The KCC men’s basketball program will have a new look this season. First-year Head Coach Michael Brown has brought in student-athletes from five states, plus two international recruits.
“We targeted guys that were the right fit for our program and our institution,” Brown said. “It is a group that brings experience, work ethic, and a winning mentality. With continued hard work and playing together, we believe we will accomplish our goals this season.”
With the COVID eligibility rule, this year’s team will feature eight freshmen and four sophomores. There are three returners from last year’s team. Chris Roberts (6’0” guard, Chicago) is an explosive player who averaged 9.8 points and 3.1 rebounds while shooting 55% from the field last year. Kevin Vance (6’8” forward, Chicago Heights) is an extremely athletic player who will strengthen the interior. Robert Stroud (6’6” forward, Danville) is an athletic do-it-all forward who will help the Cavs again this season.
There are nine new faces to the Cavs roster.
Amiri Young (5’9” guard, Chicago), a transfer from Otero Junior College (Colorado), played two seasons ago at Daley College—also a Region IV school—where he averaged 21 points and 5 assists per game. James Franklin Jr. (6’5” guard; Murfreesboro, Tenn.) is an extremely athletic and versatile wing that averaged 9.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game last season playing at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College. David Perkins (6’3” guard, Indianapolis) is a smooth multi-positional player who can affect the game in a variety of ways. Isaiah Placide (6’4” guard, Atlanta), a transfer from McLennan Community College, brings outside shooting and toughness to the program. Alex Stahl (6’5 forward, Sweden) brings a strong work ethic along with the ability to dribble, pass, and shoot. Jaylen Jennings (6’7” forward, Indianapolis) is an athletic combo forward who gives the team additional versatility with his ability to play inside and outside on the perimeter. Josh Holmes (6’2” guard, Chicago) is a combo guard who provides play making, shooting and defense. Jackson Bisungu (6’5” forward, United Kingdom) is an athletic combo forward who provides the Cavs with depth. Kason Williams (6’1” guard; Montgomery, Ala.) gives the team another option at the guard position with his ability to make plays for himself and others.
The 2021-22 schedule has the Cavs facing off against tough Region IV opponents as well as home-and-home matchups with Southeastern Iowa C.C., Indian Hills C.C., and Marshalltown C.C. from Region XI.
The coaching staff and players are excited about the upcoming season and hope that fans will come out and support the team.
Alayna Valone-
Alayna Valone a standout winger at Reed Custer High School will add some speed and creativity on field for the Lady Cavs this upcoming Fall season. Alayna’s pace will cause defensive thirds some trouble and help create scoring opportunities. She adds that creativity factor in the final with her crossing ability with both feet and her finishing! Excited to welcome aboard Alayna Valone.
Scotty Eldridge-
The defense for the Cavaliers is in good hands with incoming freshman Scotty Eldridge. Eldridge brings to the Cavaliers a defensive tenacity that is hard to find. Hard nose for winning 50/50 balls coupled with his smart decision making out of the back, will allow the Cavs to be very dynamic moving forward in the attack.
Samantha Porras-
Very excited to have Samantha Porras joining the Lady Cavs this fall. Samantha was a standout goalie for Southland Striker and Slayers Academy. Samantha brings an amazing work ethic/drive to be the best player she can be. She also brings a fearlessness approach to goalie that will provide as a great anchor to the defense.
Aiyana Lopez-
The rich keep on getting richer! We are excited to bring on Aiyana Lopez a stand out winger at Kankakee High School! Lopez is bringing to the Lady Cavs a can dot spirit along with her attacking third creativity. Aiyana Lopez final third creativity will be vital for the Lady Cavs this upcoming fall! We are excited to bring on such a talent like Aiyana Lopez.
Mia Robbins-
We are very excited to have Mia Robbins joining the Lady Cavs this upcoming Fall! Mia is a force to be reckon with in the back of the net! She brings an elite level of athleticism to the goalie position! Mia will be a vital part of the Lady Cavaliers!
Jesus Guzman-
Jesus has been a anchor for the Bradley Bourbonnais High school Men’s team, and will bolster the Cavs defense. Jesus has a great soccer IQ, and his size will pose a problem for opposing teams.
