The Copper Mountain College men’s basketball team kicked off its 2018-19 season at the College of the Desert Annual Tip-off classic last night. CMC,
ranked 13 th , opened the year against a perennial SoCal top program #8 San Bernardino Valley College. CMC eventually lost 81-75, but definitely had several bright spots to take away from an early season tough loss. Despite early season jitters and miscues Copper Mountain played a solid ball game and showed signs that they will be a very good team as the season progresses. Throughout the first 20 minutes, hometown freshman guard D’Shaun Barrett delivered his sharp shooting to lift CMC early on.
Despite Copper Mountain giving up 12 turnovers, going into the half it was still all tied up at 34. Early season emphasis on certain calls made it difficult for the refs and it resulted in so many fouls being called that it tallied to one shy of 100 total free throws shot between the two teams combined.
Newcomer and sophomore standout point guard Anthony Rice led all scorers with a game high 24 points. Freshman D’Shaun Barrett netted 14 points and freshman wing Isayas Aris added 12 points and six rebounds.
CMC will take on Victory Valley College today Friday, at 3 p.m. at College of the Desert.
