2008 Junior College Preview
COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN IDAHO
Twin Falls, ID
Head Coach: Boomer Walker (3rd year)
Assistants: Jim Walker, Dave Carter
Conference: Scenic West Athletic Conference
Affiliation: NJCAA Division 1
2007 record: 41-19 (30-10 in league, 2nd place)
Top returning players:
Mike McClaren, RHP
Justin Smith, RHP
Jason Oatman, LHP
Top new players:
Tyler Chism, OF, Taylorsville HS
Taylor Mangum, American Fork HS
Victor Spencer, C, Coqutilam Reds (Canada)
BBNW Comments:
A young group of players is led by four solid returning pitchers. With 19 freshmen, the preseason will be important in getting the young players the experience they need to compete in a tough conference.
NWAACC – Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges
North Division
BELLEVUE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Bellevue, WA
Head Coach: Mark Yoshino (10th year)
Assistants: Scott Fairbanks, Dana McCracken, Dave Smart
2007 record: 38-11 (20-4 in conference, 1st place), NWAACC Champions
Top returning players:
Kyle Decater, OF, .321, 20 RBI, 9 SB
Jason Moseby, OF, .320, 19 SB
Brian Buckham, LHP, 4-1, 1.10 ERA, 53 K
Top New Players:
Kaylor Hasbargen, RHP, Univ. of Hawaii / Bonney Lake HS
Brent Miller, RHP, Univ. of Washington
Michael Robertson, OF, Jackson HS
BBNW Comments:
The 2007 NWAACC champions return 19 players from last year's championship team. Key transfers along with the addition of redshirt 1B Will Campbell (early sign at Univ. of Kentucky) will help fill the holes left from last years sophomore class.
EDMONDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Lynnwood, WA
Head Coach: Brad Ditter (1st year)
Assistants: Ron Omari, Scott Watson, Adam Roberts, Shawn Cole
2007 record: 22-17 (13-11 in league, 4th place)
Top returning players:
Ben Thielsen, SS, .370, 20 SB
Tyler Rogstad, P, 4-2, 3.00 ERA
Dan Miemiya, OF/1B, .305
Top new players:
Chris Dennis, P, Bothell HS
Mick Pizzato, OF, Lake Washington HS
Brandon Kizer, P, Marysville HS
BBNW Comments:
The Tritons will be tested early playing 7 of there first 12 games against NWAACC tournament teams from a year ago. The incoming freshmen class of pitchers has been very impressive and we hope to get a lot out of them. Edmonds will be returning 4 starting position players lead by all NWAACC selection Ben Thielsen. The Tritons are looking for a big bat in the middle of the line-up and hoping for a few players with potential to have solid seasons.
EVERETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Everett, WA
Head Coach: Levi Lacey (7th year)
Assistants: John Jackson, Mike Fridrich, Ryan Browne, Mike MacColluch
2007 record: 31-14 (15-9 in league, 3rd place)
Top returning players:
E.B. Crow, RHP
Evan Curlin, INF
Garrett Breda, Util
Top new players:
Ricky Holme, LHP/OF, Marysville HS
Matt Walsh, RHP, Mead HS
David Benson, RHP, Cascade HS
Jace Sloan, 1B, Puyallup HS
BBNW Comments:
Coach Lacey is very excited about his young team this year. After graduating most of last years team, Everett will need solid contributions from their freshmen in order to compete in the highly competitive north region.
OLYMPIC COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Bremerton, WA
Head Coach: Ryan Parker (2nd year)
Assistants: Spencer Stark, Wayne Parker, Abe Lupkin
2007 record: 2-46 (0-24 in league, 7th place)
Top returning players:
Derek Bauer, OF, .295, .415 OBP, 11 R, 5 2B
Mike Miller, RHP, 38 IP, 3.53 ERA
Top new players:
Danny Hennings, LHP/Util, Ferndale HS
Jesse Cummings, 2B, North Kitsap HS
Sam Evanovich, C, Borah HS
BBNW Comments:
With their first full recruiting class, Olympic is looking forward to a good season. Added depth on the mound and on offense will help them be competitive on a daily basis. Olympic is looking to surprise some people this season after a tough 2007 campaign.
