2019 RCTC Men's Basketball Season Program

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2019-20

SEASON PROGRAM

MEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE DATE VS

TIME

10/5

TBA

JUCO Jam Scrimmage @ Ames, IA

10/12 Elgin Jamboree @ Elgin, IL

TBA

11/1

UW-River Falls

6:00pm

11/8

Bay College

7:30pm

11/15

@ Carleton College

6:30pm

BASKETBALL FANS...

11/19 Dakota County TC

7:00pm

11/20 Saint Mary's University of MN JV

7:00pm

11/26 Madison College

7:30pm

Welcome to another exciting year of Yellowjacket Basketball! As president of this great institution, I am excited for what the year holds for our student-athletes, both on and off the court.

12/3

Gustavus JV

7:00pm

12/6

Vermilion CC *

7:30pm

12/7

Mesabi Range CTC *

3:00pm

RCTC strives to maintain an outstanding athletic program, which includes setting examples of good sportsmanship and providing personal growth opportunities for our student-athletes through both academic performance and team experiences. This is accomplished by living our values of being learner-centered, valuing excellence, respect, teamwork, innovation, and, along the way, having a little fun.

In addition to our athletic programs, student-athletes may choose from a variety of other student life activities to assist them in developing their leadership and other life skills. So, while on our campus, feel free to tour the RCTC Campus and check out what opportunities await you at RCTC. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll find.

GO YELLOWJACKETS!

Jeffery S. Boyd President

12/13 @ Northland CTC *

7:30pm

12/14 @ Itasca CC

7:30pm

12/20 Anoka Ramsey Classic @ Coon Rapids, MN

vs. Bismarck State College 12/21 vs. Bay College

TBA 3:00pm

1/3

1/4

DCTC Classic @ Inver Grove Heights, MN vs. North Dakota State College of Science vs. Dakota County TC

