2021 SEASON PROGRAM | #ROLLHIVE | #YELLOWJACKETSTRONG RCTCYELLOWJACKETS.COM | FACEBOOK.COM/RCTCBASKETBALL | @RCTCATHLETICS
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
BASKETBALL FANS... Welcome to Yellowjacket Basketball! As RCTC’s President, I am eager to see what this season holds for our student-athletes, both on and off the court. RCTC has a reputation for striving to maintain an outstanding athletic program, including setting examples of good sportsmanship, and providing personal growth opportunities for our student-athletes through both academic performance and team experiences. This is accomplished by living our values of being learner-centered, valuing excellence, respect, teamwork, innovation, and, along the way, having a little fun. In addition to our athletic programs, our student-athletes may choose from a variety of other student life activities to assist them in developing their leadership and other life skills. We encourage you to check out what opportunities await you at RCTC by going to www.rctc.edu. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll find. Because of the continued risks around the spread of COVID-19, protocols have been put in place and we ask all students and visitors to the College to adhere to those guidelines posted on our website at www.rctc.edu/coronavirus.
GO YELLOWJACKETS!
Jeffery S. Boyd President
rctcyellowjackets.com
DATE VS 11/2 Ellsworth Community College 11/9 @ St. Olaf # (Scrimmage) 11/19 Des Moines Area Community College 11/20 Iowa Central Community College 11/23 @ Madison College 12/3 Rainy River Community College 12/4 Hibbing Community College 12/10 @ Vermilion Community College 12/11 @ Mesabi Range Community and Technical College ARCC Holiday Classic 12/18 vs. Bay College @ Anoka Ramsey CC 12/19 vs. Bismarck State College @ Coon Rapids, MN Anoka Classic 12/29 vs. Northland CTC @ Anoka Ramsey 12/30 vs. Hibbing Community College @ Anoka Ramsey 1/3 Bethel University (MN) # Scrimmage 1/5 Western Technical College *^ 1/8 @ Ridgewater College *^ 1/12 Riverland Community College *^ 1/15 @ St. Cloud Technical & Community College *^ 1/19 @ Anoka Ramsey Community College * 1/22 Minnesota State Community & Technical College *^ 1/29 Ridgewater College *^ 2/2 @ Western Technical College 2/5 St. Cloud Technical & Community College *^ 2/9 @ Riverland Community College *^ 2/12 @ Minnesota State Community & Technical College *^ 2/16 Anoka Ramsey Community College * 2/19 Minnesota West Community & Technical College *^ 2/25-27 Region XIII Tournament
TIME 6:00pm 7:30pm 5:00pm 1:00pm 5:00pm 5:30pm 1:00pm 5:30pm 1:00pm 1:00pm 10:00am 6:00pm 1:00pm 5:30pm 5:30pm 1:00pm 5:30pm 1:00pm 5:30pm 1:00pm 1:00pm 5:30pm 1:00pm 5:30pm 1:00pm 5:30pm 1:00pm TBA
MEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE DATE VS 11/6 @ Iowa Central Community College 11/10 Dakota County Technical College 11/23 @ Madison College 12/3 Rainy River Community College 12/4 Hibbing Community College 12/7 Bethany Lutheran JV 12/10 @ Vermilion Community College 12/11 @ Mesabi Range CTC ARCC Holiday Classic 12/18 vs. Bay College @ Anoka Ramsey CC 12/19 vs. Bismarck State College @ Coon Rapids DCTC Classic 1/1 vs. North Dakota State College of Science @ Inver Grove Heights 1/2 vs. Dakota County Technical College 1/5 Western Technical College *^ 1/8 @ Ridgewater College *^ 1/12 Riverland Community College *^ 1/15 @ St. Cloud Technical & Community College *^ 1/19 @ Anoka Ramsey Community College * 1/22 Minnesota State Community & Technical College *^ 1/26 @ Minnesota State Community & Technical College *^ 1/29 Ridgewater College *^ 2/2 @ Western Technical College *^ 2/5 St. Cloud Technical & Community College *^ 2/9 @ Riverland Community College *^ 2/12 @ Minnesota West Community & Technical College *^ 2/16 Anoka Ramsey Community College * 2/19 Minnesota West Community & Technical College *^ 2/25-27 Region XIII Tournament 3/9 NJCAA National Tournament @ Rock Valley, IL
TIME 3:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 3:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 3:00pm 3:00pm 12:00pm 4:00pm 3:00pm 7:30pm 3:00pm 7:30pm 3:00pm 7:20pm 3:00pm 7:30pm 3:00pm 7:30pm 3:00pm 7:30pm 3:00pm 7:30pm 3:00pm TBA TBA
# Exhibition | * Conference | ^ Division
ROCHESTER COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE YELLOWJACKETS
WOMEN'S COACHING STAFF
Jason Bonde
HEAD COACH JASON BONDE enters his second year as head coach after serving 12 years an assistant under the men’s basketball head coach Brian LaPlante. Prior to coming to RCTC, Bonde was on staff at Southwest Baptist University, in Bolivar, MO for two years where he also earned his master’s degree in education. The Bearcats were 38-20 in that time and won a conference championship in 2007-08 (14-4) in the tough MIAA. Bonde started his coaching experience after finishing his playing career at Bemidji State University (MN) as a student assistant that saw the Beavers reach a 20-10 mark and their first-ever 20-win season. Bemidji State was 14-2 in conference play that season, earning a berth to the NCAA Division II tournament and leading the nation in 3-pointers per game, with 11.7. He also earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education. Bonde has also coached two years at the high school levels, one year at Pine Island, MN and Century High School in Rochester, MN. Jason also serves as the Director of RCTC’s TRIO program. He and his wife Sara have three girls Faith (14), Nora (9), and Alexandra (5).
