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Rustlers grab historic win on the road
Cheyenne, WY (March 3) – The Central Wyoming College men’s basketball team defeated Laramie County Community College 78-60. With the victory the Rustlers gain their 20th victory of the season. This is the first CWC men’s basketball team to have 20 victories in a season in over 20 years. Their overall record now stands at 20–10. They were 12-4 in non-conference play and 8–8 in conference play,the most victories in conference play in over 20 year and the best road record.
Mapleton, UT sophomore and Western Nebraska CC transfer Preston Easton led the Rustlers with 26 points on 7 of 11 shooting and 6 of 8 from 3. Freshman and Sheridan College transfer Malachi Roberts finished with 17, going 9 of 10 from the free throw line. Rockford, IL freshman Armani Flannigan had 14 going 6 for 6 from the free throw line and Las Vegas, NV freshman Davion Pearson had 10 points, seven rebounds and 5 assists on the night.
The Rustlers showed why statically they are the best defensive team in Region IX. They held the Golden Eagles to only 15 points in the first half. The lead at half time was 30 to 15. That was better than their previous night where they lost on the road at Eastern Wyoming College 69 to 64. The Rustlers had road weary legs as they could not buy a basket in the first half against the Lancers.
“I’m so happy for our guys. They played with toughness tonight," said Coach Curtis Condie. "Last night you could see in the first half it was not our night, but we fought back and had our chances, we just couldn’t get enough stops. But tonight I told them whoever gets the most rebounds will win. We out rebounded them by seven. We played so well defensively that first half. Tonight they earned this historic 20th victory. They worked so hard to get to this point, in the weight room, in practice, and in games. This is something they can always say they were a part of and it’s about them and their efforts. But now it’s time to get ready for the post season and we are playing a very good Northeastern Junior College team. They are so physical, and Coach Trinkle does such a great job. This will be our biggest test of the year,” he said.
In the Region IX tournament, the Rustlers play Northeastern Junior College, the third seed in the southern conference. Game time is 6 p.m., Saturday, March 10, in Scottsbluff, Neb. Fans can listen to the game on FM 88.1 or watch online on the Western Nebraska Community College website.
Montana trip nets another win for Rustlers
Crow Agency (February 28) The Central Wyoming College men’s basketball team defeated the Rams of Little Big Horn College 89-65. With the win the Rustlers record improves to 19–9 on the year and 8–8 in conference play.
The Rustlers took advantage of inside play against the Rams. Rockford, IL freshman Armani Flannigan led the team with 24 points on 10 of 12 shooting and 8 rebounds. James "Deuce" Johnson, North Hills, CA sophomore, had 15 points on 6 of 9 shooting and freshman Malachi Roberts had 18 points on 7 of 8 shooting and 3 for 3 from behind the 3 point line to help the Rustlers.
They also got solid point guard play out of both Las Vegas, NV freshman Davion Pearson and West Valley, UT freshman Jordan Phouthavong. Both had seven points and three assists for the game.
“We play in a very tough conference with a lot of tough travel. Every coach in the conference says this is the best the conference has ever been," said Coach Curtis Condie. "Getting through this conference schedule and not having a losing record for a group of 8 freshman and 3 sophomores that didn’t know each other is a huge accomplishment. We are on the verge of winning 20 games. This group did not exist until very late. They didn’t know each other at all. I didn’t know them and they didn’t know me and it’s a testament to their hard work that we are having a positive season. No one gave us a chance and yet we have the most wins since bringing the program back and could have the first 20 win season in over 20 years. I very happy for the players that they got the win tonight,” he concluded.
The Rustlers will finish out the regular season with two non-conference games, one at Eastern Wyoming College on Friday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m. and the second game at Laramie County Community College on Saturday, March 3 at 7 p.m. This will be the second game with both programs. The Rustlers won the previous meetings, defeating Eastern Wyoming 63 to 60 on a three point shot at the buzzer by sophomore Preston Eaton. They also defeated LCCC by 12 right before Christmas break.
Both games can be heard live on FM 88.1. The Rustlers will use these two games to help prepare for the Region IX Tournament in Scottsbluff, NE on March 9–13. The Rustlers will be the sixth seed and they are waiting to see which team will be their first opponent.