SHORELINE COMMINUTY COLLEGE
Shoreline, WA
Head Coach: Steve Seki (4th year)
Assistants: Mike Nadeau, Gavin McHugh, Stacy Fenton
2007 record: 15-25 (11-13 in league, 5th place)
Top returning players:
Blake Vigoren, OF/C,
Erick Church, CF
Nicky Jamison, P
Adam Hammeo, SS
Top new players:
Brennen Grubb, P, Linwood HS
Brandon Hew, C, Waimea HS
Andy Recus, 1B, Federal Way HS
BBNW Comments:
Shoreline is looking to improve on last years fifth place finish. A solid group of returning players is ready to lead the new young players in a push to the playoffs. The key to the season will be consistency from the pitching staff in the always tough north division.
SKAGIT VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Mt. Vernon, WA
Head Coach: Kevin Matthews (5th year)
Assistants: Ben Silva, Brian Murphy, Darren Westergard
2007 record: 35-15 (16-9 in conference, 2nd place), NWAACC runner-up
Top returning players:
Trent Henderson, 3B
Kyle Boe, OF
Kyle Humphrey, 1B
J.J. McLeod, RHP
Ben Harty, 1B/DH
Top new players:
Bryan Black, P/OF, Meridian HS
Alex Barbee, OF, Borah HS
Tyrell Poggemeyer, RHP, Oregon State Univ. / Pleasant Hill HS
Joe Benish, C, North Kitsap
Trent Line, RHP, Clarkton HS
BBNW Comments:
The 2007 NWAACC runner-up has a solid core of returning players along with some key additions including OSU transfer Tyrell Poggemeyer on the mound. This mix of freshmen and sophomores should have Skagit Valley in the hunt for a north division title and a return trip to the NWAACC tournament.
East Division
BIG BEND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Moses Lake, WA
Head Coach: Don Lindgren
Assistants: Steve Hare, Dave Heaverlo, Jeff Heaverlo
2007 record: 22-22 (15-13 in league, 5th place)
Top returning players:
Cody Bridgman, INF, .312, 2 HR
Andy Greenslit, P, 6-1, 3.05 ERA
Greg Fudzac, P, 4-4, 3.20 ERA
BBNW Comments:
Big Bend is a veteran team this season that just missed the post season last year. They will be relying on their veteran leadership to compete in the region.
BLUE MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Pendleton, OR
Head Coach: Brett Bryan (14th year)
Assistants: Ryan Brisby, George Gibson
2007 record: 10-37 (4-24 in league, 8th place)
Top returning players:
Zach Hibbard, 2B, .273
Josh O'Gorman, P
Craig Beltran, P
Top new players:
Enoch Deaton, P
Derek Bettison, 1B
Justin Henry, C/OF
BBNW Comments:
Blue Mountain is looking to bounce back after a disappointing and injury plagued 2007. Solid sophomore pitching should make them a competitive club in the east region.
COLUBIA BASIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Pasco, WA
Head Coach: Scott Rogers (11th year)
Assistants: Jeremy Beard, Chris Station, Steve Farrington, Seth Haselhuhn
2007 record: 36-18 (18-10 in league, 1st place)
Top returning players:
Steve Ames, P, 52 IP, 47 K, 1.38 ERA
Vaughn Prow, C/Util
Brett Bochsler, LHP
Top new players:
Adam Johnson, SS, Redmond HS
Bryce Hjellum, RHP, Kamiakin HS
Zach Gallagher, RHP/INF, Camas HS
BBNW Comments:
Columbia Basin is looking to repeat as east region champions. They have won eight of the past ten region championships. They have added some solid young arms to give them good depth on the mound. A good mix of freshmen and sophomores make them the favorite to repeat as region champs and contend for the NWAACC title.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SPOKANE
Spokane, WA
Head Coach: Dave Keller (12th year)
Assistants: Tony Byrne, Barry Matthews
2007 record: 29-21 (17-11 in league, 2nd place)
Top returning players:
Adam Smith, Util
Braden Friesz, C
Top new players:
Michael Richard, LHP, DeSales HS
Mark Purser, RHP/OF, Mt. Spokane HS
Matt Starr, LHP/OF, Inglemoor HS
BBNW Comments:
Spokane lost a lot of players from last years team. They will need big contributions from their young pitchers to compete for the eastern division title.