MEN'S COACHING STAFF
Brian LaPlante
Matt Narveson
HEAD COACH BRIAN LAPLANTE enters his 26th season as the Head Coach of the Yellowjackets. His overall record at RCTC is 490-216 (70% winning percentage). He has coached 62 All-Division, 44 All-State, and 20 All-Region players in his tenure. 64 Yellowjackets have went on and competed at various 4-year institutions in his 25 seasons as Head Coach. Coach LaPlante was named District 4 Coach of the Year in 2006, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2020. His teams have been to the NJCAA National Tournament 7 times (2006-5th place, 2010-National 2nd place, 2011-National 2nd place, 2013 8th place, 2015 3rd place, 2016 National 2nd place, 2020 National Tournament semi-finalists). The Yellowjackets have won the MCAC State title in 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2020 under LaPlante. LaPlante has coached baseball, football, and golf at RCTC and was an Assistant Coach at Winona State University for the basketball and baseball teams prior to coming to RCTC. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Winona State University and a Master’s degree in Physical Education from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. He and his wife Kristin have two children Sean (21) and Kendall (18). ASSISTANT COACH MATT NARVESON enters his 3rd season as an Assistant Coach for the Yellowjackets. Narveson joins the staff after 6 years of experience in college basketball. He spent 6 years at Marquette University working for the women’s basketball program, 4 as a student manager, and 2 as a graduate assistant. While at Marquette, Narveson helped in operations, recruiting, and video work. In 2013 he was an Intern Assistant Coach for the Yellowjackets under Coach LaPlante. Narveson earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Exercise Physiology and a Graduate degree in Sports Leadership from Marquette University.
2021-22 BASKETBALL SEASON PROGRAM | PAGE 1
2021-22 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM
TEAM ROSTER
# NAME
POS.
YEAR
HEIGHT
HOMETOWN
0
Allison Thompson
G
5'6"
FR
Eyota, MN
1
Myia Ruzek
G
5'9"
SO
Altura, MN
2
Kiley Nihart
G
5'5"
SO
Medford, MN
3
Ravyn Miles
G
5'6"
SO
St. Paul, MN
4
Olivia Christianson
G
5'8"
SO
Lyle, MN
5
Kassidy Broadwater
G
5'5"
SO
Preston, MN
11
Elecia Brown
G
5'6"
FR
Hayfield, MN
12
Kandace Sikkink
F
5'7"
SO
Preston, MN
14
Kenzie Mentlick
F
5'7"
FR
Eyota, MN
15
Lexi Hugeback
F
5'10"
SO
Kasson, MN
22
Danika Jones
F
5'9"
FR
Parowan, Utah
24
Jaide Pressley
F
5'8"
SO
St. Paul, MN
2021-22 BASKETBALL SEASON PROGRAM | PAGE 2
MEET THE YELLOWJACKET WOMEN'S TEAM
Kassidy Broadwater
Elecia Brown
Olivia Christianson
Lexi Hugeback
Danika Jones
Kenzie Mentlick
Ravyn Miles
Kiley Nihart
Jaide Pressley
Myia Ruzek
Kandace Sikkink
Allison Thompson
KASSIDY BROADWATER is a returning sophomore from Fillmore Central High School. Her athletic honors include Most Steals, Miss Hustle, Most Assists, Highest Three-Point Shooting Percentage, True Falcon Award, and All-Three Rivers Conference Team. Her academic honors include Academic All-Conference. Her team honors are Section 1A runner up in 2017, Section 1A champions in 2020, and state tournament participant in 2020. Her family is Brett, Kari, Kenzie, and Kammry Broadwater. Her favorite movie is Happy Gilmore. Kassidy’s favorite sports team is the University of Minnesota. Her favorite food is raspberries. ELECIA BROWN is a freshman from Hayfield High School. She is majoring in carpentry. Her favorite bedtime story as a kid was Sleeping Beauty. If given superpowers, Elecia would choose the ability to fly over invisibility and telepathy over telekinesis. Elecia is a twin! When asked why RCTC she replied, "It’s close to family and I can live at home." OLIVIA CHRISTIANSON is a returning sophomore from Lyle Public School. Her honors are Valedictorian in high school, Dean's List at RCTC, third team Academic All-American, Region 13 MVP, Region 13 All-Tournament team, All-American, MCAC Elite Team. Her family is mom Brooke Klabunde, brothers Lukes, David, and Dylan, and sister Lillian. As far as a major goes, she is undecided and working to get her coaching diploma. As a kid her favorite bedtime stories were the "Olivia" books by Ian Falconer. After a game, she needs her favorite after game meal, a sub sandwich. If suddenly given superpowers Olivia would pick flight