Labette's Dennis, Fort Scott's Cook Lead D2 Men's Awards
(KJCCC) April 15, 2021 -- 2021 KJCCC D-II Men's Basketball Awards
Labette Community College sophomore guard Bryson Dennis became the first Cardinal to be selected most valuable player in KJCCC D-II history, and Fort Scott Community College's Michael Cook picked up his third Coach of the Year award, the most of any D-II coach in conference history. Johnson County Community College point guard Desi Williams was selected the Freshman of the Year, and JCCC sophomore forward Jayland Whitehead was named the Defensive Player of the Year.
Most Valuable Player
Bryson Dennis was the leading scorer the conference this season, pouring in 17.3 points per game. He finished in double figures in all 15 games, including a season high 30 in a win at Fort Scott. Dennis was second in the conference with 37 made 3-point baskets, connecting on 42.5 percent beyond the arc, good for fourth-best in the conference.
Freshman of the Year
Desi Williams is the third player in Johnson County history to be selected the KJCCC D-II Freshman of the Year. He is averaging 10.7 points per game, and he leads the conference in total assists with 83 and assist per game at 4.2. He is also hitting 83.7 percent at the free throw line, second-best in the conference and 12th overall in the NJCAA.
Defensive Player of the Year
Jayland Whitehead finished the regular season as the top rebounder in the conference, and No. 2 shot blocker. Whitehead pulled down 232 rebounds for an average of 11.6 per game. Both his total and average rank sixth in the NJCAA. He also blocked 35 shots, along with averaging 13.9 points per game. Whitehead is the second Cavalier to be selected the top defensive player in the conference.
Coach of the Year
This season, Fort Scott head coach Michael Cook led the Greyhounds to a three-way share of the conference title, the third conference championship under his leadership. Fort Scott finished the season 13-6 overall, and ranked 17th in the final NJCAA D-II Poll. Five of his players were selected as all-conference performers, the most of any team.