Rustlers defeat Bucs on Sophomore Night
Riverton, WY (February 23) –In their final home game of the season, the CWC men's basketball team defeated Dawson Community College 71-67. The win on sophomore night improves the Rustlers record to 18–9 on the year and 7–8 overall in conference play.
The Rustler faithful saw sophomores James “Deuce” Johnson of North Hills, CA, Ali Sabra of Las Vegas, NV and Preston Eaton of Mapleton, UT for the last time. The Rustlers played a strong first half and went into the locker room up 38-29. Dawson used a barrage of late and very long three point shots to make the game close at the end. The Rustlers made their free throws and were 17 of 19 for the second half to help preserve the victory.
Freshman Malachi Roberts led the Rustlers with 21 points and went 11 for 11 from the free throw line. Freshman Armani Flannigan had 20 points on 10 of 15 and eight rebounds. Johnson had 10 points on 3 of 6 shooting and 4 of 4 shooting from the free throw line. Freshman Davion Pearson led the team in assists with five.
“I’m very happy for our guys to be able to get the victory tonight," Conach Curtis Condie proclaimed. "We played a team that got hot at the end and they made tough shots. Our guys stepped up and made their free throws and showed we are going to be a team that to be reckoned with at the Region IX Tournament. It was tough to say good bye to our sophomores tonight and I hope the people of this area appreciate their efforts.”
The Rustlers prepare to take on Little Big Horn College on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. This will be the last conference game of the year for the Rustlers as they look to improve their seed in the Region IX Tournament.
Central drops conference game to Sheridan
Riverton, WY (February 11) – The Central Wyoming College men’s basketball team lost to Sheridan College 76-69 Saturday night. With the loss the Rustlers record is now 17 – 7 on the year and 6 -6 in conference play.
The Rustlers were led in scoring by East Wenatchee, WA freshman Malachi Roberts who had 14 points. North Hills, CA sophomore James “Deuce” Johnson had 11 points tonight on 5 of 8 shooting. Las Vegas, NV freshman Davion Pearson led the Rustlers in rebounding with six.
“I’m very disappointed in our second half effort tonight. I will say that I was pleased with the efforts of Braden Wright, the freshman from Payson, UT and Jordan Phouthavong a freshman from West Valley City, UT. I thought they gave us great energy and minutes off the bench," said Coach Curtis Condie. "Plus you have to give Sheridan credit for the way they played tonight."
The Rustlers will prepare for the road to take on first place Miles City Community College, Thursday, February 16, at 7:30 p.m. The game can be seen live over the internet on the Miles City Community College web site.
Western outscores Central in conference game
Riverton, WY (February 8) – The Central Wyoming College men’s basketball team was defeated by the Mustangs of Western Wyoming Community College. Up eight with six minutes to go in the first half, the Rustlers could not maintain the lead when the Mustangs made a run with about a minute left in the half. The Rustlers were able to retake the lead, but could not maintain the momentum. The final score was 61-49. With the loss the Rustlers record now stands at 17-6 overall and 6-5 in conference play.
The Rustlers were led by Springville, UT sophomore Preston Eaton with 15 points, who 5 of 8 from three point land. North Hills, CA sophomore James "Deuce" Johnson led the Rustlers with 10 rebounds, to go with his 8 points.
The Rustlers prepare for another home game vs. Sheridan College Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. The game can be seen live on Channel 5 and over the web at www.cwc.edu. The game can also be heard live on FM 88.1.
Rustlers drop road game to Casper
Casper, WY (February 4)– The CWC men’s basketball team lost on the road at Casper College, 69-63. Casper used a well balance scoring attack to defeat the Rustlers. With the loss the Rustlers record drops to 17–5 on the season and 6–4 in conference play.
The Rustlers were led in scoring by North Hills, CA sophomore James “Deuce” Johnson who finished with 20 points on 9 of 12 shooting and 9 rebounds. Las Vegas, NV freshman Davion Pearson had 14 points and 8 assists. Rockford, IL freshman Armani Flannigan had 13 points on 6 of 12 shooting.