over invisibility and telekinesis over telepathy. When asked why RCTC she said, "I chose RCTC because I felt like it was the best place for me to be successful while trying to figure out my future plans." LEXI HUGEBACK is a returning sophomore coming to us from Kasson-Mantorville High School. While in high school her honors include third Academic All-American and Deans List. Her family is her parents Mike and Shelly Hugeback, and brothers Aidan and Austin. She is majoring in biology. After a game, she likes to have any type of pasta or Chipotle. If given superpowers, she would pick flight over invisibility and telekinesis over telepathy. Lexi chose RCTC because it's close to home and has great athletics and academics.
DANIKA JONES is a freshman hailing from Parowan, Utah. Her honors include Academic All-State three times, Academic All-Region three times, All-State and All-Region selection, team MVP two times, Offensive Player of the Year, made it to the second round of state tournament twice. Dental hygiene is her major. Danika’s favorite bedtime story as a kid was The Great Fuzz Fenzy. After a game, you can catch her grabbing her favorite after game meal--tacos. If she was given superpowers, she'd pick flight over invisibility and telekinesis over telepathy. Danika’s lived in four different states growing up. Why Danika chose RCTC? "It was a great fit for me. I love the small town feel of RCTC." KENZIE MENTLICK is a freshman from Dover-Eyota High School. Her athletic honors include All-Conference Honorable Mention. Her family is mom Jenny, and dad Cory. Kenzie hasn't yet decided on a major. If given superpowers she chooses invisibility over flight and telepathy over telekinesis. Kenzie chose RCTC because it's competitively priced and close to home. RAVYN MILES is a returning sophomore from Simley High School. Her athletic honors are four years All-Conference. Her team honors are Conference Champions, Section Champions, third in the state tournament. Her family is her mom, dad, an older sister, and a younger brother. Her major is liberal arts. When she was a kid, her favorite bedtime story was Goodnight Moon. Her favorite after game meal is Chipotle. If given the choice, she would rather have invisibility instead of flight and telepathy instead of telekinesis. When asked why RCTC Ravyn said "It felt like a good environment right away and I knew I was going to be able to become a better basketball player and, more importantly, a better person." KILEY NIHART is a returning sophomore from Medford High School. In high school, she won 1,000 career points, All-Conference, and Academic All-Conference. Her family members are brother Jake, dad Corey, and mom Katie. Nursing is her major. Kiley’s favorite bedtime story as a kid was Love You Forever. Her favorite place to go and have a bite after a game is Applebee's. If given superpowers, Kiley would rather have the ability of flight over invisibility and telekinesis over telepathy. Kiley can't roll her tongue. When asked why she chose RCTC she said, "I chose RCTC because it was close to home, they had my program of interest, and I could play sports if I wanted." - BIOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 -
ROCHESTER YELLOWJACKETS | PAGE 3
RCTC WOMEN'S BASKETBALL SUCCESS 287-159 Overall Record Since 2002
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2020-21
8-16 19-7 14-10 17-12 20-9 26-4 34-0 20-7 18-13 21-7 3-21 9-16 21-8 16-10 17-11 10-15 16-1
5th Place MCCC State Tournament; 3rd Place Southern Division 4th Place MCCC State Tournament; 3rd Place Southern Division 2nd Place MCCC State Tournament; 2nd Place Southern Division Runner-up Region XIIIA Tournament; State; Division Champions NJCAA DIII National; Region XIIIA; State, Division Champions 3rd Place MCAC State Tournament; 3rd Place Southern Division 3rd Place MCAC State Tournament; 4th Place Southern Division Runner-up Region XIIIA Tournament; 2nd Place Southern Division
Runner-up Region XIIIA Tournament; Division Champions Runner-up Region XIIIA Tournament; 2nd Place Southern Division Runner-up Region XIIIA Tournament; 2nd Place Southern Division National Participants, Region XIII Champions; MCAC Southern Division 2nd Place Division II Region XIII Champions, Northwest Plains District Runner-Up
Yellowjackets Success 287-159 since 2002
