Cochise opens season with a huge 142-76 win over Northland Pioneer College

The Cochise College men's basketball team opened up the 2021-22 season with a huge 142-76 win thumping former ACCAC rival Northland Pioneer College. NPC used to be a member of the ACCAC for many years and then shut down the program at the end of the 2002-03 season. NPC is now an NJCAA Independent. 

Cochise jumped out to a 63-28 lead at halftime and led 96-62 with 10 minutes to go in the game. The Apaches used a balanced scoring attack with six players in double figures. Cochise was led by newcomer Jay Rodgers who paced the Apaches with 23 points. Returning ACCAC Player of the Year, Stephen "Tank" Byard, had 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Freshman Tyreese Watson chipped in 19 points and showed off his open floor dunking skills to the fans in the Stronghold Gymnasium. Freshman Oscar Cluff added 17 points while three others added 10 points each. 

The Apaches are now 1-0 on the season and will not play any ACCAC contests until later in November.  

"It was a great feeling back into the Stronghold Gym with fans and the pop-corn popping and Hard Hat doing his thing," Cochise Head Coach Jerry Carrillo said.  "Our guys shared the ball tonight and scored the ball very effectively. We do need to shore up our perimeter defense."

Next, Cochise will host Taylor Made Prep Post Grad tonight, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m. in the Stronghold Gymnasium. Fans are welcome.