The CWC Men's team took the court on Friday, February 24th to play Northwest College, one of two teams tied at the top of the Region 9 standings. This was the second test against the Trappers after CWC fell in a close game at Powell earlier this month by a score of 82-87. Unlike the first contest where the Rustlers fell behind by double digits in the first half, this game was highly contested throughout. Back-and-forth action in the first half led to Northwest leading 38-35 at intermission. The second half started with a dominant run by the Rustlers, gaining the lead at the 17-minute mark and never giving it up. Elite defense and rebounding were the difference in the game, "When we focus on the defensive side of the ball; doing us, following scouts, and competing, we are very hard to beat," commented Coach Schmit on his team's 77-68 win. 

 

With this game being scheduled as sophomore night, Niieihii Black, Trey Simms, Jaren Miller, and Jared Lucas were recognized before the game for their contributions to the CWC program. All four sophomores will graduate this spring, have led the team to a 3-1 record after being inserted into the starting lineup at LCCC, and combined for 42 points and 19 rebounds in the win against the Trappers. "These four young men have been through a lot dealing with two seasons of COVID, multiple injuries to teammates, and too much losing. What they have accomplished this season shows their love for each other, their buy-in to the program, and their growth as players. I'm incredibly proud of what they have done so far and hoping for a lot more days together,"  quoted Coach Schmit on his team's sophomores. 

 

The Rustlers will play their last regular season game on Tuesday, February 28th with a home contest scheduled for 7:30 PM against Western Wyoming College.