National Tournament Participants 2018 Region XIIIA Champions 2018 MCAC Southern Division 2nd Place 2018 Region XIII A Southern Division Runner-up 2017 2nd Place MCAC Southern Division 2017 Region XIII A Runner-up 2016 2nd Place-MCAC Southern Division 2016 Region XIII A Runner-up 2015 1st Place-MCAC Southern Division 2015 3rd Place – MCAC State Tournament 2011 3rd Place – MCAC State Tournament 2010 NJCAA DIII National Champions 2009 Region XIII A Champions 2009; Runner-up 2008 MCAC State Tournament Champions 2009 & 2008 MCAC State Tournament Runner-up 2007 MCAC Southern Division Champions 2009 & 2008 Eight NJCAA All-Americans (Two 1st Team) Numerous All-Region, MCAC All-State and All-Division Selections Ranked in NJCAA DIII Poll Top 10 since 2004
RCTC Women's Basketball NJCAA All-Americans since 2002 • • • • • • • • • • •
Rebekah Fitzgerald Brittany Gladis Kasie Heimer Anne Breland Tess Milczark Amanda Degnan Maria Gangelhoff Tailor Raymond Nathalie Ratliff Nautika Kotero Olivia Christianson
2005-06 2006-07 2007-8 2007-08 2008-09 2008-09 2008-09 2009-10 2014-15 2016-17 2017-18 2020-21
3rd Team 3rd Team 3rd Team 1st Team 1st Team 2nd Team HM 2nd Team 3rd Team 2nd Team HM 3rd Team
UM – Crookston (DII) Southwest State (DII) RCTC 1,000 pt career scorer UW-Milwaukee (DI) MSU-Mankato (DII)
Graceland College (NAIA)
MEET THE TEAM JAIDE PRESSLEY is a returning sophomore from St. Paul, Minnesota. Her family members are Eric jr. , Renia , Mariah, and Treyvon. Nursing is her major. When she was a kid, her favorite bedtime story was Monkeys Jumping on the Bed. After a game, you can catch her having her favorite meal, steak, and rice. If given the opportunity to get superpowers, she'd rather have the ability of flight over invisibility and telepathy over telekinesis. Jaide chose RCTC because it was the best fit for her. MYIA RUZEK is a sophomore from Lewiston-Altura High School. Her academic honor is Academic All-Conference. Her athletic honors are All-Conference and team honors are Academic Conference High GPA. Her family members are Eric, Tonya, Jace, Makayla, and Ciera. Myia is working to complete her Associate of Arts degree in liberal arts and science. Her favorite bedtime story as a kid was Curious George. After a game, she likes to have chicken or eggs. If given superpowers she would go with invisibility over flight and telepathy over telekinesis. Myia LOVES being outdoors! She chose RCTC because it's close to home and has what she was looking for. KANDACE SIKKINK is a returning sophomore from Filmore Central High School. Her family includes Mark and Kelsey Sikkink, and Alec Sonny Fay. Nursing is her major. As a kid, she liked the Three Little Pigs as her bedtime story. Jimmy Johns is what is on the menu after a game for Kandace. If given superpowers she would go with invisibility over flight and telepathy over telekinesis. Kandace has a blankey! She chose RCTC because it is close to home ALLISON THOMPSON is a freshman from Dover-Eyota High School. She is majoring in dental hygiene. Her favorite bedtime story as a kid was Where the Wild Things Are. After a game, Allison likes to have chicken nuggets. If given superpowers she would want invisibility over flight and telepathy over telekinesis. Allison chose RCTC because it had the program she wanted.
2021-22 BASKETBALL SEASON PROGRAM | PAGE 4
2021-22 MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM
TEAM ROSTER
#
NAME
POS.
HEIGHT WEIGHT YEAR HOMETOWN
1 2 3 4 5 10 11 12 14 15 20 21 22 23 24 25 31 32 33
Keivonte Watts Devyn Frye Elijah Flenorl Nick Pepin Quest McCrimmon Bhan Kuey Quentin Williams Quincy Burland Daelen Whitfield Kameron Francis Peyton Dunham Luckeny Alberto Orkun Ozcan Andre Crockett Colt Landers Max Hammond Santi Phommahaxy Helder Semedo Tyren Harris
G G G G G F G/F G G G F G G G F F G F F
6'1 6'0 6'0 5'10 6'3 6'5 6'3 6'0 5'11 5'11 6'4 6'0 6'2 6'0 6'4 6'6 5'8 6'5 6'5
175 175 190 160 180 190 190 180 165 165 180 160 190 170 210 200 160 210 220
SO SO SO FR FR FR SO FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR
ROCHESTER YELLOWJACKETS | PAGE 5
Utica, MS Minneapolis, MN Wauwautosa, WI Coralville, IA Kissimmee, FL Albert Lea, MN Zion, IL Castle Rock, CO St. Paul, MN Des Moines, IA Rochester, MN Lisbon, Portugal Istanbul, Turkey Rochester, MN Grand Meadow, MN Holmen, WI Mound, MN Lisbon, Portugal Eden Praire, MN
MEET THE YELLOWJACKET MEN'S TEAM
Luckeny Alberto
Quincy Burland
Andre Crockett Jr.
