The Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference (ISCC) and the NJCAA Region IV Basketball Committee recognized four members of Waubonsee Community College's men's basketball program for their outstanding play this past season. Darnell Wright and Deland "D.J." Deere were both named to the All-ISCC First Team, while teammates Jacob Niesman and Demetrius Ewing were selected to the All-ISCC Second Team. In addition, Wright was chosen All-Region First Team and Deere was tabbed All-Region Second Team.
Wright, a sophomore from Chicago's Tilden High School, was a force inside for the Chiefs. The 6'5" forward averaged 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game in ISCC action. He led Waubonsee with 463 total points scored and 301 rebounds, posting 13 double-doubles in points and rebounds in 29 games played. Wright also connected on 57.5 percent (183 of 318) of his shots from the field.
The Chiefs' point guard, Deere averaged 13.7 points and 3.2 assists per contest. The 5'9" sophomore from Thornton Fractional North High School led Waubonsee with 46 three-point baskets, shots 84.2 percent from the foul line, handed out 93 assists and recorded 49 steals on the season.
Niesman, a 5'11" sophomore from Oswego, was the Chiefs' defensive stopper and shared the ball handling duties throughout the year. He averaged 4.3 assists and two steals per game, while shooting 45.9 percent from the floor overall. Niesman dished out 115 assists and tallied 54 thefts while taking numerous offensive charges on defense.
A 6'2 sophomore forward, Ewing averaged 12.4 points, eight rebounds and 4.2 assists per game in ISCC play while primarily coming off the bench. The Waubonsie Valley High School graduate shot 47.7 percent from the floor and 85.7 percent from the foul line in conference games.
Waubonsee finished the season 20-11 overall, the 17th time that head coach Dave Heiss has led the Chiefs to 20 or more wins in a season during his 33-year tenure in Sugar Grove. Waubonsee went 9-5 in ISCC contests to finish tied for third in the league standings.