TREASURE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Ontario, OR
Head Coach: Rick Baumann (18th year)
Assistants: Rick Clark, Marty Henry, Aaron Sutton
2007 record: 28-26 (14-14 in league, 6th place)
Top returning players:
Cameron Edmon, 3B
Jon Keller, 1B/LHP
Michael Hobgood, RHP
Top new players:
Adam Jung, P, British Columbia
Danny Welch, C, British Columbia
John Rohde, OF/P, Lewiston HS
Josh Kalaau, SS, University Place HS
BBNW Comments:
Treasure Valley has a young team this year with most of its sophomores on the pitching staff. With a young group of position players they will be relying heavily on their sophomore leaders to make a push for the post season.
WALLA WALLA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Walla Walla, WA
Head Coach: Mike Cummins (5th year)
Assistants: Dave Meliah, J.C. Biagi, Blaine Mercodo
2007 record: 32-18 (16-12 in league, 3rd place)
Top returning players:
Michael Tompkins, 1B, .320, 51 RBI
Jacob Hiatt, RHP, 4-3, 8 saves, 2.47 ERA
David Cerna, C, .231, 28 RBI
Top new players:
Keith Woelber, SS, Kennewick HS
Seager Pence, OF, Baker City HS
BBNW Comments:
Walla Walla is looking to make a return trip to the NWAACC tournament. A well balanced attack will make them a serious contender in the east region.
WENATCHEE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Wenatchee, WA
Head Coach: Rusty Keith (1st year)
Assistants: Sean Evenwush, Steve Keller, Mike Harbach
2007 record: 29-22 (16-12 in league, 4th place)
Top returning players:
Edward Rodriguez, C
Brandon Lehman, OF
Curran Redal, LHP/OF
John Robinson, RHP
Top new players:
Bracken Howerton, SS/RHP, Pocatello HS
Brandon Thompson, RHP, Lewis-Clark State
Nick Fuoco, Util, Central Florida JC
BBNW Comments:
A strong mix of veteran leaders and good young talent will help Wenatchee Valley compete for a spot in the post season. Their experienced pitching staff is looking to solidify a team that has good offensive potential. They are looking forward to big contributions from the young freshmen and transfer players.
YAKIMA VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Yakima, WA
Head Coach: Ken Mortensen (4th year)
Assistants: Shawn Thompson
2007 record: 21-26 (12-16 in league, 7th place)
Top returning players:
Justin Marlow
Pat Richie
West Division
CENTRALIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Centralia, WA
Head Coach: Bruce Pocklington (11th year)
Assistants: Joe Thomas, Jake LeDuc
2007 record: 3-30 (3-22 in league, 6th place)
Top returning players:
Jeremy Probert, RHP/2B
Keith Anderson, OF
Top new players:
Justin Eastman, C/RHP, Rochester HS
Mike Guthrie, SS/RHP, Foss HS
Rico Melendez, RHP, Foss HS
BBNW Comments:
Coming off a disappointing season, Centralia is looking to rebound and be competitive in the west region. A solid recruiting class will help them compete on a daily basis.