Peyton Dunham
Elijah Flenorl
Kameron Francis
Devyn Frye
Max Hammond
Tyren Harris
Ege Kucuk
Bhan Kuey
Colt Landers
LUCKENY ALBERTO is a freshman from Lisboa, Portugal. His academic honor is Best Final
Presentation in high school for designing a new product. His athletic honor is Defensive Player of the Team in 2018/19. His major is sports management. His favorite cartoon character is 'Vince' LaSalle from Recess. After practice he likes to snack on protein bars or salmon with sweet potatoes. If given the chance, he’d rather direct a movie over designing a new video game. He’d rather be an Olympic athlete than be President of the United States. Fun fact about Luckeny:--he can rap! He chose RCTC because of a realization of a dream being able to play and study in the US and, RCTC is a great place to improve as a student/athlete.
QUINCY BURLAND is a returning sophomore from Castle Rock, Colorado where he attended Douglas County High School. His family members are Andrea Campbell, Brendon Campbell, r Campbell, Avery Campbell, Josh Burland, Lasarah Burland, Jewel Burland, Amelia Burland, and Kanon Burland. Quincy is majoring in accounting. Sponge Bob is his favorite cartoon character. After practice, he likes to snack on bananas. If given the opportunity, he’d rather design a new video game over directing a movie. He’d rather be an Olympic athlete than be President of the United States. His special talents include juggling and golf. He decided on RCTC because of Coach LaPlante.
ANDRE CROCKETT JR. is a freshman from Rochester, Minnesota and attended Mayo High
School. His athletic honor is Honorable Mention All-Conference. His family members are Karla, Andre Sr., Aaden, and Kayla Crockett. Andre is working on his general education right now in lieu of picking a major. His favorite cartoon charter is Bugs Bunny. After practice, you can catch him snacking on a banana. If given the opportunity, he’d rather direct a movie over designing a new video game. He’d rather be President of the United States than be an Olympic athlete. Andre can play the piano! He chose RCTC because he felt like it was the best place for him to build as a player and individual.
PEYTON DUNHAM is a freshman from Rochester, Minnesota and attended Lourdes High
School. His athletic honors include three-time letter winner in cross-country, two-time letter winner in track, three-time letter winner in basketball, and one-time letter winner in football. His family members are Parker Dunham, Rob Dunham, and Valerie Cooper. Peyton’s major is carpentry. His favorite cartoon character is Rick. His favorite post-practice snack is a Clif bar and rice krispy. If given the chance of designing a new video game or directing a movie, he’d rather direct a movie. Peyton would rather be an Olympic athlete than the President of the United States. Fun fact: Peyton can build anything. He chose RCTC because from school to sports, it fit his interests.
ELIJAH FLENORL is a returning sophomore from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His family includes
him mom and two sisters. He is majoring in sport management. His favorite move is ATL and his favorite food is steak. Elijah’s favorite tv show is The First 48. He chose to come to RCTC to be pushed beyond his limit and win a national title.
KAMERON FRANCIS is a returning sophomore from Des Moines, Iowa where he attended
Lincoln High School. His academic honor is being on the honor roll. His athletic honors are the Leadership Award and Defensive Player of the Year. His team honor is Most Improved Player. His family members include three parents and “a whole lot of siblings.” His major is computeraided-drafting. His favorite cartoon charter is Riley from Boondocks. After practice, you can catch Kameron snacking on an oatmeal cream pie. If given the choice, he’d rather design a new video game over directing a movie. He’d also rather the be the President of the United States than be an Olympic athlete. Fun fact about Kameron: He likes to read! He chose RCTC because he could play basketball, and the environment being quiet and somewhere you can focus if you choose to.
DEVYN FRYE is a returning sophomore hailing from New Hope, Minnesota. His family
members are Sydney, Ryley, Brenda, and Michael Frye. Business is his major. Devyn’s favorite cartoon character is Peter Griffin. His favorite post-practice snack is jellybeans and burgers. If given the opportunity, he’d rather direct a movie over designing a new video game. He’d rather be an Olympic athlete than be President of the United States. Devyn was born in California, can eat a lot, and play any sport. He chose RCTC because of the great basketball program.
