2009-2010
Starters Returning:
# Name HT YR Pos. Hometown School
4 Jewel Carter 6-0 Sr. G Kansas City, KS Highlands CC
GP: 30 GS: 27 PPG: 18.9 RPG: 3.2 3FGM: 80 FT: 80% Steals: 42
2009 Accolades: HAAC 3rd Team All-Conference
2 Mike Johnson 6-8 Sr. F/C Kansas City, KS Coffeyville CC
GP: 13 GS: 11 PPG: 11.0 RPG: 6.8 FG: 49% FT: 74% Blocks: 16
33 Jared Stricklin 6-4 Sr. G Grain Valley, MO Grain Valley HS
GP: 30 GS: 21 PPG: 7.6 FG: 44% FT: 85% Assist: 87
Top Impact Recruits:
22 Tyler Raasch 6-1 JR G Bridgewater, IA Southwestern Iowa CC
GP: 31 PPG: 12.8 RPG: 4.1 FG: 58% 3FGM: 57 FT: 79% APG: 2.4 Steals: 42
2009 Accolades: ICCAC Honorable Mention All-Region
31 Jake Smith 6-5 JR F Mount Vernon, IN Ancilla College
GP: 26 PPG: 10.3 RPG: 8.2 FG: 46% FT: 72% Assist: 44 Steals: 34
2009 Accolades: Honorable Mention All-MCCAA Western Conference
Season Outlook:
During the inaugural season for Head Coach Jeffrey Hamilton the Graceland Yellowjackets finished with a disappointing 6 wins. However, with an exciting recruiting class and the return of a strong nucleus the Jackets are expecting good things from your 2009-2010 Men's Basketball team.
Guards: The guards are let by returner and Co-Captain Jewel Carter (6'0" Sr. Kansas City, KS). Jewel averaged an impressive 18.9 ppg last season earning the honor of HAAC 3rd Team All-Conference. Jewel has developed into a great player and has the ability to lead this team to a new level. The newcomers are led by Tyler Raasch (6'0" Jr. Bridgewater, IA), transfer from Southwestern Iowa Community College; who will fill a huge void at the point guard position. Tyler spent the last two seasons as an off guard but is eager to return to the point and lead this team like he did in high school, winning an Iowa State Championship his senior season. Another key newcomer at the point position is Trae Patton (6'0" Fr. Lampe, MO), who was a huge part of Blue Eye High Schools 4th place finish in the state of Missouri last season. If Trae continues to develop he will see significant time as a freshman. Other guards with the potential to contribute include Cooper Danforth (6'2" Jr. Blue Springs, MO), Conrad Brown (6'0" Jr. Kansas City, MO), Rodney Washington (6'0" Jr. Chicago, IL) and Dominique Byers (6'0" Sr. Kansas City, KS)
Wings/Forwards: This versatile group will be able to play several positions on the floor. They are led by returner and Co-Captain Jared Stricklin (6'4" Sr. Grain Valley, MO), a skilled perimeter player who is a big time threat from behind the arc, but can also take smaller defenders to the post. Also returning for the Jackets is small forward Lucas Harris (6'5" Sr. Colorado Springs, CO). Lucas is an inside/out threat who has the ability to guard multiple players. Another key returner is Josh Bennett (6'5" Jr. Independence, MO). Due to his work ethic Josh spent last season as a part time starter and is expected to play a big role this year. The newcomers are led by Jake Smith (6'5" Jr. Mount Vernon, IN), a transfer from Ancilla Community College. Jake is a physical defender, tough rebounder and can score in many ways. We are counting on him to play a major role in our success over the next two seasons. Our last newcomer is Billy Bledsoe (6'3" Jr. Leavenworth, KS), a transfer from Highland Community College. Billy is a crafty offensive player and smart defender who will be joining the team after Christmas break.
Posts: The post are led by Mike Johnson (6'8" Sr. Kansas City, KS), who is a potential double/double every time he steps on the floor. The Jackets are expecting Mike to lead this team as he could be one of the best bigs in the HAAC. Also returning at the post is Yohana Alphonse (6'8" Jr. Des Moines, IA). Yohana has improved every year; he is an extremely hard worker and is the strongest guy in the program. Another returner is Stevan Trisic (6'8" Jr. Belgrade, Serbia), his work ethic and attitude could earn him minutes at this talented position. Newcomer Cody Rush (6'8" Fr. Lansing, KS) is a big and skilled player who is also working hard to earn playing time as a freshman.
This will be a talented Graceland team that will look to prepare for the difficult HAAC schedule with a strong non-conference agenda. Non-conference highlights will be the always tough, and runner-up during the 2008-2009 NAIA Division I National Tournament, Columbia College. The Jackets also play AMC power McKendree College (2008-2009 NAIA Division I final four participant) twice this season and two other AMC opponents in Hannibal-LaGrange College and William Woods University. The Jackets host NCAA Division III Central College and travel to play NCAA Division II Northwest Missouri State University and Drury University. Rounding out the non-conference schedule is traditionally strong MCC teams Grandview College and William Penn University as well as KCAC powers University of St. Mary and Southwestern College.
In our first year of NAIA Division I participation the Heart of America Athletic Conference finished with an impressive showing at the National Tournament, Mid-America Nazarene University advanced to the Final Four while Central Methodist University and William Jewell College both advanced to the second round. Your Graceland Yellowjackets are working extremely hard to improve on all levels with this year's talented squad as the HAAC is expected to be as tough as ever.
