Chandler-Gilbert Junior College (19-4, 11-4) is right in the thick of the Division-II race for the Conference Championship in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC) this season. Head Coach Steve Silsby has done an excellent job in developing the program and keeping them in the hunt this junior college season. While the team is very well balanced offensively, a big reason for the success of the program the last two seasons has been the consistently play of 6-foot-5, 200-pound sophomore forward Isaiah Somers. Somers has had two-consecutive strong seasons for Chandler-Gilbert, and has the program looking to overtake Scottsdale JC and Pima JC for the D-II title.
Somers, while very consistent in his play, has not put up eye-popping scoring statistics in his two seasons at Chandler-Gilbert, but rather has simply been consistent in his play - someone that the team can consistently count on to produce each game. Somers' consistency in his production has helped his program to a strong season this year, and a current third place standing in the ACCAC among Division-II programs. As winners of their last (3) games on the season by narrow margins, Chandler-Gilbert is definitely trending in the right direction. Somers is currently averaging 12.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per/game, while shooting 48.4% from the field.
Somers has been very consistent in his production, as last season he averaged very similar numbers for the program - averaging 12.6 points per/game on the season, while shooting 51% from the field, 40.6% from three-point distance and 80% from the foul line. For his efforts last season, Somers earned 3rd-Team All-League honors. He will be back in the conversation for post-season honors again this season.
Somers is definitely a sleeper prospect still though in the ACCAC, as his recruitment is just now beginning to pick up although he has yet to reel in any big offers, and will likely end up at a strong Division-II 4-year college program after his time at Chandler-Gilbert. Regardless of where he ultimately lands, Somers has paid his dues for the past two seasons, and has the Chanler-Gilbert program on the rise.
Somers is a tough and versatile prospect that can play multiple positions on the floor and does for Coach Silsby. He is able to score inside and out, and has excellent body control. He is a strong driver of the basketball and finisher in the lane and in traffic. He also is a solid shooter of the basketball from mid-range, and takes high percentage shots around the basket. He possesses a very good mid-range game that allows him to create off the dribble for himself, or allows him to get to the basket off the dribble. He is tough and accepts challenges on the floor defensively - willing to defend the opposing team's best player. Somers is a undersized 3 / 4 prospect, which is why the right college program fit for him will be a must in his future college home, and will limit the level he ultimately lands at. He will produce though and is well battle-tested after two years of junior college basketball under his belt.
Somers is also an excellent student-athlete and carries a 3.12 GPA at Chandler-Gilbert, and is on pace to graduate with his AA degree.
I will continue to follow Somers and his Chandler-Gilbert program down the stretch of games in the ACCAC, as he and his teammates look to continue their strong play in the conference.