MAX HAMMOND is a freshman from Holmen, Wisconsin where he attended Holmen
High School. His family members are sister Samantha, mom Mary, and dad Earl. His major is chemistry with the plan to transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree. His favorite cartoon character is Scooby Doo. Max’s favorite post-practice snack is granola bars. If given the opportunity, he’d rather direct a movie over designing a new video game. He’d rather be President of the United States than be an Olympic athlete. Hiking at national or state parks are his favorite outdoor activity. He chose RCTC because it has great classes, and it’s a great area.
TYREN HARRIS is a freshman from Eden Prairie, Minnesota. His team won 1st Team for
their conference. His family members are mom Monice, dad Tommy, brothers AJ, Teandre, and Kayan, and sister Zaria. He is majoring in business. Tyren’s favorite cartoon character is Beast Boy. After practice, you can catch him munching on green grapes. If given the opportunity, he’d rather direct a movie over designing a new video game. He’d rather be an Olympic athlete than be President of the United States. Tyren can wake board for 5 seconds! He chose RCTC because it was close to home.
2021-22 BASKETBALL SEASON PROGRAM | PAGE 6
Quest McCrimon
Orkun Ozcan
Nick Pepin
Santiago Phommahaxy
Hélder Domingos dos Santos Semedo
Keivonte Watts
NICK PEPIN is a freshman from Iowa City and attended Iowa City West High School. His
major is communication. Nick’s favorite post-practice snack is Ritz crackers and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. If given the opportunity, he’d rather direct a movie over designing a new video game. Nick would rather be President of the United States than be an Olympic athlete. Nick has been playing basketball since the third grade. He chose RCTC because he felt was the best fit.
SANTIAGO PHOMMAHAXY is a freshman from Minnetrista, Minnesota and attended Daelen Whitfield
Quentin Williams
John Wilson
EGE KUCUK is a returning sophomore from Istanbul, Turkey where he graduated from
American Culture College. His family is his father Alparslan Kucuk. His major is sports management. Ege’s favorite cartoon character is Lightning McQueen. After practice, you will see him munching on fruit snacks. If given the chance, he’d rather direct a movie over designing a new video game. He’d rather be an Olympic athlete than be President of the United States. Ege chose RCTC to continue to improve with the team consistently and with Coach LaPlante.
BHAN KUEY is a freshman from the South Sudan. He has nine family members. Bhan is
majoring in business management. His favorite cartoon character is Samurai Jack. After practice, you can catch him snacking on donuts. If given the opportunity, he’d rather direct a movie over designing a new video game. He’d rather be President of the United States than be an Olympic athlete. Bhan wants to run his own barbershop franchise. He chose RCTC because he liked the school and had some family that are alumni.
COLT LANDERS is a freshman from Grand Meadow High School. His athletic honors include
the 1000 Point Club, four-time All-Conference and two-time Class A First Team. His family members are dad Gene, mom Barb, and sisters Raven, Rio, Reba, and River. He hasn’t chosen a major yet. His favorite cartoon character is Garfield the cat. His favorite post-practice snack is gummy bears. If given the opportunity, he’d rather design a new video game over directing a movie. He’d rather be an Olympic athlete than be President of the United States. Colt was six feet tall when he was twelve years old. He chose RCTC because it is close to home. “The basketball played here is the right way to play, they play as a team. I also wanted to push myself and grow as a player to heights I didn’t think were possible, and coach LaPlante can help me do that.”
QUEST MCCRIMON is a returning sophomore from Osceola, Minnesota, where he
graduated from Osceola High School. His team honor is 2019 State Champions. His family is mom Julia Mason and brother Richard McCrimon. Quest’s major is liberal arts. His favorite cartoon character is Sponge Bob, “he’s that G.O.A.T.!” His favorite snack after practice is a banana and an oatmeal cream pie. If given the choice, he’d rather design a new video game over directing a movie. He’d also rather the be the President of the United States than be an Olympic athlete. Quest is a pro juggler! He chose RCTC because he loved the atmosphere. “My teammates and coaching staff make me a better man every day.”
ORKUN OZCAN is a freshman from Istanbul and attended Layton Christian Academy. His
team honors include State Champions in Utah, and four-time State Champion with his Turkish club team. His family members are mom Ipek, and two older brothers Can and Kaancan. Orkun’s major is sports management. His favorite post-practice snack are protein bars. He chose RCTC because he could play basketball and get a sports management degree.
Mound Westonka High School. His athletic honors include All-Conference basketball, two-time All-Conference soccer, and team honors as three-peat conference champions in basketball. His family members are mom Monica, dad Lang, brothers Nico and Andres. Santiago’s major is psychology. His favorite cartoon character is Bugs Bunny. His favorite post-practice snack is Glacier Cherry Gatorade. If given the opportunity, he’d rather direct a movie over designing a new video game. He’d rather be an Olympic athlete than be President of the United States. Santiago loves playing ping pong! He chose RCTC because he got an opportunity to continue playing basketball, and once that decision was made, the rest is history.