GRAYS HARBOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Aberdeen, WA
Head Coach: Shon Schreiber (8th year)
Assistants: Rob Schreiber, Chuck Jacobs, Curtis Eccles
2007 record: 13-28 (7-18 in league, 5th place)
Top returning players:
Ricky McKinney, CF
Tyler Warne, LHP
Chad Hunt, INF
Top new players:
Rico Adams, Thomas Jefferson HS / Tacoma CC
Kyle Reeves, RHP White Salmon Columbia HS
Blair Johnson, SS, Kelso HS
Cole Zamira, SS/RHP, Lincoln HS
BBNW Comments:
An enthusiastic group of young freshmen along with twelve returning players should make Grays Harbor a competitive club in the west region. They will be leaning heavily on their veteran position players to carry the load.
GREEN RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Auburn, WA
Head Coach: Matt Acker (7th year)
Assistants: Rich Heaton, Gerald Smiley, Josh Adams, Jeff Hebner, J.T. Healo
2007 record: 34-18 (17-8 in league, 2nd place)
Top returning players:
Christian Scholl, RHP, 7-3, 81 K, 21 BB
Tyler Owens, 3B/C, .275
Jordan Shadle, SS
Ryan Voelkel, 1B, .340, 2 HR
Top new players:
Joey Lind, OF/1B, Univ. of Washington
Kyle Baskett, OF/LHP, Mt. Rainer HS
Cody Brooks, INF, North Thurston HS
BBNW Comments:
With an experienced pitching staff and key returning position players, Green River is poised to make a run at the west region title. Above average power numbers and an improved defense makes them a contender to return to the NWAACC tournament.
LOWER COLUMBIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Longview, WA
Head Coach: Kelly Smith (14th year)
Assistants: Seth Johnson, Ian McMullen, Grady Tweit, Rob Hippi
2007 record: 36-7 (24-1 in league, 1st place)
Top returning players:
Jett Hart, INF, .407, 20 SB, 40 RBI
Richie Allen, OF, .367, 22 RBI
Brandon Williams, INF, .348, 32 RBI
Shawn Peterson, RHP, 1.51 ERA, 42 IP, 39 K
Top new players:
Tyler Lichty, P, Sandpoint HS
Michael Green, RHP, Lebanon HS
Alex Levin, P, Wilsonville HS
Jeremy Lorence, OF, Hillsboro HS
BBNW Comments:
With a solid crop of new young pitching and established position players, Lower Columbia is looking to repeat as western division champs.
PIERCE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Lakewood, WA
Head Coach: Orion Jones (2nd year)
Assistants: Eric Bloyd, Mike Wiesman
2007 record: 16-27 (9-16 in league, 4th place)
Top retuning players:
Kody Gibson, CF, .323, 2 HR, 17 RBI
Nick Hutson, RHP, 5-2, 9 saves
Gage Wollerman, 3B, .287, 18 RBI
Top new players:
Dexter Bryant, SS, Natrona County HS
Zach Hamilton, 2B, Gillett HS
Rick Penkey, LHP, Eatonville HS
BBNW Comments:
A veteran club with 18 sophomores they will be very competitive in the west region. They are looking to make a run at the post season led by veteran pitching and solid defense.
TACOMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Tacoma, WA
Head Coach: Donegal Fergus (3rd year)
Assistants: Ron Rakowski, Anthony Szalyga, Brian Kruse, Jesse Spellmeyer
2007 record: 21-22 (15-10 in league, 3rd place)
Top returning players:
Jesse Stokke, OF
Justin Thorton, 2B
Todd Muecklisch, SS
Top new players:
Matt Gomes, C, Auburn HS
Blake Nelson, OF, Skyview HS
Evan Wilson, RHP, Lake Washington HS
BBNW Comments:
Tacoma will be relying heavily on their returning position players. The pitching staff is very young with only one pitcher logging significant innings last season. If the young pitchers step up this season they will be very competitive in the west region and compete for a berth in the NWAACC tournament.
