"One More Step" - Bulldogs Aim to Improve Upon Runner-Up Finish
November 6, 2007

Entering its fifth season under the direction of head coach Jeremy Eggers, the BCC Men's Basketball program has seen steady progress each season. After a hastily assembled team finished 9-18 overall in 2003-04, the Bulldogs have been a dominant force in the NWAACC Northern Region. The 2004-05 team was Region Co-Champion and claimed a number one seed to the NWAACC Tournament with a 22-9 record. The 2005-06 squad improved to 25-7, winning the region title outright, and advancing to the semifinal round at the NWAACC tournament. Last season was yet another step forward, as the 2006-07 Bulldogs finished 28-4, won their third straight regional crown, and advanced to the NWAACC Championship Game before losing to top ranked Clackamas.

"It has been a focus of our program to take a step forward each year-- to go beyond what we have already accomplished" says Eggers. "This year, there is only one more step to take."

As is the nature of athletics at the community college level, the Bulldogs lost a number of sophomores who made significant contributions in 2006-07. Gone are mainstays David Grant (Southern Oregon University), Luke Hammond (Northwest University), Shea Frazee (Cal-State East Bay), Paul Brockman, Marcus Fermon, Steve Campbell, and Jordan Ard. However, in spite of these losses, the Bulldogs are far from rebuilding. With three returners who are much improved, and a bevy of talented newcomers, the 2007-08 squad is reloaded and prepared to be a contender again this season.

Sophomore Steve Wiseley

The lone returning starter from last year's team is 5'8" point guard Steve Wiseley. He enjoyed a strong freshman campaign, scoring 11.6 points per game, leading the team with 104 assists, and shooting 40 percent from the three point line last season. He was also the only freshman to be named to the All Northern Region First Team. As good as he was in his first year, he has made tremendous strides and is a much improved player as a sophomore, according to Eggers.

"Steve has really grown as player and his game is complete", he says. "His defense, decision making, leadership-- all are areas where he has made vast improvements from last season. He is much more of a pure point guard this year, in that he makes everyone on the floor better, but he still has the ability to score in bunches from the perimeter. Steve will be a huge part of what we do this season."

Sophomore Josh Monagle

Also back for Bellevue is 6'6" forward Josh Monagle. As the team's first big man off the bench last year, Monagle proved to be force underneath, averaging 10 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. This season, he has returned in excellent physical condition, and has rounded out his game to become a versatile threat.

"Josh put in a ton of time in the gym during the off-season, and it has really paid off for him so far. His ability to run the floor and be creative in the post will be an asset this season" says Eggers. "He should be one of the more dynamic post players in the league."

6'6" forward Randy Bolick was BCC's twelfth man last season, but has worked himself into contending for a starting position this year. "No one worked harder than Randy this off-season", says Eggers, "He is a completely different player this year, and we are anticipating big things from him."

Sophomore Randy Bolick

With a strong body and long arms, Bolick is a natural shot blocker and rebounder. He has made great improvements to his offensive post game and midrange shooting, and has become one of the Bulldogs' toughest players inside.

Among the new faces this season are several players who practiced, but did not play for BCC in 2006-07.

Michael Duty, a 6'6" wing, transferred to BCC from NCAA Division I Wagner College (New York) in January and practiced with the team for the final three months of last season. Duty is blessed with exceptional leaping ability and physical strength, making him a tough match-up for smaller wings around the basket, while his quickness and ability to shoot the ball from the perimeter make him a mismatch for bigger players as well.

"Michael's physical gifts make him an extremely difficult match-up at our level, and his work ethic has been impressive. His shooting and decision making have improved over the last ten months, and I think he has a chance to be a dominant player in the NWAACC " says Eggers.

Red-shirt freshmen Nate Shekeryk and Curron Singleton are also back after a season of practicing with the team. Shekeryk, a 6-8, 350 pound center, has shown a renewed work ethic in his second year. With great hands, a soft touch, and excellent passing ability, he has the potential to be powerful force down low. Singleton, a 5-9 combo guard, has proven himself to be a strong shooter who is also capable of penetrating hard to the basket and pushing the ball in transition.

As has been the trend in recent years, the 2007-08 recruiting class is filled with talented players. At the guard position, the Bulldogs welcome five new players. Sam Cartmell, Steven Stone, Brandon Abbott, Lorenzo Campbell, and Edwin Dixon are all new faces on the perimeter. Cartmell, Stone, and Abbott have shown themselves to be strong shooters from outside, while Campbell and Dixon have a knack for strong on-ball defense and attacking the basket. "We are very excited about the different combinations of perimeter players we can use this year. Versatility is important, and we have guards who can score both inside and out, and can defend their positions" says Eggers.

Guard Pete Harris is also on the Bulldog roster, and will look to compete for minutes at the point guard position in December, pending academic performance results.

The Bulldog frontline will be bolstered this season by the addition of four talented players at the forward positions. 6-7 Travis Sterling is a big man in stature, but possesses a variety of skills. He has proven to be a strong ball handler, and is capable of knocking down the perimeter jumper as well as scoring inside.

Forwards Rukari Austin, Blake Pankow, and Josiah Brensdal are three athletic players who are capable of playing both the small and power forward positions. Austin is an explosive leaper and rebounder, while Pankow is an adept shot blocker and defensive stopper. Brensdal, slowed by an early season hand injury, should return to action soon, and is another versatile defensive player.

With a solid mix of talent, experience, size, quickness, and athleticism, the 2007-08 Men's Basketball team is poised to make another run at the Northern Region Championship, and hopefully to contend for the NWAACC title. "Our recent success has been great, but it comes at a price. Every night we step on the floor we are going to get our opponent's best shot" comments Eggers. "I am confident that we have a group of players who are ready to rise to the challenge that comes with being a Bulldog. If we work hard and improve every day, I anticipate a high degree of success for this year's team."