2006-2007 RED DEVIL OUTLOOK

Four players return from last year’s 31-2 ballclub, but only one had significant experience. Mickey Polis (6.0 ppg, 4.0 apg) returns and will be relied upon to lead the team from the point guard position. Polis is quick and smart and he will have to make sure he gets his inexperienced teammates in the right position, while also looking to increase his productivity.

As for the returnees, Kyle Jackson (3.5 ppg) has shown promise in the pre-season at the off-guard position, Chris Hutton (2.2 ppg) will see time at small forward, and Anthony Gallagher (2.9 ppg) has good potential at power forward. In addition, James Gehring will provide added punch in the front court. Gehring was a non-participant in the program last season.

A solid recruiting class must mature quickly for LCC to be considered a contender in the tough Western Division. Robert Edwards (F, Foss HS, Tacoma), Josh Troyer (G, Evergreen HS, Vancouver), Isaac Jimcoily (F, Ingraham HS, Seattle) and Ryan Hoff (G, Toutle Lake HS, Toutle) all appear primed to make immediate contributions.

Transfers Steffond Brown (G, Renton HS, Central Washington University) and Andrew Nieman (G, Tillamook HS, Portland State) are both sharpshooters who will provide scoring from the perimeter. Brown has outstanding range. Nieman was a decathlete at PSU who is fulfilling his goal to play college basketball.

Rounding out the roster are Michael Hallin (F, Mark Morris HS, Longview) and Scott Petersen (F, Cle Elum HS, Cle Elum). Both are returning to the game after three years away from high school ball. Both are willing to provide what is needed off the bench.

The non-league contests will be paramount in determining which players can expand their games and prove their value in a team concept. With two championships in the last three seasons, the folks around Lower Columbia College expect excellence in men’s basketball. We’ll see if this young team is up to the challenge.