“I’m very disappointed in our effort tonight, especially on the defensive end. Some guys statistically had good games but this might have been our worst game as a team this year," Coach Conie summed up."You win as a team and you lose as a team. I guess the positive side is we still have a lot of basketball to play and we still have a chance to complete all of our goals. You also have to give Casper credit as well. They did all the right things tonight to win the game."
The Rustlers host the Mustangs of Western Wyoming Community College Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Rustler Gymnasium. This will be the second battle between the two teams. The Mustangs won the first game in overtime. The game can be seen live locally on Channel 5 and over the internet at www.cwc.edu. Click on “watch basketball online”. The game can also be heard live on FM 88.1
Rustlers record big conference win over Northwest
Powell, WY (February 1) – The Central Wyoming College Men’s Basketball Team got a huge effort from their team for a big road win. They defeated Northwest College on the Trappers home floor 76-71. The win brings the Rustlers record to 17–4 for the year and 6–3 and a half game out of first place in conference play.
The Rustlers battled back from an early 11-point Trappers lead to be down only 5 at half. Using good defense, the Rustlers got ahead by 10 in the second half to hang on for the five point win.
Rockford, IL freshman Armani Flannigan had his best game since coming to CWC, scoring 30 points on 10/15 from the field and 10/15 from the free throw line. He also had eight rebounds to lead the Rustlers. North Hills, CA sophomore James “Deuce” Johnson had 14 points on 7/7 shooting from the field. Las Vegas, NV sophomore Ali Sabra had nine points off the bench. Las Vegas, NV freshman Davion Pearson had seven points as well as Washington state freshman Malachi Roberts.
“I know that Armani had 30 and Deuce had 14 but tonight was a team effort," Coach Curtis Condie stated. "Their teammates did a great job of getting them the ball where they could be successful. I told the team before the game that toughness was going to be the key. Northwest was tougher than us the first time we played, and to start the game and be down 11 they were the tougher team again. Condie said he reverted to a "little method" he learned from watching Coach Pat Riley coaching the Lakers in the 80’s.He pulled his starts and let the second team get the Rustlers back into the game. "The bench did a great job in that first half and throughout the game, "Condie said. "Tonight was a total team win against a very good team.”
The Rustlers travel to Casper Saturday, Feb. 4 to take on the Thunderbirds at 5 p.m. The game is the second time these two teams will meet this year. The Rustlers won the first game by 12 at home on December 10. Both teams are 6–3 in conference play. The Thunderbirds are coming off and 11 point road win at Western Wyoming Community College.
Rustlers defeat Rams for another conference win
Riverton, WY (January 28) - The Central Wyoming College men’s basketball team defeated Little Big Horn College tonight, 87-44. The Rustlers are now one game out of first place in conference play. With the win the Rustlers record stands at 16–4 for the year and 5–3 in conference play.
The Rustlers had six student athletes in double figures. Freshman Malachi Roberts led the team with 14 points. The Las Vegas, NV duo of guards, Davion Pearson and Ali Sabra, had 12 points each. Springville, UT sophomore Preston Eaton had 12 points, so did North Hills, CA sophomore James “Deuce” Johnson to go along with his team leading eight rebounds. Rockford, IL freshman Armani Flannigan had 10 points and seven rebounds.
“I thought we did a good job tonight of playing defense. We held them to 26% shooting tonight, out rebounded them forced 27 turnovers. We need to build on this and get ready now for the second round of conference play,” said Coach Curtis Condie.
Buzzer shot nets Rustlers another victory 63-60
Riverton, WY (January 26) – The Central Wyoming College men’s basketball team got win number 15 at the buzzer by Springville, UT sophomore Preston Eaton. Eaton took a handoff from Las Vegas, NV freshman Davion Pearson and delivered a three point dagger to the Lancers. With the win the Rustlers record moves to 15–4 on the year. The Lancers now move to 7–12 on the year.
Rockford, IL freshman Armani Flannigan led the Rustlers with 22 points on 9–11 shooting and 16 of those came in the first half. Eaton finished with 21 points, 7 of 12 shooting and 5 for 10 from behind the three point line. North Hills, CA sophomore James “Deuce” Johnson led the Rustlers with eight rebounds tonight. Las Vegas, sophomore Ali Sabra led the Rustlers in assists with four.
