The Cochise Men’s Basketball team opened up conference play versus the Pima Aztecs, who hold the #1 ranking in the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) for Division 2. After a quick 10-4 start in favor of the Aztecs, the Apaches found their stride and did not look back.
Freshman, Chris Whitaker led the Apaches with 40 points. Whitaker was able to find his three-point stroke as he hit 7 of 9. Whitaker was able to help the Apaches withstand the run that the Aztecs were bound to make by knocking down three timely threes to get the lead back up to the halftime margin.
Head Coach Jerry Carrillo said, “I thought that we came out and were able to set the tone defensively. We guarded the three-point line well and stayed true to our defensive principles. We know that Pima is a good team and we wanted to come out and defend them with great integrity. I think we did a good job of it. Chris (Whitaker) was able to get it going tonight and the guys fed off of his performance.”
Keep up the good work Chris!
Cochise is a Division 1 Juco!