Cougars men sign pair of in-state basketball players
The Barton County Community College men's basketball, fresh off an appearance in the Region VI title game, began releasing its list of signees with a pair of instate players. Included in the list is a local product in Matt Simmons. Also signed was Derby senior Chip Steven.

Simmons, 6-7, was a member of two Great Bend High 5A state championships while playing with the Panthers and was a 2-time 1st team All Class 5A selection. This past season Simmons averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds a contest and most recently scored 31 points in the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association All-Star game. This past season Simmons again guided his team to the Class 5A state tournament, but came up a bit short in the quest for the title, losing in the opening round. As a 3-year starter, Simmons helped Great Bend to a 65-8 mark those 3 seasons. Simmons was the Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year.

Steven was a 3rd team All Class 6A selection this past season for Derby High School. He scored 16 points per contest as was tabbed as the Ark Valley Player of the Year. Steven most recently played in the Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League All-Star Game, tossing in 27 points to lead his team to victory. Steven hit 3 free throws with 2.6 seconds left in the game for a 101-100 win.

Some out of state signings for the Cougars will be released next week.

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Check out Barton County Basketball Online at www.bartonccc.edu/sports