HÉLDER DOMINGOS DOS SANTOS SEMEDO is a freshman from Praia - Cabo Verde. He
hasn’t decided on a major yet. His favorite cartoon character are Phineas and Ferb. His favorite post-practice snacks are Xs protein bar. If given the opportunity, he’d rather design a new video game over directing a movie. Hélder would rather be an Olympic athlete than be President of the United States. Hélder really likes food, consequently he’s a good cook. He chose RCTC because it’s a great college that can make him evolve as a person and athlete.
KEIVONTE WATTS is a sophomore from Utica, Mississippi where he graduated from
Raymond High School. His athletic honor is All-Region player. His team honor is team captain. His brother Jarvis Selmon is his family. Business is Keivonte’s major. His favorite cartoon is Family Guy. After practice he like to have Hi-Chew Sweet and Sours. If given the opportunity, he’d rather design a new video game over directing a movie. He’d rather be an Olympic athlete than be President of the United States. Kievonte can do a flip! He chose RCTC to win a national title.
DAELEN WHITFIELD is a freshman from St. Paul, Minnesota. His family members are Aaron,
Daysha, Denae, and Jahniah. Daelen’a major is personal training. His favorite cartoon character is Huey Freeman. After basketball practice you can find him in line at Noodles and Co. ordering his favorite snack. If given the opportunity, he’d rather direct a movie over designing a new video game. He’d rather be an Olympic athlete than be President of the United States. Daelen can draw well and has tattoos! He chose RCTC because he loves the game. “I know I am in the right environment to become the best version of myself and go as far I as I can with basketball.”
QUENTIN WILLIAMS is a returning sophomore from Zion-Benton Township, Illinois. His
academic honor is being on the honor roll. His athletic honors are the Leadership Award and Defensive Player of the Year. His team honor is Most Improved Player. His family members include Sonya Huiett, Ricky Williams, and Noah Williams. His major is business administration. His favorite cartoon charter is Riley. After practice, you can catch him snacking on strawberries and grapes. If given the choice, he’d rather design a new video game over directing a movie. Quentin would rather be an Olympic athlete than the President of the United States. Quentin was born on a Friday the 13th! He chose RCTC because the school and program made him feel welcomed and believed this program could be a beneficial fit for him, athletically, academically, and personally.
JOHN WILSON is a transferring sophomore from Utica, Mississippi. His major is physical
therapy. His favorite cartoon character is Goku. He snacks on fruit after practice. If given the opportunity, he’d rather direct a movie over designing a new video game. He’d rather be an Olympic athlete than be President of the United States. John chose RCTC because God gave him another chance to play basketball again.
ROCHESTER YELLOWJACKETS | PAGE 7
Men’s Basketball - Post-Season Honors since 1996 490-216 Coach LaPlante Overall Record Since 1997
1996-97 Dave Skalicky
Owatonna, MN
All-Division, All-State
1997-98 Reggie Ollendieck
Cresco, IA
All-Division, All-State
1998-99 Jason Lorenson
Cannon Falls, MN
All-Division, All-State
1999-00 Seth Nell Lima, OH Joel Wandrey Owatonna, MN Nick Freitag Elk River, MN Josh Diersen Caledonia, MN
All-Div, All-MCCC Tourney All-Div, All-State, AllMCCC Tourney All-Division, All-State, AllMCCC Tourney, All-Region 13 Hon Mention All-Division
2000-01 Ryan Hulke Neil Anderson Jeremy Scott Jeff Lorenson Jason Bonde
Nicollet, MN Rushford, MN Maplewood, MN Cannon Falls, MN Rochester, MN
All-Division, All-State All-Division All-Div, All-MCCC Tourney All-Division Hon Mention All-Division
2001-02 Ryan Hulke Neil Anderson Ryan Stahlke Vern Simmons
Nicollet, MN Rushford, MN Waconia, MN Minneapolis, MN
All-Div, All-State, All-Reg 13 All-Division, All-State All-Division Hon Mention All-Division
2002-03 Rob Giles John Freeman Trey Boyd
Minneapolis, MN St. Louis, MO Dallas, TX
All-Division, All-State All-Division All-Division
2003-04 Dominique Holmes Rob Giles Eric Ritter
Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis, MN Jordan, MN
