Halfway home: Michigan’s top 15 JUCO players

Austin Harper, Glen Oaks

Here’s a look at the top 15 players in the MCCAA through half a season. This list is one part production and another part potential. So, for instance, Austin Harper may not have as much potential as Jamie Stewart (that’s debatable), but his production is insane. The comment section is open for suggestions.

1.) Austin Harper, sophomore guard, Glen Oaks: Harper, a WMU transfer, has been putting on a show so far this season. He is averaging 16 points per game with 11 assists. Harper, a sneaky good athlete from west Michigan, is shooting better than 60 percent from the floor and 65 percent from 3-point range. This was going to be Jamie Stewart’s spot until I saw those field goal percentages — that’s incredible for a guard.

2.) Jamie Stewart, sophomore guard, Henry Ford: Stewart is a reliable 3-point shot away from being a prototype shooting guard. He is ultra athletic with the ability to create shots for himself and his teammates. His mid-range game is impressive as well. He is averaging 17 points, eight rebounds and three assists this season. He will be playing at D-1 Montana State next season

3.) Mike Brigham, sophomore forward, Mott: Brigham has actually been less productive than many had expected (13 points and eight rebounds). Even so, he’s still a dynamic prospect who has improved his shooting and ballhandling since last season. Look for Brigham to have a monster second half. He started lighting it up over the some and impressed some scouts in Vegas. He has at least six D-1 offers from low to mid-major schools.

4.) Doug Anderson, sophomore forward, Mott: Anderson, by far the most dynamic athlete I’ve seen at the JUCO level, is at his best in transition. He is leading Mott in scoring with 16 points per game. He’s also averaging five rebounds and two blocks per game. His offensive game has developed since coming to Mott, but needs to be more consistent down the stretch. Ranked in top 40 JUCO players in the country by Rivals. Has offers from Oakland and University of Detroit.

5.) Dmitry Martyneniko, sophomore center, Kirtland: KCC’s Moscow-born big man has put up huge numbers in the great white north this season. I haven’t seen him play this season, but I was impressed by his ability last year when he had 23 points and seven rebounds in a loss to Mott. He’s also made three of his four 3-point attempts this season. To get a big man with skill at the JUCO level can be a chore.

6.) Ronald Bracey, sophomore forward, Kellogg: Bracy, a Cincinnati product, is an impressive-looking 6-5 forward. He is averaging 23 points per game with seven rebounds this season. Bracey averaged 20 points a game last season, so I guess no one should be surprised by his production thus far.

7.) Leviante Davis, sophomore forward, Mott: His scoring numbers won’t blow you away, but he’s impressive to watch. Davis is 6-4 and somewhere between 250 -270 pounds. He’s about as athletic as they come at size. He is averaging 13 points and six rebounds in a reserve role for Mott, but anyone who has watched this team knows he should be a starter. He shoots better than 60 percent from the floor. If Davis played 30 or more minutes per game, he’d be in the top five, easily. Played a half season with Lamar State in Texas, where he led a team featuring Keenan Coleman and Kavon Rose in scoring.

8.) Tim Bates, freshman forward, Lake Michigan: A Detroit kid who’s slender and athletic. He can score in the paint and is serviceable on the wing for a player at about 6-6 (though he is listed at 6-4). Bates was an honorable mention for All-State as a senior at Detroit Douglass. Love his potential.

9.) Christian Moon, sophomore guard, Henry Ford: Moon has been a fixture in the starting lineup for Henry Ford for the last two seasons. So far this season, Moon is averaging 13 pionts per game with five rebounds and two assists. His numbers don’t seem too impressive, but consider his efficiency: 50 percent from the field and 56 percent from 3-point range.

10.) Demetrius Miller, sophomore guard, Mott: Miller, a Flint Central product, has scored 48 points in his last two games and has become the Bears’ most reliable scoring option in the backcourt this season. Miller was named to the conference all-defensive team as a freshman and that honor will undoubtedly be offered again this season. He is shooting better than 35 percent from 3-point range, 91 percent from the foul line and 45 percent from the field.

11.) Terrance Tubbs, sophomore forward, Henry Ford: A Big-game player, Tubbs is better than his statistics imply. He’s really big, probably 6-5 and 270 pounds, but really nimble with a decent handle and a fairly reliable outside shot. He averages 11 points and eight rebounds a game. Has a knack for performing at his best in big games as evidenced by his recent game-winning shot at home versus no. 7-ranked Mott.

