

…2006 graduate...coached by former MSU standout, Benny White...played in all 30 KVCC games last season, averaging 5.9 points and 5.4 rebounds...finished 2nd on 06-07 Cougar team with 31 blocked shots...averaged 10 points and 10 rebounds for his District Championship MLK team...earned Honorable Mention All Conference honors in the tough Detroit PSL...pursuing a Liberal Arts degree

Coach’s Comments:  “Michael has a tremendous desire to learn.  As a result he has come back more determined than ever to increase his contribution to this year's squad.  He has been selected as one of the captains for this season.  Michael's quickness and agility, combined with his mental toughness, makes him a solid defender.  His mid-range jumper has improved as have his low post skills so we expect him to get to the line often this season.  His positive attitude and contagious enthusiasm suggest that he will have a productive year." 

   Ryan Chambers   #53   6'7"   230   SO   Center   Schoolcraft High School,   Schoolcraft, Michigan

…2006 graduate...coached by Randy Small...earned a 3.75 GPA at KVCC last year...Dean's List...Honor Roll student all four years of high school...played golf at Schoolcraft HS also...averaged 10 points and 10 rebounds his senior season of high school...Business Administration major

Coach’s Comments:  “Ryan is one of those players every coach desires to have on his team.  He works hard every day to get better, and he is the consummate team player.  Ryan has earned the respect of his coaches, teachers, and teammates.  In order for him to receive playing time this year, he will have to improve his low post skills and his ability to defend inside and outside.  His desire to do both will give him a chance to contribute again this season." 

   Matt Dennis
   Assistant Coach, Charlevoix, MI

Fifth year Assistant Coach, Matt Dennis, has become an integral part of the coaching staff after playing on KVCC's 2001-02 and 2002-03 teams.  He showed tremendous improvement as a player while at KVCC and his attitude helped shape his teams' successes.  Matt assisted at Charlevoix High School during their MHSAA State Runner-up Class C finish in 2000-01.  Matt is currently working as an Advocate in the newly formed KVCC Student Success Center.  He recently received his Bachelor's Degree in Health Education at Western Michigan University.  He and former KVCC volleyball standout, A. J. Jager, now Mrs. Dennis, are proud parents of one-year-old daughter, Olivia.

"As Matt begins his fifth 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.  His roll has been expanded to include pre-season conditioning and strength training as well as coaching.  His new job in the Student Success Center will expand the number of students that will be helped by his unique talent.   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 caliber in this role at KVCC."