Cochise Men’s Basketball Earns Multiple ACCAC & Region I Postseason Honors

The Cochise College men's basketball program continues to make its mark in the ACCAC and NJCAA Region I, as four Apaches have earned postseason recognition for their outstanding performances during the 2025-26 season.

Emmanuel Joe-Samuel Named ACCAC Freshman of the Year, All-Region First Team

Freshman forward Emmanuel Joe-Samuel headlines the honors after being named ACCAC Conference Freshman of the Year and earning All-Region First Team recognition.

Joe-Samuel made an immediate impact in his first collegiate season, establishing himself as one of the most versatile and dominant frontcourt players in the conference. Throughout the season, he provided consistent double-digit scoring performances, controlled the glass, and delivered key defensive stops in crucial late-season matchups.

He played a pivotal role during Cochise's late five-game winning streak, contributing interior scoring and rebounding that helped the Apaches climb to a 19-11 overall record and secure the No. 3 seed in the Region I Tournament. His physical presence in the paint and ability to finish through contact made him a difficult matchup for opponents all season long.

All-Region Second Team Selections

Cochise also placed three players on the All-Region Second Team, showcasing the depth and balance of this year's squad.

Teron Murray (Freshman)
Murray emerged as a dynamic scoring guard in conference play, earning ACCAC Player of the Week honors earlier this season. He delivered multiple 20+ point performances and proved to be a reliable perimeter threat while also contributing on the defensive end.

Jhace Johnson (Sophomore)
Johnson provided veteran leadership and consistent offensive production throughout the year. He delivered clutch performances in key conference wins, including a 23-point effort in a critical late-season victory over Eastern Arizona. His experience and steady presence were instrumental in Cochise's push toward postseason play.

Emmanuel Joe Samuel (Freshman)
In addition to his Freshman of the Year. Joe Samuel was also selected to the All-Region Second Team list, further highlighting the respect he earned from coaches across the conference for his all-around play.

A Team Effort

Cochise finished the regular season at 19-11 overall and 9-6 in ACCAC play, highlighted by a five-game winning streak and a strong finish that propelled the Apaches into postseason contention.

The postseason accolades reflect not only individual excellence but also the collective success of a team that improved throughout the season and competed at a high level in one of the toughest junior college conferences in the country.

With multiple All-Region selections and the ACCAC Freshman of the Year on the roster, the future remains bright for Cochise Men's Basketball.