12.) Kurklin Bohanon, sophomore guard, Glen Oaks: This Cleveland product has taken over the mantle of slasher/scorer from former Glen Oaks’ and Lansing Sexton standout Javaughn Manuel. He is averaging 22 points and eight rebounds per game. He had 36 points and 12 rebounds in a loss to Lansing this week.

13.) Michael Martin, sophomore forward, Lansing: Martin, a Flint Northern product who transferred to Lansing after a season at a JUCO in Iowa, is looking to parlay a strong season with the stars into a scholarship. The 6-4 small forward is leading the team with 17 points per game with eight rebounds. He’d be higher up this list if he had a reliable outside shot.

14.) Antonio Credit, sophomore forward, Oakland: Credit, a 6-7 West Bloomfield product, had 32 points and 12 rebounds against Glen Oaks in December. He is averaging 17 points and 10 rebounds per game this season.

15.) Jalen Jarrett, sophomore guard, Jackson: I really like Jalen’s game. He has really developed into a solid all-around guard with some next-level interest. He is averaging 16 points, four assists, three rebound and three assists per game. Could Jarrett follow former Jet Nick Minnerath to D-1?

Special Mention:

Alan Hardy, sophomore forward, Macomb: Hardy, at about 6-4, has had a strong season overall despite Macomb’s struggles. The Bloomfield Hills Lahser product averages 21 points and six assists per game.

A.J. Thomas, freshman guard, Delta: Thomas, a Saginaw Heritage product, is ultra quick and developing as a pure point guard. He is averaging 16 points, four assists, four rebounds and three steals this season. One concern is still turnovers, but he will continue to grow into his role. He’d be higher on this list if he could cut down on the turnovers (four per game).

Troy Aubrey, sophomore guard, Lansing: This kid, in my eyes, is what really makes LCC go. He doesn’t look to score too much (he averages about six points a game) and simply plays to his strengths. He has a 3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio, and in JUCOland that’s really hard to accomplish. If he can develop as a defender, his career doesn’t have to end in Lansing.

Quinntrai Lampkins, sophomore guard, Grand Rapids: Scored 20 points in a loss to Mott back in December, this Kalamazoo product is leading Grand Rapids in scoring (13 points a game) and steals (2 per game). He is second on the team in rebounding an assists.

Karl Moore, freshman forward, Schoolcraft: He’s the spitting image of Saginaw High standout Tommie Mccune. Moore is listed at 6-8 and averaging 21 points and eight rebounds per game. He’d be higher on this list, but his best games have come against weak competition.

Tyrell Taylor, freshman guard, HFCC: Taylor has burst onto the JUCO scene in Michigan and has put up some impressive numbers. Taylor, a Philly product, is averaging 12 points, seven assists and three rebounds per game.

James Johnson, freshman forward, Jackson: This 6-4 small forward has gotten physically stronger since high school and has really developed his outside shot. You have to guard him all over the floor. Love his potential. Averages 14 points and five rebounds.

Taurean Villolovos, sophomore, St. Clair: This 6-2 guard from Toledo played 29 games for SC4 in 2008-2009, did not play last season and is back for another year. He’s played well, scoring an average of 18 points in eight games.

Collin Ward, sophomore guard, Lansing: Kid’s outside shot is pure. Shooting 40 percent from deep.

Tyler Moreland, OCC: Having a great season for the Raiders after transferring from a JUCO in Florida. Moreland, a savvy and successful guard at Flint Powers, is about 6-2 and strong going to the basket. He is averaging 16 points per game this season.

Marshawn Norris, Mott: Norris was among the most prolific scorers in the state as a senior at Napoleon. His numbers do not reflect his ability. He is sharing minutes with a crowded backcourt at Mott. He’s one of the quickest and craftiest ballhandlers I’ve seen.

Brad Norman, sophomore guard, Delta: The ultimate competitor. All effort on defense and a solid all-around offensive game.

Honorable Mention:

Willie Brown, LCC

Alvino Ashley, LCC

Sam Burton, Mott

Alan Sharp, St. Clair

Lavario Smith, Alpena

Chris Jones, Kirtland

Antonio Cannon, Ancilla