4:00pm 3:00pm

1/8

@ Western TC *

7:00pm

1/11

Ridgewater College *

3:00pm

1/15

@ Riverland CC *

7:30pm

1/18

St. Cloud TCC *

3:00pm

1/22

Anoka-Ramsey CC *

7:00pm

1/25

@ Minnesota State CTC *

3:00pm

1/29

Minnesota West CTC

7:00pm

2/2

@ Ridgewater College *

3:00pm

2/5

Western Technical College *

7:00pm

2/8

@ St. Cloud TCC *

3:00pm

2/12

Riverland CC *

7:30pm

2/15

Minnesota State CTC *

3:00pm

2/19

@ Anoka-Ramsey CC *

7:30pm

2/22

@ Minnesota West CTC

3:00pm

2/29

Region XIII Tournament @ Coon Rapids, MN

TBA

3/1

Region XIII Tournament @ Coon Rapids, MN

TBA

3/19

NJCAA National Tournament @ Rochester, MN

TBA

* Denotes Conference Games

ROCHESTER YELLOWJACKETS

2019-20 MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM

TEAM ROSTER

NO

NAME

HT

POS

2

Riley VanBuskirk

G

5'9

FR

Lino Lakes, MN

3

Elijah Flenorl

G

6'1

FR

Milwaukee, WI

4

Travis Newman

G

6'0

FR

St. Cloud, FL

5

Antonio Maddox

G

6'1

FR

Milwaukee, WI

10

Mickey Jah

G

5'9

SO

Richfield, MN

11

Kong Kong

F

6'6

SO

Minneapolis, MN

12

Jashawn Campbell

G

5'9

FR

Dayton, OH

15

Jeziah Cooper

G

6'1

FR

Woodbury, MN

20

Jerome Cunningham

G

6'4

FR

Fridley, MN

21

Ben Jackson

G

6'1

FR

Inver Grove Heights, MN

22

Karmoga Lero

G

6'2

SO

Mahtomedi, MN

23

Keonte Williams

F

6'4

FR

Stevens Point, WI

24

Ray Adams

G

6'3

SO

Rochester, MN

25

Aidan Delong

F

6'5

FR

Bolckow, MO

32

Devin Melzer

F

6'5

FR

Mahtomedi, MN

33

Will Feller

F

6'5

SO

Des Moines, IA

34

Keivonte Watts

F

6'2

FR

Raymond, MS

Isaac Witt

G

5'9

FR

Roselle, IL

— Page 1 —

CLASS

HOMETOWN/HS

rctcyellowjackets.com

2019-20 BASKETBALL SEASON PROGRAM

2019-20 BASKETBALL COACHING STAFF Brian LaPlante - Men’s Basketball Head Coach enters his 24th season as the Head Coach of the Yellowjackets. His overall record at RCTC since 1997 is 452-204 (70 percent winning percentage). He has had 59 alldivision, 42 all state, and 18 all region players in his tenure. 55 Yellowjackets have went on and competed at various four-year institutions in his 23 seasons as Head Coach. Coach LaPlante was named District 4 Coach of the Year in 2006, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2016. His teams have been to the NJCAA National Tournament six times (2006-5th place, 2010-national runner-up, 2011-national runner-up, 2013 8th place, 2015 3rd place, and 2016 national runner-up). The Yellowjackets have won the MCAC state title in 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2016 under LaPlante.

LaPlante has coached baseball, football, and golf at RCTC, and was an assistant coach at Winona State University in Basketball and Baseball prior to coming to RCTC. He has a B.S. in physical education from WSU (1995) and a master’s in physical education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (2000). He and his wife Kristin have two children, Sean (19) and Kendall (16). He has seven brothers and sisters and 18 nieces and nephews.

Samuel Barnes - Assistant Coach is entering his first season as a student assistant coach at Rochester Community and Technical College. He played one season at RCTC before joining the staff for his sophomore year. Prior to coaching, Sam attended nearby Stewartville High School, where he was a three-time letter winner and two-year captain. He is currently pursuing his liberal arts A.A degree. His family includes his parents Jeff and Connie, and his younger brother Max.

Matt Narveson - Assistant Coach enters his first season as an assistant coach for the Yellowjackets. Narveson joins the staff after gaining six years of experience working in college basketball. He spent six years at Marquette University working for the women’s basketball program, four as a student manager and two as a graduate assistant. While at Marquette, Narveson helped in operations, recruiting, and video work. In the spring of 2013, he was an intern assistant coach for the Yellowjackets under Coach LaPlante. Narveson earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in exercise physiology in 2013 and a graduate degree of sports leadership in 2015 from Marquette University.

Matt Christensen - Assistant Coach enters his sixth season as an assistant coach at RCTC. Prior to his time at RCTC the Northfield, Minn., native played at St. Olaf College where he was a captain his senior year. He also spent time as a personal basketball trainer, AAU boys’ coach for the Minnesota Fury 15U, 16U, coordinator for the Northfield Basketball Association, and led several player development camps. Coach Christensen also spent four years as an assistant men’s basketball coach at Carleton College in Northfield, two of which as the top assistant where he oversaw the defensive side of the ball and opponent scouting and strategy preparation. One highlight during his tenure at Carleton is that the team earned their second ever appearance in the NCAA DIII National Tournament. Matt is married to his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth, and they have three children; Violet (5), Rose (2), and Jack (4 month).

2019-20 MEN’S PLAYERS Elijah Flenorl is from Milwaukee, Wis., where he played shooting guard at Wauwatosa East. He was rewarded with all conference for athletics. His family includes his mother and two little sisters. His major at RCTC is sports med. His favorite movie is Juice. His favorite sports team is the Los Angeles Lakers. He came to RCTC to win.

Keivonte Watts came to RCTC from Raymond High School in Utica, Miss., where his team was National Champion and he was National Champion MVP. At RCTC he plays small forward. His favorite movie is Fast 8, favorite team is Houston Rockets, and favorite food is chicken tenders. He came to RCTC to win a national title and study physical therapy.

Will Feller is from Des Monies, Iowa, and went to Abraham Lincoln High School where he was the captain of the team.

He won first team all conference. As a Yellowjacket, he plays power forward and center. His family includes mom Debbie, dad Michael, Brother Nate, and the family dog. His favorite movie is The Usual Suspects. He prefers to watch solo sports and athletes. He counts seafood and jello as some of his favorite foods. He came to RCTC to study health and exercise science and to win a national championship. His special talents include cooking and chess.

