Following an amazing season in which Otero won 30 games, won the Region IX Championship, and advanced to the NJCAA Elite 8, three Rattler players have signed with Division I institutions. Brandon Harris, Adam Link, and Oscar Garcia will all play at college basketball's highest level next season. We are very proud of these guys because they bought into the team concept and never got caught up in caring about their own stats or accomplishments. All three are tough kids that just want to compete and win. We will miss them, but we know that they will do great things at their next school.
Brandon Harris will attend Western Kentucky University next fall. The point guard averaged 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in the 2011-2012 campaign. Harris also provided tremendous defensive pressure for the Rattlers. He broke the school record for steals in a season with 90. Brandon had over 20 Division I offers but chose to play for Coach Ray Harper and become a Hilltopper. Coach Reed had this to say about Brandon, "We are very happy for Brandon and wish him the best of luck at Western Kentucky. He did a great job of running our team this year and I'll miss watching him guard the ball full court. He is a great player, but a great person as well." 
Adam Link will move on to Western Illinois University. The sophomore shot an amazing 61% from the field and led Otero in points and rebounds this season with 12 ppg and 8 rpg, respectively. Adam's athleticsm and versatilty were huge for the Rattlers during their championship run. He had several Divsion I offers but decided to become a Leatherneck and play for a tremendous coach in Jim Molinari at WIU. Adam will be remembred by many in La Junta for his ridiculous dunks and athletic blocks. Coach Reed remarked, "Adam is a phenomenal person that has worked to become the player he is today. The toughness he displayed this year will be something I will always remember." 
Oscar Garcia, the 6'7 post from El Paso, TX has signed with Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. Garcia was the defensive anchor for the Rattlers this past season and led the team in charges taken for the past two years. Also, "O" averaged 7 points and 4 rebounds this year. He will become a Bison next fall and play for Coach Scott Sanderson. Oscar will be remembered for his constant hustle, fearless attitude, and his huge putbacks that finished the Miles City game and which put the Rattlers into the Region IX Championship game. Coach Reed commented, "Oscar may be the toughest player I have ever coached. He is someone that you want in your foxhole. He is loved by everyone that knows him, especially his teammates. We will miss him greatly." 
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