Junsie Cotten, Head Coach

Willard "Junsie" Cotten is beginning his first year at Panola College. Coach Cotten brings seven years of head coaching experience to Panola and understands the competitiveness of Region XIV and Juco Basketball. Cotten spent his first two years as a head coach at the helm of Midland College, where he posted a 55-15 record. In 2000, he was selected the Region V Coach of the Year as he coached his Chaparrals to the WJAC Conference Championship, a Region V Championship, and a 6th place finish at the NJCAA National Tournament. Coach Cotten, spent 5 years as a head coach at Lincoln Trails College in Illinois, where he once again took his 2007 team to the NJCAA National playoffs. In 2007, he coached
his team to a Region XXIV Championship and was selected Coach of the Year in the region. In 2009, his team finished as runner up in the region to go to the National Tournament. Prior to Lincoln Trail, Junsie served as an assistant at Eastern Oklahoma State College and assistant at the University of Texas – El Paso. He began his coaching career as a student assistant at Utah State, then an assistant at Eastern
Utah, before becoming the assistant coach at Midland College in 1997.

As a player, Junsie was a two year letterman at Utah State after transferring from College of Eastern
Utah, where he was an All- Conference and an All-Region player.

"I am excited about joining the Panola College family. I am looking forward to competing in what is
traditionally considered to be one of the toughest conferences in the country," stated Coach Cotten.

Kadrian Bryant graduated from Carthage High School in 2003. After graduating High School he attented Panola College for a year playing for the Ponies. Bryant transfered to Mississippi Valley State University, majoring in Health and Physical Education. Bryant is now working on his Master's in Adminstration at LeTourneau University.

As a player, Coach Bryant led the SWAC Conference in field goal percentage, leading Mississippi Valley State to their first National Invitational Tournament appearance. Before joining Panola, Coach Bryant coached high school basket ball in Shreveport, Louisiana, leading the Northwood Falcons to their first bi-district appearance in almost ten years. 

Coach Bryant and his wife Quintina are both passionate educators. "It's a calling and a joy," Coach Bryant says, "to motivate young athletes, helping them achieve success in the classroom, on the court, and in life."