— Page 2 —

Micky Jah is from Minneapolis, Minn., and attended St. Anthony Village High School where is was all conference honorable mention. As a Yellowjacket, he plays point guard.

His family includes his mom and younger brother. His favorite movie is Big Mama’s House, favorite team is the LA Lakers, and favorite food is chicken alfredo. He came to RCTC to study marketing management and win a national championship. His special talent is singing.

Ben Jackson is from St. Paul and went to De LaSalle High School where is was not only in the National Honor Society, his team was MSHSL State Champions. He studies business management and came to RCTC because it is close to home, has a great basketball program, and to win a national championship. He also creates basketball highlight videos as a special talent.

Kong Kong is from Mankato, Minn., and went to Mankato East High School. He plays guard and forward as a Yellowjacket. His family consists of his mom and four brothers. He is majoring in business and accounting. His favorite movie is Amateur, which is about a young basketball future star struggling with his personal life in pursuit of his dream. His favorite team is the Golden State Warriors and his favorite food is orange chicken. He came to RCTC

ROCHESTER YELLOWJACKETS to win a national championship and to do whatever it takes in order to make our team get better every day until we have accomplished that goal. His special talent? Backflips!

Mogo Lero is a Yellowjackets point and shooting guard.

He hails from St. Paul, Minn., and went to high school in Mahtomedi, Minn., where he was on the honor roll. His athletic honors include defensive player of the year, top free throw percentage, all conference team honorable mention. His family includes his parents, two older brothers, a younger brother, and sister. Unsure of his major, he came to RCTC to continue plating basketball and win a national championship. His favorite movie is Bad Boys, favorite food is chicken fried rice and favorite teams are the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Vikings. His special talent is singing.

Jeziah Cooper is from Cottage Grove, Minn., where he played shooting guard for East Ridge. He made it to state with his team and was also captain of the team. His family includes his parents and his two brothers. His major at RCTC is sports management. His favorite movie is Space Jam. His favorite sports team is the Lakers. His favorite food is sandwiches. His special talent is that he can raise one eyebrow. He came to RCTC to win a national championship.

Travis Newman is from St. Cloud, Fla., where he played point guard, shooting guard and small forward for Harmony High School. His major at RCTC is undecided. His family includes his parents, two sisters, and a brother. His favorite movies are the Transformers series. His favorite sports team is Detroit Lions.

His favorite food are chicken wings. He came to RCTC to play basketball.

Keon’te Williams is from Milwaukee, Wis., where he played forward for Stevens Point Area Senior High. He was MVP all defense and won academic honors and team honors. His family includes his mother and two brothers. His major at RCTC is physical education. His favorite movie is Life. His favorite sports team is the Houston Rockets. His special talents is that he can skateboard. His favorite food is ribs. He came to RCTC to play basketball and be closer to his mother and his little brother.

Antonio Maddox is from North Minneapolis, Minn., where he played guard for Richfield. His major at RCTC is sports management/exercise science. His favorite movie is Next Friday. His favorite sports team is the Los Angles Lakers and the Houston Rockets. His favorite food is pizza, especially pepperoni with bacon. He came to RCTC because he knew the team could be something special, win a national title, but he enjoys the guys on the team.

Isaac Witt is from Roselle, Ill., where he played point guard, and shooting guard for Lake Park High School. His family includes Charlie, Heidi, Ian, and Bella Witt. His major at RCTC is sports management. His favorite movies are White Men Can’t Jump, and Friday. His favorite sports team is the Chicago Cubs and Miami Heat. His favorite food is chicken wings. His special talent is dancing. He came to RCTC to win a nation championship.

Jashawn Campbell is from Akron, Ohio, where he played point guard and shooting guard at Buchtel High School. He was rewarded with honorable mention all city and was on the honor roll for academics. His family includes six siblings, one twin brother, one little brother, and four little sisters. His major at RCTC is business. His favorite films are all of the Avenger’s series. His favorite sports team is the Cleveland Cavaliers or Los Angeles Lakers. His favorite food is lasagna. He came to RCTC to make history behind the team and an opportunity to play the sport he loves.

— Page 3 —

Ray Adams is from Rochester, Minn., where he played shooting guard and forward for John Marshall. He was rewarded all conference player at RCTC in 2017 and all state player RCTC 2017. His family includes his mom, Direen Hodges. His major at RCTC is business. His favorite movie is Kung Fu Panda. His favorite food is pizza. He came to RCTC to win nationals.

