Fullerton College’s men’s basketball team has established themselves as one of the best JUCO programs in California. The Hornets have had nine straight 20+ win seasons from the 2015 to 2025 season and have won four straight conference tournament championships in the 2021 to 2025 season. Fullerton’s winning culture has made it a top destination for athletes around the country.
Inside Fullerton caught up with five 2024-2025 freshman athletes from the men’s basketball team to learn more about how they contribute to such a successful program.
#1 Michael Karnisovas
Michael Karnisovas , a 6 -foot- 7 forward from Colorado joined Fullerton College after attending Tilton School . Karnisovas had a very successful high school career at Thunder Ridge High School where he won two state championships. He chose Fullerton College because it gave him a clear vision of his goals and future. Karnisovas takes pride in being a great teammate . If you're not getting on the court, you got to be ready to cheer on everyone as best you can , ” he says. Head Coach Perry Webster praise s Karnisovas for his work ethic and positive attitude . “He’s a great kid and a really good player who comes to practice every day, works hard, keeps a great attitude and supports his teammates, ” Webster says. Karnisovas’s strengths as a player include his athleticism, high intelligence and his versatility on the court and having the ability to guard and play multiple positions .
#5 Jaqari Miles
Jaqari Miles, a 6-foot-2 guard comes to Fullerton from Montana State University, where he spent one season. He played in one game before suffering a season-ending injury, which led to his decision to transfer. After entering the transfer portal, he had a good number of options but ultimately chose Fullerton College. “Coach Perry and the staff made me feel safe and comfortable and I wanted to be a part of such a winning mentality and winning culture,” he says. Miles has been a key contributor off the bench this season, averaging 14.6 points per game. Webster praises Miles for his willingness to come off the bench and produce: “Jaqari is instant offense every time I feel like we ’ re struggling a little bit. I get him in the game, he can score from all different levels, pass the ball well and make plays for his teammates.” Miles also has the ability to step up in big moments when the team needs him, hitting clutch shot after clutch shot. “His ability to make the shots when it really matters has been a big impact for us,” Webster says.
#13 Anthony Smith
Anthony Smith, a 6-foot-1 guard, came to Fullerton College after a successful career at Rancho Verde High School, where he won several awards including co-MVP of the Ivy League. Smith had opportunities to play at other JUCO ’ s but ultimately chose Fullerton College. "I just wanted to go somewhere where it was a winning culture and like a family, a brotherhood” Smith says. He is big on embracing the culture and being a part of it. “I think that’s what Fullerton’s all about. Put the work in and let it speak for itself,” he says. On the court, Smith is the ultimate team first guy and will do anything the coaching staff asks out of him. “It doesn't matter how many minutes I'm playing, I'm gonna go in and do whatever I can to help the team win , ” he says. Smith has done a great job rebounding on both ends of the court and bringing toughness on the defensive end. “He really made a big impact and gave us a great lift,” Webster says.
#23 Kairi Shepherd
Kairi Shepherd, a 6-foot-3 guard attended Long Beach Poly Technic High School, where he helped win three league championships. Shepherd has played in every single game this season and has been the starting point guard for the Hornets. Shepherd takes a ton of pride in being a leader and playing his role as best as possible. “I'm a leader on the court and looking to create the best shots for my teammates and provide 100% effort defensively,” he says. Shepherd has had the task of guarding opposing teams’ best players and Webster says he has been great for the team's success. “[Shepherd] is a totally unselfish kid and such great high character,” he says. Webster says Shepherd’s versatility defensively and being able to guard the other team's best player has made a great impact on the team’s success.
#30 Brayden Smith
Brayden Smith, a forward joined Fullerton College Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University . After deciding to leave North Carolina A&T , he had a ton of interest from other colleges but ultimately chose Fullerton College . It was really t he winning environment , the culture that they've built here” he says . “I wanted to be part of a winning culture and a team that would do anything to get to the next place.” Known for his athleticism and high - energy play, Smith has been a dynamic presence around the rim , and hi s high energy off the bench has given this team a big boost when needed . Webster praise s Smith’s impact on the team : “ Brayden's ability to change the game on both ends has been so valuable for our team . ”
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This appeared in the Summer 2025 print issue of Inside Fullerton.
