(Editor's note: DCC Athletics release)
GLENDIVE - Dawson Community College men’s basketball coach Joe Peterson has announced the signing of twin brothers from St John Paul II High School in Plano, Texas.
Jalen and JaJuan Tot will be joining the Buccaneers basketball team this upcoming season. The dynamic backcourt led St Paul II to a 40-1 record and the 2020 TAPPS 6A Championship. Over the last two years, they have a combined record of 68-10, winning 7 of the 9 tournaments they competed in.
“These two are winners," Peterson said. "They love to compete and are great teammates who can play on both ends of the floor. ”
Jalen averaged 12 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals per game and connected on 66 3-pointers on the season. The 6’0” combo guard was named First Team All-District his junior and senior years, along with being named Second Team All-State this past season.
“I am excited to become a Buccaneer and grateful for the opportunity," Jalen said. "I’m blessed that the coaches at Dawson believe in me and it is going to be fun playing alongside my brother. I’m pumped to play in a great place and in front of awesome fans!”
“Jalen has an attacking mindset," Peterson said. "He is exciting to watch because he has a great feel for the game and a knack for scoring. He’s also a really good athlete.”
Jajuan averaged 8 points along with 5 assists and 2 steals. The 6’0” floor general knows how to run a team and get others involved. Jajuan was also named First Team All-District his junior and senior years, and Second Team All-State this season.
“JaJuan is a pass-first point guard who does a great job of getting other involved," Peterson said. "He can shoot it and score when he needs to, but prefers to set up others. JaJaun also really gets down and guard people.”
“I am excited to become a Buccaneer," said JaJuan. "I know the coaches at Dawson will develop me as a player, and I can’t wait to connect with the fans!”
St. John Paul II High School Head Coach Dan Lee added, “Jalen and JaJuan are an incredible backcourt tandem. They control the game at both ends of the court and have no fear. They are competitors and winners that helped lead St. John Paul II to their first state championship in their senior year. They will be great additions to the Dawson Program!”
Basketball runs in the Tot family. These twins are actually triplets, and their sister, Naveah, will be attending University of Oklahoma to play basketball next year. Their mother was the Big Ten Player of the Year at Penn State and went on to have a ten year career in the WNBA.
Meantime, 6'-3" Australian wing Michael Jok has also signed his NJCAA Letter of Intent to play at DCC. Jok red-shirted this year and just finished the spring semester at Dawson.
Jok played in Australia for the Waverley Falcons. He was the team captain and won MVP for the team last year. In the 2019 Victorian Youth Championships, he averaged 12.6 points per game, 8.4 rebounds per game and 1.85 assists. He also shot 40% from the field.
“We were excited that Mike was able to come out this past semester and get adjusted to life in America and academics at the college level," said Peterson. "He was also able to be a part of the success we had this year and better understand the culture we have here in our program. He works hard on and off the court and gets along well with the other guys. He’ll bring some scoring punch and outside shooting to our team next year.”
