It didn’t take New Orleans West Jefferson product Carlton Spencer long to make his mark in the JUCO ranks. As a freshman playing for College of the Canyons, Spencer earned Western State Conference MVP after averaging 19.1 points, 6.2 assists and 5.1 rebounds.

“He’s got a good feel for the game. He understands the game and is willing to step up and guard the other team’s best offensive player,” said COC head coach Howard Fisher. “He likes to penetrate and pull up. He shoots off the dribble, gets to the free-throw line. We’ve been spending some time on his 3-point shooting and it’s getting better but he likes to penetrate and pull up.”

Spencer’s ability to jump-start COC’s offense is perhaps his biggest asset, but Fisher said his star prospect really excels when the game is on the line.

“He’s willing to have the ball in his hands down the stretch and live or die by winning or losing the game. He wants the ball in his hands, whether it’s to create an open shot for his teammate or take the shot for himself.”

Spencer, a 6-2, 180-pound combo guard is receiving early interest from the majority of the schools in the Mountain West and Big West as well as some schools in the South.

“He’s got a tremendous work ethic,” said Fisher. “He demands a lot of himself and he demands the same of his teammates. He’s a good leader vocally and he leads by example.”