All-Div, All-State, All-Reg 13 All-Division, All-State Hon Mention All-Division
2004-05 Tyler Young Corey Ryan Chris Converse Aaron Motz
Albert Lea, MN Goodhue, MN Red Wing, MN Red Wing, MN
All-Division, All-State All-Division Hon Mention All-Division Hon Mention All-Division
2005-06 Cory Lott Rochester, MN Corey Ryan Goodhue, MN Joey Kollar Norwood Young Am., MN 2006-07 Rochester Rogers St. Paul, MN Matt Gangelhoff Sleepy Eye, MN Sean Clarke Richfield, MN Lucas Blood Mounds View, MN Darrin Loewenhagen Alma, WI 2007-08 Rochester Rogers Trevor Larson Darrin Loewenhagen Tyler Speer Chet Reilly Kurt Koenig Rochester Rogers
St. Paul, MN Chatfield, MN Alma, WI Lanesboro, MN Prairie Du Chein, WI Waconia, MN St. Paul, MN
2008-09 Kurt Koenig Waconia, MN Josh Reynolds Rochester, MN Tyler Speer Lanesboro, MN Allen McGaha Bolingbrook, IL Kurt Koenig Waconia, MN Trevor Larson Chatfield, MN 2009-10 Demetrius Williams St. Paul, MN David Fritsch Stewartville, MN Brandon Milde Byron, MN Joe Conway Winona, MN Shiron Williams Bangor, MI
All-Division, Region 13 MVP All-Division, All-State All-Division, All-State, All- Region 13, NJCAA AllTournament Team
All-State, All-Region All-Div, All-State All-Division Hon Men, All-Div
2012-13 Joe Beck Lake City, MN Justyn Galloway Kenosha, WI Rico Gunn Bloomington, MN Cory Speer Elgin, MN
All-Division, All- State, All-Region, All-American 1st Team All-Division, All-State, All-Region All-Division Hon. Men, All-Div
2013-14 Chuck Robinson Minneapolis, MN Team All-American Jumarhi Turner Bloomington, MN Rico Gunn Bloomington, MN Cory Speer Elgin, MN Robert Claypool Woodbury, MN 2014-15 Justyn Galloway Kenosha, WI Robert Claypool Woodbury, MN Demetrius Cady Minneapolis, MN Lavar McCullough Golden Valley, MN Ben Ratliff Edina, MN Keiron Sauer St. Paul, MN
All-Div, All-State, All-Region, 3rd All-Division, All- State, All-Region All-Division Hon Mention, All-Division Hon Mention, All-Division All-NJCAA Tourney, All Region, All State, All Division All-Region, All-State, All-Division All-Division All-Division Hon. Mention All- Division/All-State Tournament team Hon. Mention All- Division
2015-16 Demetrius Cady Minneapolis, MN All-NJCAA Tourney, All- Region, All-State, All- Division Marquise Walker Lakeville, MN All-Region, All-State, All-Division Ben Ratliff Rochester, MN All-Division Aaron Samuels Racine, WI All-Division Isaiah Coddon Woodbury, MN Hon. Men, All-Division, Region 13 Tourney MVP
All-Div /All-State, All-Region All-Division, All-State All-Division, All-State Hon Mention All-Division Hon Mention All-Division
2016-17 Gorg Alhag Mankato, MN Malik Jones St. Paul, MN Akeem Smith Minneapolis, MN
All-Division All-Divison, All Region Tourney Hon. Mention AllDivision/All-Region Tourney
All-Div, All-State, All-Region All-Division All-Division Hon Mention All-Division Hon Mention All-Division MCCC All-Tournament Team MCCC All-Tournament Team
2017-18 Jumah’ri Turner Bloomington, MN Ray Adams Rochester, MN Michael Cornelious St. Paul, MN Tyree Caruthers Fridley, MN
All-Division, All-State All-Division Hon. Mention, All Division Hon. Mention, All Division
2018-19 Karmoga Lero Naa’il Mahdi Ben Opsahl
All-Division/All-State All-Division Hon. Mention All-Div.
All-Div, All-State, All-Region All-Division Hon Men, All-Div Hon Men, All-Div MCAC All-Tournament Team MCAC All-Tournament Team All-Div, All-State All-Division All-Division Hon Men, All-Div Hon Men, All-Div
2010-11 Joe Beck Lake City, MN Chaz Sharp Randallstown, MD David Fritsch Stewartville, MN Al Tillman Richfield, MN Joe Conway Winona, MN
All-Division, All-State, All-Region All-Div, All-State All-Div, All-State All-Division Hon Men, All-Div
2011-12 Torren Dowdy
All-Division,
Coon Rapids, MN
Shiron Williams Bangor, MI Vince Cary Madison, WI Deuntae Broadnax Buffalo, MN
Mahtomedi, MN Cincinnati, OH Goodhue, MN
2019-20 Kong Kong Mankato, MN Ray Adams Rochester, MN Jerome Cunningham Fridley, MN Devin Melzer Mahtomedi, MN
All-American/All-Region/ All-Stat All State/All-Division All-Division Region 13 MVP
2020-21 Jerome Cunningham Fridley, MN Keivonte Watts Utica, MS
All-Region/Region 13 MVP All-Region
2021-22 BASKETBALL SEASON PROGRAM | PAGE 8
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