Aidan Delong is from Rosendale, Mo., and went to North Andrew and was on the honor roll for academics. His athletic honors were all state, all conference, all district, and he was team captain. His parents are Carrie Flanagan and Phil Delong. His major at RCTC is undecided. His favorite movie is The Equalizer.

His favorite food is Oreos. His favorite game is basketball. His favorite TV show is The Office. A fun fact about him is everyone says he has a southern accent, but he doesn’t notice it. He has too many special talents. He came to RCTC to win a national championship.

Riley Van Buskirk is from Forest Lake, Minn., where he played point guard and shooting guard for Centennial High School. His athletic honors were getting All Conference. His family includes his two older siblings and one younger brother. His major at RCTC is sports management. His favorite movie is Avengers: Endgame. His favorite sports team is the Los Angeles Lakers. His favorite food is pasta. His special talent is he is double jointed in his fingers. He came to RCTC to bring a national title to Rochester.

Devin Melzer is from Minneapolis, Minn., where he played forward for Mahtomedi School and was on the B honor roll.

His athletic honors were All Conference, captain of the team, and most improved. He has five brothers. His major at RCTC is undecided. His favorite movie is Moneyball. His favorite sports team is the Vikings. His favorite food is Chinese food. His special talent is he can sing. He came to RCTC to win a nation championship.

Jerome Cunningham is from Fridley, Minn., where he played power forward for Fridley High School. His academic honors were Tri-metro all conference. His parents are Kenisha Culeman and Jerome Cunningham. His major at RCTC is business management and sports management. His favorite movie is Avengers: Endgame and Avengers: Infinity War. His favorite sport team is the Brooklyn Nets. His favorite food is Cajun chicken and shrimp alfredo. He came to RCTC to get a degree in business and win a national title.

2019-20 BASKETBALL SEASON PROGRAM

Men’s Basketball - Post-Season Honors since 1996 437-191 Coach LaPlante Overall Record Since 1997

1996-97 Dave Skalicky

Owatonna, MN

All-Division, All-State

1997-98 Reggie Ollendieck

Cresco, IA

All-Division, All-State

1998-99 Jason Lorenson

Cannon Falls, MN

All-Division, All-State

1999-00 Seth Nell Lima, OH Joel Wandrey Owatonna, MN

Nick Freitag Elk River, MN

Josh Diersen Caledonia, MN

All-Div, All-MCCC Tourney All-Div, All-State, AllMCCC Tourney All-Division, All-State, AllMCCC Tourney, All-Region 13 Hon Mention All-Division

2000-01 Ryan Hulke Neil Anderson Jeremy Scott Jeff Lorenson Jason Bonde

Nicollet, MN Rushford, MN Maplewood, MN Cannon Falls, MN Rochester, MN

All-Division, All-State All-Division All-Div, All-MCCC Tourney All-Division Hon Mention All-Division

2001-02 Ryan Hulke Neil Anderson Ryan Stahlke Vern Simmons

Nicollet, MN Rushford, MN Waconia, MN Minneapolis, MN

All-Div, All-State, All-Reg 13 All-Division, All-State All-Division Hon Mention All-Division

2002-03 Rob Giles John Freeman Trey Boyd

Minneapolis, MN St. Louis, MO Dallas, TX

All-Division, All-State All-Division All-Division

2003-04 Dominique Holmes Rob Giles Eric Ritter

Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis, MN Jordan, MN

All-Div, All-State, All-Reg 13 All-Division, All-State Hon Mention All-Division

2004-05 Tyler Young Corey Ryan Chris Converse Aaron Motz

Albert Lea, MN Goodhue, MN Red Wing, MN Red Wing, MN

All-Division, All-State All-Division Hon Mention All-Division Hon Mention All-Division

2005-06 Cory Lott Rochester, MN Corey Ryan Goodhue, MN Joey Kollar Norwood Young Am., MN

2006-07 Rochester Rogers St. Paul, MN Matt Gangelhoff Sleepy Eye, MN Sean Clarke Richfield, MN Lucas Blood Mounds View, MN Darrin Loewenhagen Alma, WI 2007-08 Rochester Rogers Trevor Larson Darrin Loewenhagen Tyler Speer Chet Reilly Kurt Koenig Rochester Rogers

