Bellevue’s Depth, Athleticism, Shooting Ability, and Well Balanced Mix Has Coaches eyeing in on Defense as the Key
November 18, 2011

2011-12 Season Preview

Heading into the 2011-12 season, the Bellevue College Bulldogs possess a balanced mix of experienced returners, and talented newcomers. Building off of last year’s North Region title and appearance in the NWAACC tournament, the Bulldogs look to continue their strong reputation in the NWAACC conference with what 9th year Head Coach and last season’s Northern Region Coach of the Year recipient Jeremy Eggers believes to be his “most talented team up and down the roster” since he has been at the helm. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs will have to battle the “injury bug” as the season progresses as well as find ways to “fill the shoes” of last year’s NWAACC Northern Region 1st Teamer Cedric Clarington (Western Montana), and the inside play of Daniel Simon (Montana Tech). 

Sophomore Rex Nelson. photo by Rich Dworkis

The Bulldogs have a quality bunch of returners who have high expectations from coach Eggers and assistants Marcus Fermon, Donald Brady, and Tom Eggers. At the forefront, returners Rex Nelson and Dallas Searles will be looked at to lead the way due to their experience and development over the past year and a half.  Nelson was labeled as “automatic” from 17 feet and in and has improved his ball-handling and overall inside prowess. Searles, who was a starter last year, is close to where the coaching staff wants him to be in his developmental growth.

Along with Searles, Bellevue has great depth at the guard spot with a plethora of athleticism and ability to shoot the basketball. Sophomore Jonathan Humphrie is expected to get a starting nod with a strong, physical build, relentless attitude, ability to shoot, and determination to play sound defense.  Nick Crossan, a junior college transfer originally out of Skyline HS is in the mix to run the point. With the ability to manage the game, Crossan has been tabbed as one of the best “spot up” shooters in the program. Andrew Squiers a freshman out of Redmond High School will be looked to for his versatility, most notably his on-ball defensive skill and smart play. Squires possesses extreme athleticism and will provide a great addition to Bellevue’s rotation. Sophomore Transfer from Mid-Plains CC(NE) Eric Turner provides good size for a guard at 6’3 offering more athleticism to the Bulldog guards, Coach Eggers stated that he is “expecting big things” from Turner this season as well as Kentwood newcomer Alec Wilson earning minutes with a thorough understanding of the defensive rotations and a lights out shot. Newcomer Chase Braxmeyer out of Thomas Jefferson high school will be a key role player for the Bulldogs this year.

Sophomore Dallas Searles. photo by Rich Dworkis

At the forward position, to supplement Nelson on the wings and in the post, Bellevue carries good length, shooting, and athleticism. If able to maintain his health, sophomore forward Keaton Hayenga (currently injured) is a potential all-league player. Hayenga, who spent the last four years playing baseball in the Kansas City Royals farm system after signing out of Eastlake HS in 2007, is a former Washington state “Co-Player of the year.”  Dallas Smith, a freshman out of Mount Si HS, looks to fill minutes with good size and a quality shot.  Smith was described by coach Eggers as a “flat-out shooter.” Freshman Chris Michael Garrett will be looked at early for immediate impact to the program with a strong inside presence, great length, and overall versatility. Charlie Webb joins the team as the only walk-
on who made it through Bellevue’s first ever open tryouts. Webb has been out of the game for a couple of years while testing the waters in baseball at Spokane CC. Webb provides a great attitude and work ethic that could find him minutes as he reacquaints himself to the hardwood.          

At the center position, Bellevue will be looking for big things from their lone big man. Sophomore returner and German exchange student from the Seattle Arts Academy in Seattle, Laszlo Miller will be expected to “hold down the middle” and provide the Bulldogs with an inside presence. As the biggest player on the team at 6-7, the coaches have been pleased with his development in the program and mark him as a key piece to this year’s puzzle.

Sophomore Center Laszlo Miller. photo by Rich Dworkis

The Bulldogs will acquire additional depth upon the completion of fall quarter classes. Sophomore guard, Marcus Tibbs out of Federal Way’s Decatur HS is expected to join the team after fall quarter and could factor as an immediate impact player due to his talent at the guard position. Coach Eggers notes Tibbs as “a division 1 player if he gets his academics right.” Freshman Eric Brown will also be added after fall quarter. Brown is a 6-6 forward that will provided added length and athleticism to the team.
    
All in all, Coach Eggers summed up his team as “hard working, athletic, long, and can shoot it.” The Bulldogs will begin the year on November 25th in Pierce College’s opening day tournament.  With the amount of depth, ability to shoot and score points,
Eggers believes that their defensive effort will determine how far the team will go. With an always competitive North Region, Bellevue looks to defend their North Region title and make its way back to the NWAACC Tournament; this time with the hopes of bringing home some hardware.