Tess Wallace-
The general of the middle field has been appointed! Tess Wallace a dynamic center mid for the BBCHS Boilers over her four years there, will come aboard for the Cavaliers this upcoming Fall! Tess’s decision making with the ball is going to create chaos for the opponent. Tess offensive mindset in setting up teammates for goal scoring opportunities.
Hailey Brady-
Goals are the name of the game! We are excited to add a dynamic goal scorer in Hailey Brady! Hailey has a knack for putting the ball in the back of the net! Hailey is very good in the air and winning headers off corners! She provides great runs into the box giving opportunities to score or her teammates!
Hailey Brooks-
The Lady Cavaliers are happy to welcome Hailey Brooks to the program! Brooks will help anchor the Cavaliers defensive! Hailey’s defensive IQ will help sure things up in the back along with her ability to go forward she poses the opposing team as serious threat!
Two teams and 23 individual athletes from Kankakee Community College have been awarded NJCAA honors for academic achievement during the 2020-21 school year. The awards were formerly called Academic All-American.
The women’s volleyball and men’s soccer teams were named 2021 NJCAA All-Academic Teams for having team GPAs above 3.0. The women’s volleyball team had an overall team GPA of 3.32 and the men’s soccer team GPA was 3.17.
The All-Academic First Team members, with a 4.0 grade point average, are:
Congratulations to our Lady Cavs!
2021 Region IV Women’s Basketball
Division II All- Region Team
Brandi Hudson (All-American Nominee)
Madison Allen
Live streaming ALL Home games for all 7 sports on the Kankakee Community College - Athletics YouTube channel
Check out their team schedule page for a list of all home and away games:
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Kankakee Community College police officer Vernal Turner does a lot of walking around the college. In his second job, he runs the sidelines as a basketball official.
In spring 2021, Turner will be inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame for his work as an official. For 17 years, Turner has been an Illinois High School Association official.
He currently officiates for the Northern Athletic Conference, Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference and the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin. For eight seasons, Turner has been an official at NBA training camps for the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls. In 2019, he became a court side administrator, working for the NBA.
Among the noteworthy high school games he has officiated are seven Chicago city championships; three IHSA boys basketball championships (3-A in 2013, 4-A in 2014, and 3-A and 4-A in 2019); and the McDonald’s All-American game in 2016. He will be the first person to have played in IBCA All-Star Game (1981), officiate the IBCA All-Star Game (2016), and be inducted into the IBCA Hall of Fame.
In all, there will be more than 100 new IBCA Hall of Fame members, including nine officials. Due to COVID-19, the IBCA has not finalized its plans for an induction ceremony.
Turner also is president of Top Notch Officiating Camp for Officials Training and Development. In 2019 and 2020, he organized the Top Notch Health Awareness Challenge at KCC. The event pitted Kankakee-area high school basketball teams playing teams from Chicago. Each team also participated in health awareness sessions.
At KCC, Turner has been a part-time police officer since 2015.
Posted On: 06/04/20
Twenty-three Kankakee Community College student-athletes have received NJCAA honors for academic achievements during the 2019-20 school year.
The All-Academic First Team members, with a 4.0 grade point average, are: Leighann Allison of Kankakee, volleyball; Mallory Drake of Watseka, women’s basketball; Paige Glass of Kankakee, softball; Anna Jennings of Cissna Park, volleyball; Kloe Longtin of Herscher, volleyball; and Lanie Malone of Manteno, softball.
The All-Academic Second Team members, with grade point averages between 3.80-3.99, are: Makenna Goldtrap of Chebanse, softball; Eddie Saner of Springfield, baseball; and Julian Stadeli of Cissna Park, men’s basketball.
The All-Academic Third Team members, with grade point averages of 3.60-3.79, are: Madison Allen of Bushnell, women’s basketball; Owen Behrens of Prophetstown, baseball; Sloan Boyce of Cissna Park (pictured), volleyball; Sierra Cureton of Manteno, volleyball; Andrew Douglas of Watseka (pictured), men’s soccer; Ashley Harwood of Kankakee, volleyball; Isabelle Hille of Fort Wayne, Ind., women’s basketball; Michael Machnic of Walkerton, Ind., baseball; Michael Moshkovitz of Jerusalem, Israel, men’s basketball; Andrew Saliba of Peotone, men’s soccer; Emma Schriner of Bourbonnais (pictured), softball; Clayton Thompson of Schererville, Ind., baseball; Peyton Williams of Lafayette, Ind., baseball; and Kierra Williamson of Hazel Crest, women’s basketball.