St. Paul, MN Chatfield, MN Alma, WI Lanesboro, MN Prairie Du Chein, WI Waconia, MN St. Paul, MN

2008-09 Kurt Koenig Waconia, MN

Josh Reynolds Rochester, MN Tyler Speer Lanesboro, MN Allen McGaha Bolingbrook, IL Kurt Koenig Waconia, MN

Trevor Larson Chatfield, MN

2009-10 Demetrius Williams St. Paul, MN David Fritsch Stewartville, MN Brandon Milde Byron, MN Joe Conway Winona, MN Shiron Williams Bangor, MI

All-Division, Region 13 MVP All-Division, All-State All-Division, All-State, All- Region 13, NJCAA AllTournament Team All-Div /All-State, All-Region All-Division, All-State All-Division, All-State Hon Mention All-Division Hon Mention All-Division All-Div, All-State, All-Region All-Division All-Division Hon Mention All-Division Hon Mention All-Division MCCC All-Tournament Team MCCC All-Tournament Team All-Div, All-State, All-Region All-Division Hon Men, All-Div Hon Men, All-Div MCAC All-Tournament Team MCAC All-Tournament Team All-Div, All-State All-Division All-Division Hon Men, All-Div Hon Men, All-Div

2010-11 Joe Beck Lake City, MN

Chaz Sharp Randallstown, MD David Fritsch Stewartville, MN Al Tillman Richfield, MN Joe Conway Winona, MN

All-Division, All-State, All-Region All-Div, All-State All-Div, All-State All-Division Hon Men, All-Div

2011-12 Torren Dowdy Coon Rapids, MN

Shiron Williams Bangor, MI Vince Cary Madison, WI Deuntae Broadnax Buffalo, MN

All-Division, All-State, All-Region All-Div, All-State All-Division Hon Men, All-Div

2012-13 Joe Beck Lake City, MN

Justyn Galloway Kenosha, WI

Rico Gunn Bloomington, MN Cory Speer Elgin, MN

All-Division, All- State, All-Region, All-American 1st Team All-Division, All-State, All-Region All-Division Hon. Men, All-Div

2013-14 Chuck Robinson Minneapolis, MN

Team All-American Jumarhi Turner Bloomington, MN

Rico Gunn Bloomington, MN Cory Speer Elgin, MN

Robert Claypool Woodbury, MN

All-Div, All-State, All-Region, 3rd All-Division, All- State, All-Region All-Division Hon Mention, All-Division Hon Mention, All-Division

2014-15 Justyn Galloway Kenosha, WI

Robert Claypool Woodbury, MN

Demetrius Cady Minneapolis, MN Lavar McCullough Golden Valley, MN Ben Ratliff Edina, MN

Keiron Sauer St. Paul, MN

All-NJCAA Tourney, All Region, All State, All Division All-Region, All-State, All-Division All-Division All-Division Hon. Mention All-

Division/All-State Tournament team Hon. Mention All- Division

2015-16 Demetrius Cady Minneapolis, MN

Marquise Walker Lakeville, MN

Ben Ratliff Rochester, MN Aaron Samuels Racine, WI Isaiah Coddon Woodbury, MN

All-NJCAA Tourney, All- Region, All-State, All- Division All-Region, All-State, All-Division All-Division All-Division Hon. Men, All-Division, Region 13 Tourney MVP

2016-17 Gorg Alhag Mankato, MN Malik Jones St. Paul, MN

Akeem Smith Minneapolis, MN

All-Division All-Divison, All Region Tourney Hon. Mention AllDivision/All-Region Tourney

2017-18 Jumah’ri Turner Bloomington, MN Ray Adams Rochester, MN Michael Cornelious St. Paul, MN

Tyree Caruthers Fridley, MN

All-Division, All-State All-Division Hon. Mention, All Division Hon. Mention, All Division

2018-19 Karmoga Lero Mahtomedi, MN Naa’il Mahdi Cincinnati, OH Ben Opsahl Goodhue, MN

All-Division/All-State All-Division Hon. Mention All-Division

— Page 4 —

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