The start of the new year could not have gone better for the CWC men's basketball team. After almost a month off from their previous contest, the men took the court this past weekend against Region 9 south opponents Otero and Lamar. "Heading into Christmas break we were on a 3 game skid. Add a three week break, losing our starting point guard (Tedeschi), and starting another new lineup, I really didn't know what type of team I would have." quoted Coach Schmit on the start of the second semester of competition. 

 

After narrowly escaping with a win in La Junta, the Rustlers faced off against Otero for the second time in the past month. Playing an athletic team with a long history of success was a tough opening game after winter break. For the entire 40 minute contest the game was closely contested. Neither team could ever pull away with both teams holding small leads throughout the game. "I knew this was going to be a battle. At their place we had to overcome a double digit deficit to come back and win. Tonight we held the lead for a majority of the game, but could never pull away. Our guys have been tested all year and this was another game that will make us better for Region 9 North play." Coach Schmit commented on his team's performance. 

 

CWC was led in scoring by a career high from Sam Marbury totaling 31 points on 11-17 FG's. King Solomon totaled 21 and Julian Roberts chipped in 11 to cap off the double digit scorers. 

 

Playing for the second time in two days, CWC faced off against the Runnin Lopes of Lamar. When these two teams played in Lamar a month ago; the game went down to the wire with CWC making some timely plays late to come away with the road win. This time around the game was dominated by the Rustlers. Scoring on their opening possession and never looking back, racing out to a 30 point lead at halftime, 55-25. The second half was more competitive but Lamar could never get the lead below 20. When the final buzzer sounded the scoreboard leaned heavily in CWC's favor, 94-65. "Being able to play all 10 guys on our roster the same amount of minutes, have everyone score, and another player have a career high, was the perfect way to start our second semester." explained Coach Schmit. 

 

CWC had three players score in double figures with King Solmon leading the way with 19, Sam Marbury 15, and a career high from Taye Hollins off the bench putting in 13 points.