Sophomore Guard Jonte Coleman breaks the Kankakee Community College record of all-time three pointers made during a season.
Coleman surpassed Bobby Dixon, who is currently in his 14th season playing professional basketball overseas. During the 2003-2004 season Bobby set the record of 110 three pointers. On February 20th, Jonte made 5 three pointers during the game to put him at a total of 111 made on the season and still counting.
Coleman is currently averaging 14.1ppg, 5rpg, and 1.5 apg while helping lead the Cavaliers to a regular season record of 20-10.
Congratulations to our 3 Athletics All Americans:
Jasmine Elliott- Women’s Basketball
Christian Jacobson- Men’s Basketball
Bryce Butler- Baseball
Congratulations to our Academic All Americans. These athletes received a 3.60 or higher GPA.
Soccer
2017-2018 Bobby Cooper 3.84
2017-2018 Connor Blanchette 3.85
2017-2018 Santiago Mena 3.91
2017-2018 Nicolas Mena 3.91
2017-2018 Jacob McCleary 4
2018 Andrew Newsome 3.63
2018 Dawson Swearengen 3.77 *Freshman
Volleyball
2017-2018 Courtney Johnson 3.69
Softball
2018 Halle McCrory 3.75
2018 Megan Lanie 3.78 *Freshman
2018 Amber Daly 3.92
2018 Marissa West 3.64
Baseball
2017-2018 Hayden Stoewer 3.94
2017 Dylan Dodd 3.63
2018 Bryce Butler 3.65
2018 Dylan Post 3.76 *Freshman
2018 Wade Rankin 3.78 *Freshman
2018 Matt Kingery 3.77
The new athletics Facebook is now live. Please follow us for updates on teams, scores, and happenings in the athletic department at Kankakee Community College.
The Athletics Department is thrilled to introduce our brand-new website!
This site allows us to interact more than ever before through live social media feeds, news stories, and more. Please share a link to https://athletics.kcc.edu so friends and prospective students/athletes can stay up-to-date with our athletic programs.
What else?
We have improved site navigation so you can find details for both fans and athletes. We’re sure you’ll also notice the pictures are big and bold! Take a look around and you’ll plenty of other helpful information.
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Coach Alex Thorson is excited to welcome the first five members of the 2018 recruiting class. These players are Brian Hernandez, Pierce Coleman, Jonte Coleman, Jacob Collins, and Corez Anderson.
When asked what type of players he is trying to bring in he said, “The guys that we are bringing in know how to win, have won, and are going to help us win. But the most important thing is that I want players who not only want to excel on the basketball floor, but in life as well. We are building something special here at KCC, and it is going to start with these student/athletes who excel academically, socially, and athletically.”
Brian Hernandez (Orr High School) is the most recent signee for the Cavaliers. Brian will play the combo guard for the Cavaliers next season after finishing an amazing career at Orr. He helped lead his team to back-to-back state championships in class 2A as well as an overall record of 30-4 for the 2017-2018 season. Hernandez will bring great leadership with his willingness to communicate and push others to be better on a daily basis. The lefty shooter is one of the top shooters in the state of Illinois, and will also be a huge force on the defensive end next season for the Cavs.
Pierce Coleman (North Chicago High School) is another recent signee for the Cavaliers. Pierce will be able to play the one through the three position next season which will make him a force to be reckoned with standing at 6’4”. He helped lead his team this season to a 4th place finish in state for class 3A as well as 22-10 overall record for the 2017-2018 season. Coleman averaged 12.3 PPG, 6 RPG, 6.4 APG, as well as 2 SPG. Pierce will bring a very high basketball IQ with him to Kankakee next season. He has shown a great ability to score the basketball at all three levels as well as do the intangibles of rebounding and making the extra pass.
Jonte Coleman (Champaign Central High School) recently put pen to paper to join the Cavaliers team next season. Jonte is an amazing three point shooter as he will play the shooting guard position for the Cavs next season. Standing at 6’3” he will bring size to that position which will be much needed on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. Coleman had a break out senior season for Champaign Central, and helped lead them to an overall record of 20-9. He has shown the ability to shoot the basketball, and towards the later part of his senior season showcased the ability that he is more than just a shooter. The Cavaliers are excited to showcase this ability more in the seasons to come.
