Rustler Men Finish 13-6 in Non-Region

The Rustler men's basketball team finished their non-region schedule this past weekend traveling to Colorado Springs to play Lamar CC and Air Force Prep. Facing off against two opponents they had not seen since early in the season would be a great gauge to see where the team was at before region play begins this week. 

 

After taking down Lamar early in the season on their home court, the Rustlers played a different team that was motivated, had a great game plan, and played with January-level intensity.  The Rustlers started the game well taking an early lead. At around the 10:00 minute mark of the first half though things turned on CWC with Lamar taking full control of the game. Outside of one second-half run to take the lead 52-51, the Lopes of Lamar was the better team. Lamar took the win from CWC by a margin of 9, 72-81. 

"All the credit for the outcome of this game needs to go to Coach Cellars and his players. They came out ready to compete and they beat us up. They competed harder than us, they played better as a team, and they made more winning basketball plays. We can learn a lot from this game that will benefit us during Region 9 play," commented Coach Schmit on the game's outcome. 

 

Saturday's contest put the Rustlers up against the host team Air Force Prep. This was to be the second time playing AF Prep after an early season contest saw the Rustlers leading at halftime 46-44, only to get blown out in the second half losing 94-110. Coach Schmit said "AF Prep is a high-level team. Playing them on their home court after losing the first time around and coming off a loss was a tough test for the guys." Luckily for the Rustlers, they have only lost back-to-back games once all season. And they were to keep that impressive streak alive with a win over AF Prep 80-76. Huge performances from Lorence Dela Cruz, Julian Roberts, and Javonne Nesbit provided a staple win for CWC as they head home for their Region 9 opener against LCCC. 

"What a win for the guys and our program. We have played Air Force Prep for the past three seasons with zero wins recorded. Beating them on their home court to finish our non-region schedule is definitely a highlight for our team." 

 

The men are back in action this week with the Region 9 opener against LCCC. The game is scheduled for a 4 PM tip-off on Saturday, January 21, 2023.