In the 2008-09 College Basketball Edition of the Sporting News Magazine, the Midland Chaparrals were ranked #5 in their pre-season Junior College Poll. Here is what Sporting News had to say about Midland's 2008-09 team:

"Many coaches on the four year level would love to be in the sneakers of Coach Grant McCasland. Coming off of a stellar campaign in which he sent star Ty Appleton to national champion Kansas, McCasland returns a dozen players this year, including standout starters Brad Kelleher, Greg Hill and David Terrell.

The Chaparrals return a lot of firepower... and playing in one of the toughest conferences should have Midland battle-tested for a strong postseason run. "

The magazine also listed 20 players who left junior college as sophomores last season to keep an eye on at their new Division 1 Schools. Tyrone Appleton, who is playing for the University of Kansas, was listed as the #1 player from the South to keep an eye on this season.