Jacob Collins (Indiana Elite Preparatory Academy) was the first player to sign under new Head Coach Alex Thorson for this upcoming 2018 season. Jacob is a 6’2” shooting guard who has continued to progress year after year. Collins has showcased his ability to cause problems for opposing team’s players because of his tenacious defense. His length and quickness are his two biggest attributes, and they are going to be on full display next season. Jacob took a prep year after high school and averaged 15 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 5.4 APG, and 3.2 SPG.
Corez Anderson (Urbana High School) recently signed to join the Cavaliers next season. Corez is a 6’0” point guard who has a tremendous ability to score the basketball. He has the ability to hit the three as well as be able to score at the basket in traffic. His length will give a lot of teams trouble as well on the defensive end. The Cavaliers are excited to welcome Corez as a part of the 2018 recruiting class.
Coach Thorson and Coach Neaville are excited to welcome all of the newest signees to the 2018 recruiting class for the Kankakee Community College Men’s Basketball Team. These players are not only going to succeed in basketball, but in every aspect of life as well.
For 2021-22, Mike Brown is in his first season as the head coach of the KCC men’s basketball program. Over his career, Brown has coached three NJCAA All-Americans, one NJCAA Academic All-American and eight All-Region players.
Before KCC, Brown served as an assistant coach at Purdue University Northwest from 2018-20, helping the Pride to its most successful season since joining NCAA Div. II. Before Purdue, Brown was assistant coach at Maryville University in Saint Louis for a season. He helped the Saints to a record of 20-8, 11 more wins than the previous season. The Saints also finished the season as Great Lakes Valley Conference Central Division regular season champs and advanced to the GLVC conference tournament.
Brown also served two seasons as head coach at Richard J. Daley College in Chicago. Despite being hired in late October 2015, he increased Daley’s win total by seven over the previous year. In his next season (2016-17), the team had 15 wins, the most since 2011-12.
Before Daley, Brown was an assistant at NCAA Div. II Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Ind. That year, the Pumas improved its win total from the previous season and had an All-Conference selection.
Brown also served as an assistant coach at Governors State University and for two years as an assistant at KCC. During that tenure with the Cavaliers, the team secured back-to-back trips to the Region IV Tournament championship game. The 2013-14 the team posted a 25-5 record and was ranked 25th in the final NJCAA Div. I poll. Prior to KCC, Brown was an assistant coach at Rock Valley College in 2011-12, where the team went 20-11, notching its first winning season in over a decade.
Brown also found success as an assistant high school coach in 2008-09 at his alma mater, De La Salle Institute, in Chicago. De La Salle won the regional title and the Meteors were ranked as high as No. 2 in Illinois Class 4A. The team advanced to the sectional semifinals before finishing 21-5. While Brown was a player, he garnered All-Catholic League honors and was on the Daily Southtown All-Area honorable mention team.
Brown attended Saint Xavier University in Chicago. He played a key role in SXU’s 30-7 record in 2004-05 on a squad that was ranked No. 14 in the NAIA’s final poll and reached the Elite Eight in the NAIA Div. I tournament.
At KCC, Brown is also the recruiter for the Enrollment Services Department. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Saint Xavier University and a master’s degree in sports leadership from Concordia University in Chicago.
Roosevelt Green is in his first season as an assistant coach for KCC. He joins the Cavaliers after two seasons as an assistant coach at Saint Xavier University in Chicago. As the lead recruiter, Green helped coach multiple players to all-conference recognition while also achieving a 20-win season.
Prior to Saint Xavier, Green was an assistant coach at Moraine Valley Community College for four seasons. During that time, Moraine Valley achieved multiple 20-win seasons along with a conference championship.
“Roosevelt is a great addition to our program,” said KCC Head Coach Michael Brown. “With his combination of playing and coaching experience, he will be able to help us in all areas of the program.”
Coach Green played basketball at Saint Xavier University, where he was a three-time all-conference honoree and an NAIA All-American (2012-13). He is also the Cougars’ all-time assists leader. Roosevelt received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Saint Xavier University.