Men’s basketball shoots for MACJC three-peat in 2012-13

With two straight MACJC title trophies in the case, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College basketball fans can’t help but wonder if another championship is within reach in 2012-13. The Bulldogsmade it back-to-back State titles for the first time since 1991-92.

“We have to replace a lot from last season,” said Gulf Coast head basketball coach Wendell Weathers. “In the past two years our players worked hard, believed in the system, and played together on thecourt.”

Three members of last year’s squad are back; including starter Angel Matias (14 points per game), Darius Forest (10 points per game), and reserve guard Issac Moore. Matias, a native of Puerto Rico, was an All-MACJC and All-Region 23 player in 2011-12.

“We know how good Angel and Darius are,” Weathers added. “They’ll be our leaders this season. “Issac also got a solid amount of playing time last year.”

They’ll be joined by transfer players JaMichael Hawkins (6-5, 200, Jackson) who played at Alcorn State last season, Caleb Miskelly (6-2, 185, Jackson), a transfer from Delta State, and Michael Lewis (6-5, 200, Slidell, LA). Stacy Caroway, a 6-6 forward from Raleigh, North Carolina, is also transferring to Gulf Coast from Morehead State. The Bulldogs also signed incoming freshman Chris Bilbo (6-2, Jackson), who was part of the Clarion-Ledger’s Dandy Dozen players for 2011-12. Bilbo averaged 13 points per game last season at Forest Hill High School.

“You really never know how a team will come together until you get them on the court,” said Weathers, who’ll be joined again this season by assistant coach Patrick Wilcher. “I’m interested to find out just what they can do.”

The Bulldogs open 2012-13 action Nov. 2 against Atlanta Metro College in Pensacola.