Copper Mountain Men’s Basketball team was in action Friday night, as the Fighting Cacti took on San Diego Mesa college in the opening day of the Mt. San Jacinto college tournament. Copper Mountain won the game 91-89.
After a week full of adversity—including finals—the Fighting Cacti looked to get back to focusing on basketball and pick up a good win at the Mountain San Jacinto college tournament this Friday and Saturday.
Both San Diego Mesa College and CMC had a lethargic start Friday night, and Copper Mountain College needed to make some defensive adjustments at halftime as they trailed 41-37.
In the second half, CMC began to come alive and fought back to take the lead. Consistent play from freshman forward Zack Kroker—who finished with 18 points and seven rebounds—helped Copper Mountain gain a lead that they didn’t let go of. Anthony Rice finished with 23 points and vie assists. Kenny Bates added 12 points and 15 rebounds, and Dshaun Barrett chipped in 11 points for the Cacti.
Copper Mountain won the game, 91-89. CMC improves to 8-5 on the year and faced Barstow College for the second time this year Saturday.
Copper Mountain Men’s Basketball team was back in action Saturday night in San Jacinto as they took on Barstow college, winning 109-81.
CMC was in mid-season form and clicking on all cylinders against the Vikings of Barstow College and won big, 108-81. Shooting a solid 80 percent from the free throw line, and winning the rebounding war early in the game was the key to a Fighting Cacti 53-40 halftime lead. Hometown kid and Twentynine Palms High School alum Dshaun Barrett caught fire in the second half, hitting six of his eight three-pointers and helped CMC extend its lead. Barrett finished with a game-high 28 points.
Anthony Rice had 16 points and eight assists; freshman forward Zack Kroker had an all-around game with 15 points, six rebounds, five steals, and a block. Will Valsien added 14 points and Dillion Voyles Chipped in 10 points, five rebounds and four assists for the Fighting Cacti.
Copper Mountain improves to 9-5 on the year and hope to make it three in a row as they travel to Santa Monica College today for their final contest before the holiday break. Tonight’s tip-off is at 6:30 p.m.
