Juco Intel: Aussie Talent Making Waves in the Junior College Ranks

Spotlight on Dodge City CC’s Mia Jordan and Shorna Preston

Dodge City Community College in Kansas has become a magnet for top-tier talent, and two standout players leading the charge are Mia Jordan and Shorna Preston. Both sophomores from Gold Coast, Australia, these skilled forwards bring an international finesse to the court, infusing Dodge City’s lineup with energy, skill, and a diverse set of tools. Their standout performances have placed them among the top JUCO prospects nationally, with Jordan and Preston sitting at 12th and 10th on BTN Scouting's JUCO Top 100, respectively. Here’s a closer look at what makes these two players so special.

Mia Jordan: Dominant 6’3” Forward with Elite Rim Protection

Ranked: 12th on BTN Scouting JUCO Top 100
BTN Rating: 91.40
Offers From: Central Arkansas, Portland State, UT Arlington, New Mexico State.

At 6'3", Mia Jordan is a forward who excels at controlling the paint on both ends of the floor. Defensively, her size and instincts make her a formidable rim protector. Known for her ability to disrupt opponents in drop pick-and-roll coverage, Mia excels at altering and blocking shots around the basket, making her a key defensive asset for Dodge City. She anticipates offensive moves, positioning herself strategically to challenge shots and discourage drives to the hoop.

On the offensive end, Mia’s strengths begin with her urgency and power in rim-running. Her ability to get down the floor quickly and establish herself as a target in transition puts continuous pressure on opposing defenses. One of Mia's standout skills is her ability to catch passes outside of her catch radius, showcasing her great hands and coordination for a forward. Once she has the ball, her finishing skills around the rim come into play, enabling her to score with a combination of finesse and power.

Though her primary focus has been inside the paint, she possesses a reliable mid-range shot and has shown flashes of three-point ability, knocking down shots from distance last season. This season, with more offensive responsibilities, her ability to stretch the floor is expected to develop further, making her a well-rounded offensive threat.

The Buzz on Mia: With Dodge City CC ranked 14th in the NJCAA D1 Preseason Poll, Mia’s strong presence in the paint and evolving offensive game have attracted significant interest from college programs. Schools such as Central Arkansas, Portland State, UT Arlington, and New Mexico State have extended offers, and as she continues to improve her outside game, more programs are sure to follow.

Shorna Preston: Agile 6'1" Forward with Unmatched Rebounding and Offensive Versatility

Ranked: 10th on BTN Scouting JUCO Top 100
BTN Rating: 91.78
Offers From: Central Arkansas, Arkansas Pine Bluff, Little Rock, New Mexico State.

Shorna Preston, a 6'1" forward, combines athleticism, quickness, and skill to be an all-around impact player. Ranked 10th nationally, her ability to play physically in the paint and face up to the basket makes her a versatile offensive threat. Known for her efficiency in the post, Shorna expertly ducks in, receives the pass, and makes quick scoring decisions, often leaving defenders scrambling to adjust. Her aggressive drives from the wing to the rim allow her to finish through contact, demonstrating a toughness that makes her a go-to option in high-pressure moments.

One of Shorna’s most valuable attributes is her rebounding prowess. Her strength and anticipation allow her to secure rebounds over multiple defenders, often outmuscling taller opponents. Her high basketball IQ is evident in her positioning on both ends of the floor, and her ability to read the game situates her perfectly for second-chance opportunities. Additionally, her defensive quickness shines in close-out situations, as she has an impressive high-hand closeout technique that alters shots and disrupts perimeter play.

Shorna’s offensive game is rounded out by a solid three-point shot. Last season, she showcased consistency from beyond the arc, and her polished shooting fundamentals indicate continued growth in that area. This season, she is expected to take on an even larger scoring role, helping drive Dodge City’s pursuit of a deep tournament run.

The Buzz on Shorna: With schools like Central Arkansas, Arkansas Pine Bluff, Little Rock, and New Mexico State already offering her, Shorna’s stock is on the rise. As Dodge City CC aims for success in the postseason, her skill set and leadership on the court will continue to attract attention from programs eager for her blend of rebounding, scoring, and defensive versatility.

Rising Stars from Gold Coast: What’s Next?

Mia Jordan and Shorna Preston are more than just top JUCO prospects; they are a testament to the growing international talent making an impact in the American junior college ranks. Their skill sets, honed in Australia, bring a unique combination of finesse, power, and basketball IQ that sets them apart from their peers. As Dodge City CC pursues a top finish this season, these two Australian standouts are sure to be in the spotlight, both for their individual contributions and for their potential to elevate any team they join at the next level.

With the season in full swing, the trajectory of their success will likely draw further college interest, and a deep tournament run could be the springboard that propels both Mia and Shorna into prominent roles at Division I programs.