PORT ANGELES — New head coach Mitch Freeman faced a recruiting challenge when he took the helm of the Peninsula College men’s basketball program on Aug. 1.
With only a handful of returners in the mix — led by all-conference standout Xavier Bazile, role player Domach Domach and redshirt sophomore T.J. McKinney — and only one of the players signed by previous coach Lance Von Vogt still on board in Jal Deng, Freeman hit the recruiting trail in August.
In a month and a half, the Pirates new coach has assembled a talented group of 10 players.
Here is a look at Freeman’s first recruiting class:
■ Branden Charbonier (6-5, freshman, wing)
Graduated from Ayala High School (Chino Hills, Calif.) in 2013.
“Branden has a tremendous upside as a basketball player,” Freeman said.
“He has the ability to knock down a perimeter shot, but still able to attack the basket off the dribble.
“Also, he is a great student.”
■ Kyshawn Erwin (6-6, freshman, power forward)
Graduated from Arroyo Valley High School (San Bernardino, Calif.) in 2013.
“Kyshawn is a high-level athlete who will be able to bring some inside presence to the team,” Freeman said.
“He will be able to get up and down the court quickly and be able to protect the rim with his shot-blocking ability.
“He comes from a very big family and knows the importance of working with a team.”
■ Juwan Flowers (6-0, freshman, guard)
Played his high school ball at Beamer High in SeaTac, where he was a first-team all-conference player in the South Puget Sound League.
“Juwan is a great kid who is determined to do whatever it takes to be successful,” Freeman said.
“He is a competitive guard that will continue to get better each year.”
■ Daren Hechanova (6-2, sophomore, guard)
Hechanova, of Torrance, Calif., played high school basketball at Torrance High in 2011, and one year at Saddleback Junior College in Orange County.
“Daren is a strong athletic guard that has a great understanding of the game,” Freeman said.
“He is determined to do whatever it takes to help his team be successful.
“His experience will help him be an impact player here at Peninsula College.”
■ Geno Horsley (5-10 freshman, guard)
Graduated from Lincoln High School in Tacoma in 2011 where his team was one of the best in the state his senior year.
“Geno is tough competitor with a great personality,” Freeman said.
“He will help Peninsula basketball in so many ways with his leadership abilities.
“He comes from a winning program at Lincoln High School coached by Aubry Shetlon.”
■ Glen Jackson (6-2, freshman, guard/wing)
Jackson is a Decatur High graduate and a former teammate of Markus Rawls, who is also joining the Pirates this year.
“We are excited to have Glen be a part of our basketball program, and expect him to have a positive impact on the team,” Freeman said.
■ Ryan Johnson (6-1, freshman, guard)
Graduated from Valley High School in Las Vegas in 2013, and comes from a very successful high school program coached by Brian Farnsworth.
“Ryan is a talented guard who knows how to compete and win,” Freeman said.
“He has the ability with his speed and quickness to make big plays for himself and his teammates.
“He will be a fun player to watch.”
■ Terrell Penney Jr. (5-9, freshman, guard)
Graduated from Grant High School. Most recent player to commit to Peninsula.
“Terrell is a very quick and fast guard who can get to anywhere he wants on the basketball floor,” Freeman said.
“He has a bright future here at Peninsula.”
■ Markus Rawls (6-3, freshman, guard/wing)
Younger brother of Jordan Rawls, who played for the Pirates two seasons ago.
Rawls played high school ball at Decatur in the Federal Way area.
“Markus knows all about Peninsula College having watched his brother play hoops here a few years back,” Freeman said.
“Markus is a talented wing with a tremendous feel for the game of basketball.”
■ Erron Shamlin (5-11, sophomore, guard)
Comes to Peninsula College from Houston, Texas, where he played high school ball at Humble High School.
He was recruited to play for Texas Southern University in 2012-13, but has decided to transfer to play for coach Freeman.
“Erron is a committed and hard working player who will do whatever it takes to help his team be successful,” Freeman said.
“Erron brings a lot of experience at the college level with him to Peninsula College.”
Open gym
In addition to Freeman’s recruiting class, Peninsula is expecting a handful of walk-ons, including athletes who trained with the Pirates in coach Von Vogt’s advanced basketball class last spring, as well as others from the North Olympic Peninsula and the surrounding region.
Freeman is planning some open gyms as early as next week to evaluate walk-ons. Interested players are encouraged to contact him at 360-417-6467.
Meet Freeman today
Peninsula College is holding a community reception for coach Freeman and his family today from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the gymnasium foyer.
“We are very excited to have Mitch and his wife Nicole, and their newborn son Eli join our community,” Pirates athletic director Rick Ross said.
“I hope our fans and boosters will take a minute to stop by and say hello and wish him well at our reception [today].
“I’m also excited to meet his recruiting class, and to welcome back our returners next week.”
