Preview of 2021 Junior College NCAA Basketball Tournament
8. Cowley Tigers (21-4)
Will face winner of Trinity Valley vs Brunswick
The Tigers have the No. 2 scoing offense in the country at 108.3 ppg, while being in the top-5 overall in just about every major offensive category. Dalen Ridgnal is one of the five best players overall in the field, leading the team with 20.7 ppg, 12.9 rpg, 2.4 apg, and blocking a couple of shots as well. He had several games of at least 30 points, while being in double-digits in rebounds in all but two games this season.
What makes Cowley a dangerous team is that their entire starting lineup is filled with sophomores who all score in double figures. Mikel Henderson is the facilitator of the offense, putting up 16.4 ppg and 4.4 apg on 39% three-point shooting. It’s going to be very difficult to stop this offense, with so many weapons to keep track of.
7. Odessa Wranglers (20-2)
Will face winner of Coffeyville vs Southwest Tennessee
This may be the most balanced team in the entire tournament. Sophomore guard Isaiah Turner leads the way with 10.2 ppg, with eight others contributing at least 6.3 ppg as well. The points add up to over 91 ppg but it’s the defense of Odessa that causes havoc. They tend to force a ton of turnovers, which gives them many fastbreak scoring opportunities.
Looking ahead to a potential second-round matchup with Coffeyville, they’ll be tasked with stopping point guard Tylor Perry, who is the bulk of their offense. Their defense may cause problems for him, which would give the Wrangers an edge as they look to make a serious run.
6. Chipola Indians (21-4)
Will face winner of Shelton State vs Northeastern
Arguably the best defense in the JUCO Tournament, Chipola is second nationally in points allowed in 61.4 ppg. They play a slower pace of game compared to others in the field but has plenty of size and depth to go against any kind of opponent they’ll face.
On offense, Carlos Lemus leads the Indians with 12.8 ppg and 3.5 rpg on 39% from long-range. Freshman point guard Jaeden Zackery averages 11.7 ppg and 4.1 apg, one of seven players that contributes at least 6.0 ppg. As long as their defense remains top-notch, Chipola won’t need too much offense to overcome opponents.
5. South Plains Texans (17-2)
Will face winner of Salt Lake vs South Georgia State
We have another team with five different double-digit scorers but South Plains is a bit different. Two of their best players comes off the bench to give the team multiple offensive options on the court at all times. One of them is Myron Gardner, a former Georgetown Hoya tied for the team-lead with 14.4 ppg and also has 7.7 rpg.
Rivaldo Soares is the other 14.4 ppg scorer while guards Benjamin Bayela and Philmon Gebrewhit are the top three-point shooters on the roster. The Texans are a strong defensive team as well and have been ranked at or near the top all season long.