After a much needed Thanksgiving break the men's basketball team was back in action last weekend heading south for two Region 9 opponents.  On Friday the team faced off against Otero followed by a game on Saturday against Lamar. Here is how the games turned out:

 

Traveling for the first time to Otero under Coach Schmit's leadership, the Rustlers knew they were in for an intense game. "Otero is a really hard spot to play from what I have heard from other coaches in the region. They have tough players, are talented, and are coached hard. I knew this game would be a challenge for the guys." quoted Coach Schmit on his first trip to La Junta. 

CWC jumped all over the Rattlers early in the contest, racing out to a double digit lead. That lead was quickly erased by some sloppy play and transition dunks by Otero. At halftime Otero held a 6 point lead, which they held up until the 5 minute mark of the second half. Late in the game saw play after play made by CWC. Timely baskets down the stretch from Jayden Warren, King Solomon, and Lorence Dela Cruz gave CWC the lead which they held on to, winning by a final margin of 3, 81-78

 

Backing up the Otero game was a short trip to Lamar. Another first time trip for CWC. Playing a Lamar team that was 6-0 at home and coming off a win against Western Wyoming was not going to be easy for CWC. "From what Lamar has done early in the season, you could argue they are one of the best teams in the south. They have wins against LCCC, Western Wyoming, and Garden City on their home floor. Coach Cellars coaches his kids up, so coming away with a win against this level of team was a big time accomplishment by the team." commented Coach Schmit on this team's weekend sweep. 

The Rustlers once again started the game on fire, with Vince Tedeschi scoring a quick 8 points to get CWC out to a 20-6 lead. Lamar did not back down from the early barrage of baskets and cut the lead to 3 at halftime, CWC 38 - Lamar 35. The sophomore leadership from Cruz, Warren, and Engle in the second half never let Lamar get any closer. Holding the lead for the entire 40 minute contest CWC came away from the game with their first weekend sweep of the season and set their record against Region 9 programs at 4-1.