Montana State signs Xavier Johnson-Blount

I have heard from Brett Swanson at Jucojunction.com that Brad Huse and his coaching staff have signed their first recruit (that I know of) of the spring signing period, and their second JC All American for 2011. The newest Bobcat is Xavier Johnson-Blount from Cochise Junior College in Arizona. Johnson-Bount played his high school ball at First Colonial high school in Norfolk Virginia. Cochise plays in the same conference that produced former Bobcat starting guard Will Bynum a few years back.

This past year at Cochise JC, Johnson-Blount averaged 22 points, and 5 rebounds while shooting 45% from the field, 39% from 3 point range, and 68% from the free-throw line. For his efforts he was named first team all conference, First team All Region 1 as well as All American. Cochise finished the season with a 22 wins on 11 loses. They won the region 1 tourney and championship but were eliminated at the district tourney by eventual NJCAA D1 champion Southern Idaho. Three of their 4 sophomore players have or are expected sign with D-1 school, and the forth with possibly a D-2/Naia school.

In high school Johnson-Blount averaged 24 points, 7 rebounds 2 assists, 2 steals while shooting 49% from the field, 32% from three point range and 68% from the free-throw line.

Signing Day: The Griz

Today is the start of the spring signing period that will last until mid May. In looking at the recruiting prospects of the D-1 basketball programs in the State of Montana the Griz and Lady Griz recruiting is far more interesting than there counter parts at Montana State. We know Montana States men’s program will sign three recruits and the Women almost assuredly will not. The Griz though I am not sure what they are up to.

Lady Griz

At the end of the November signing period Selvig state he was done recruiting with the single signing of Haley Vining of CMR high school in Great Falls. That seems to have changed. The lady Griz have three seniors, plus Misty Atkinson will finish up her degree and not return for her senior year. Additionally I have heard that Ferda may retire from basketball leaving Selvig with 4 open scholarships for 2011-12. With only one senior next year I had heard that Selvig wanted to keep a few scholarships open this year so he could sign some players from an outstanding class in Montana and Washington, but I do not know if he can hold 4 open and have only 11 active player going into next year.

I have heard the lady Griz had a JC player in for a campus visit a few weeks back, but Selvig did not like the fit. Additionally one of the assistants wanted to bring in a girl from Idaho but Selvig was not sure. I am told Selvig is being very picky this spring looking for just the right player and if he does not find that player than so be it. Last fall the Lady Griz seemed to be looking for a true center (6-4 ish), but this spring seem to be looking more at big players (6-1-ish types) that can play multiple positions and are a little more athletic.

Signing day: The Bobcats

Today (4/13/2011) is signing day, but I am not sure we will hear anything for the next week or so from any Montana State basketball team. Both the men and women have scholarships to offer but they may take different tacks this spring. Binford’s women basketball team I think will hold their scholarship till next year where they have only one senior and a very good Montana and possibly Australian class for 2012. If they do sign anyone look for it to be a point guard.

The men will have three scholarships to offer and I expect them to fill all of them. I am also hearing we may get a couple very good walk-ons. Through out most of the winter I have been hearing about the coaches recruiting almost exclusively guards, mostly from the JC ranks. These guards have ranged from small forward to point guards, but again with an emphasis on guys who are athletic and can score the ball. One of the Guy’s we had in for a visit and the coaches were high on guard Kannon Burrage of Des Moines Area JC visited a few weeks back but committed to Texas San Antonio a few days ago. Last week-end we had California JC player of the year Antonio Biglow a 6-0 combo guard as well as NJCAA All American 6-4 shooting guard Xavier Johnson-Blunt from Cochise JC in Arizona. Both have not committed yet.

Right after I heard that Cody Anderson was retiring I started to hear of some JC big men Huse might be recruiting. Most of the guys I am hearing about are in the 6-8 to 6-9 range, but the talent level varies widely, I am hearing about guys who could come in and start from day one to others who might be considered role players similarly to what Allou did this season. Talented JC big men are always at a premium this time a year and if there is a quality Big Sky starter out there unfortunately the bigger schools (mid to high majors) will come, looking for an “insurance big man” sweet talking to these guys, and filling their head with grandeur. They usually end up riding the bench for a year or two.