Cougars reload for 2013-14 with twelve signees

Barton Community College men's basketball head coach Craig Fletchall has announced signings for the 2013-2014 season.  Twelve new members will join four returning players from the 2013 Region VI runner-up Cougars which finished 28-6 on the season and a No. 24 NJCAA national ranking.

Looking to possibly one additional player to the team, Coach Fletchall's thoughts and capsule information about the individual signees can be found below.  

DJ Johnson – 6'7" Forward – Topeka High School – Topeka, KS
- Transfer from Coppin State University – Played in nineteen games, starting nine of those games.
- High School honors:  1st Team All-City, 3rd Team All-State Class 6A
"DJ brings an athletic big body and Division I post position experience to the table.  His focus and work ethic will be a tremendous asset for our young team."

Rashawn Walker – 6'7" Forward – Osborn High School – Detroit, MI
- High School honors:  Honorable Mention All-State Class B
"Rashawn has an explosive motor on the glass and has a huge upside.  His familiarity playing alongside Raheem Johnson on the AAU circuit will be an added plus."

Montrell McKenzie – 6'6" Forward – Johnson High School – Gainesville, GA
- High School honors:  1st Team All-State Class 4A, Region Player of the Year, Atlanta Journal-Constitution 2nd Team All-State
"Montrell is a workhorse on the boards.  His improving face-up game and ability to guard opposing size will cause a tough match up for opponents."

Deriece Parks – 6'5" Guard – Olympic High School – Charlotte, NC
- High School honors:  MVP of state championship game, 1st Team All-State Class 4A
"Deriece led his team to a state title, an undefeated 30-0 record, and a #11 national ranking in USA Today.  He has great length on the perimeter and is an assassin from the three-point line."

Isaac Williams – 6'5" Guard – Hiram High School – Hiram, GA
- High School honors:  1st Team All-State Class 5A, Paulding County Player of the Year
"Isaac is a flat out scorer.  He was his high school's all-time leading scorer and has a knack for scoring at various spots on the floor.  He will provide great length on the perimeter as well."

Josh Burdine – 6'5" Guard – Solomon High School – Solomon, KS
- High School honors:  2nd Team All-State Class 2A
"Josh is a three-sport all-state athlete that will be a great fit for our uptempo style of play.  His versatility and athletic ability will allow him to be an inside/out scorer."

Tyler Chambers – 6'4" Guard – Derby High School – Derby, KS
- High School honors:  2nd Team All-League (AVCTL)
"Tyler was the glue guy for a Derby squad that finished third in the state tournament which was the highest in school history.  He has the ability to guard all positions on the floor."

Darius Bean – 6'2" Guard – Chandler Park High School – Detroit, MI
- High School honors:  3rd Team All-Detroit East, Honorable Mention All-State Class B
"Darius brings high-flying athleticism to our new backcourt.  He led his high school team to a 20-4 record reaching the region's semifinal contest."

Christian Smith – 6'2" Guard – Bishop Carroll High School – Wichita, KS
- High School honors:  1st Team All-City, Honorable Mention All-State Class 5A
"Christian is a combo guard with length.  He has a solid feel for the game in the backcourt and led his team throughout the tough Wichita city league."

Ethan Henderson – 6'1" Guard – Great Bend High School – Great Bend, KS
- High School honors:  1st Team All-League (WAC)
"Ethan is another three-sport high school athlete that will bring great intensity and work ethic to our program.  He rebounds in space well and competes on every play."

Tyler Corley – 5'11" Guard – Lawrence Central High School – Indianapolis, IN
- Transfer from Trinity Valley Community College – Led the team in assists (112) and shot 35% from the three-point line.
- High School honors:  Honorable Mention All-State
"Tyler is an experienced floor general who excels in his ability to make his teammates better.  His leadership skills will be important as will his ability to score from the point."