South Region
CHEMEKETA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Salem, OR
Head Coach: Tucker Brack (6th year)
Assistants: Jason Stanley,
2007 record: 20-29 (11-19 in league, 5th place)
Top returning players:
Sheldon Santiago, DH/C, .335, 5 HR, 32 RBI
Sunny Dudoit, 2B, .300
Ryan Smith, LHP, 3.00 ERA
Top new players:
Zach Rosscup, LHP, Forest Grove HS
Jeff Jones, OF, Cuesta JC (California)
Trevor Corsey, 1B/LHP, Treasure Valley CC / West Salem HS
BBNW Comments:
The Storm will be relying heavily on their sophomore leadership this season. They return a solid pitching staff along with most of their position players. Depth on the mound, including six left-handers, gives them a chance to compete for a southern region title and trip to the NWAACC tournament.
CLACKAMAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Clackamas, OR
Head Coach: Robin Robinson (17th year)
Assistants: Jim Hoppel, Mick Ellet
2007 record: 22-20 (14-16 in league, 3rd place)
Top returning players:
Todd McBride, OF
Cameron Childress, INF/OF
Ben Janal, C
Top new players:
Tyler Waters, P/OF, Sprague HS
A.J. Christiansen, 1B/DH, North Marion HS
BBNW Comments:
Clackamas has a solid returning offense this season. They are hoping their pitching will catch up and give them a chance to finish in the top two in the region and lead them to the post season.
LANE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Eugene, OR
Head Coach: Rob Strickland (5th year)
Assistants: Jeff Lyle, Matt Skundrick
2007 record: 16-32 (13-17 in league, 4th place)
Top returning players:
Brett Swett, RHP
Dan Schlottman, INF
Eric Brown, RHP
Top new players:
Kevin Shepherd, SS, McNary HS
Andrew Goodpaster, OF, McNary HS
John Miles, RHP, Hillsboro HS
BBNW Comments:
Lane is looking to return to form after a sub par 2007 season. Pitching depth will be a problem but a solid nucleus of position players should help them make a run at returning to the NWAACC tournament.
LINN-BENTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Albany, OR
Head Coach: Greg Hawk (24th year)
Assistants: Harvey Miller, John Best
2007 record: 21-23 (15-15 in league, 2nd place)
Top returning players:
Kyle Kanaeholo, SS, .329
Mitchell Nelson, OF, .289
Brent Trask, C, .228
Top new players:
Scott Allred, RHP, Roseburg HS
Craig Dolmage, OF, Grants Pass HS
Mike Mills, 3B, Grants Pass HS
BBNW Comments:
Linn-Benton must get some consistency in the starting rotation if it looks to return to the NWAACC tournament.
MT. HOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Gresham, OR
Head Coach: Bryan Donahue (1st year)
Assistants: James Allen, Dale Stebbins, Darold Ellison
2007 record: 36-9 (27-3 in league, 1st place)
Top returning players:
Brett Davis, 1B, .405, 3 HR, 15 2B
Billy Clontz, Util
Jerad Thompson, RHP, 5-2, 50 IP, 2.36 ERA
Top new players:
D.J. Johnson, 1B, Sunset HS
Dylan Jones, 1B/P Aloha HS
Chris Vitus, RHP, Sheldon HS
BBNW Comments:
Even with all of the coaching changes this year Mt. Hood is the clear favorite to win the southern region and return to the NWAACC tournament. A solid pitching staff along with power from both sides of the plate will keep Mt. Hood at the top of their division.
SOUTHWESTERN OREGON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Coos Bay, OR
Head Coach: Daniel Esposito (1st year)
Assistants: Justin Parrish
2007 record: 21-28 (10-20 in league, 6th place)
Top returning players:
Jeremy Graves, SS
Brad Parker, RHP
Top new players:
Marshall Jennings, P, Franklin HS
Ryan LaThorpe, INF, Brookings HS
Kris Boele, P, Sonoma State
BBNW Comments:
With only one returning starting pitcher, SWOCC needs their young pitchers to step in and contribute in order to compete in the southern division.