“We need to give Eastern Wyoming a lot of credit. They play hard, but we found a way at the end to get the job done. Bottom line there is only one stat that matters and that’s the one in the win column," Coach Curtis Condie said. "We played to a packed house tonight, but a lot of people in Fremont County missed a great game. We have great kids that play hard and play the right way. They are also great kids off the court and good students. Preston who made the winning shot is a like a 3.95 GPA. You don’t get much better than that.” The coaches are encouraging everyone to attend the remaining home games.
The Rustlers return to conference play as they will take on Montana's Little Big Horn College Saturday, Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m. The game can be seen live on Channel 5 and over the internet at www.cwc.edu. Then click on watch basketball online. The game can also be heard live on FM 88.1.
Rustlers post conference victory over Dawson
Glendive, MT (January 21) The CWC men's basketball team brought home a conference victory Saturday defeating Dawson Community College 68-50. The Rustlers used a balanced scoring attack and steady defense in the second half to help them win their 14th victory this year. With the victory, the Rustlers record stands at 14-4 for the year and 4-3 in conference play.
North Hills, CA sophomore James "Deuce" Johnson led the Rustlers with 17 points on 7 of 9 shooting. He also had six rebounds. Las Vegas, NV freshman Davion Pearson had a double/double with 10 points, 10 assists. Malachi Roberts also had 10 points. Springville, UT sophomore Preston Eaton had nine points on 3 for 3 shooting from behind the three point line and Rockford, IL freshman Armani Flannigan had nine rebounds to lead CWC in that category.
"We came out a little flat," Coach Curtis Condie said. "I don't like to make travel excuses for coming out flat; however, I thought we had a bad start. We picked it up in the second half. We decided to defend and held them to 21 points in the half. When you do that you have a very good chance to win,"
The Rustlers host the Lancers of Eastern Wyoming College in a non-conference game Thursday, Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on FM88.1 and can be seen live on channel 5. It can also be viewed live over the inter at cwc.edu, click on "watch basketball games online."
Rustlers defeat only undefeated team in conference
Riverton, WY (January 18) – The Central Wyoming College men’s basketball team defeated Gillette College handing the Pronghorns their first conference loss of the season. The Rustlers used well balanced scoring to win 82-72. With the win the Rustlers move to 13–4 overall and 3–3 in conference play.
Payson, UT freshman Braden Wright lead the Rustlers with a career high 20 points, 13 coming in the first half off the bench. Rockford, IL freshman Armani Flannigan had 16 points on seven of 12 shooting. North Hills, CA sophomore James “Deuce” Johnson had 10 points and went four for four from the free throw line. Las Vegas, NV freshman Davion Pearson had 10 points and led the team in rebounding with eight tonight.
“I thought we came out a little flat to start the game and then our defense really picked up," Coach Curtis Condie said. "Then we had a lull in at the end of the first half. When our defensive energy is ramped up we can be very good. I thought we had great play off our bench. Braden with his best offensive night, Dax Upton the freshman from Vernal, UT had his as well with eight points. Malachi Roberts did a nice job as well. We need to continue to play the defense we know how to and if we do then we might a few more.”
The Rustlers travel to Glendive, MT to take on a very tough, athletic well coached Dawson Community College. The game can be seen live on Dawson Community College’s web site over the internet.
Rustlers defeat Miles City on conference playRiverton, WY (Jan. 14) – The Central Wyoming College men’s basketball team defeated Miles City Community College 76-68. With the win the Rustlers move to 12-4 on the year and 2–3 in conference play.
The Rustlers had five players in double figures. Las Vegas, NV sophomore Ali Sabra with 18 points and North Hills, CA sophomore James “Deuce” Johnson had 15 points and led the team with seven rebounds. Rockford, IL freshman Armani Flannigan had 11 points, red-shirt freshman Malachi Roberts had 11 points as well and Las Vegas, NV freshman Davion Pearson had 10 points.
“I thought we came out a little slow in at the start. Then we were able to pick up the pace and kick start our game. We did a good at attacking their zone in the first half because we didn’t see it in the second half. We had good energy for about three quarters of the game. We found a way to finish the game off and it is so nice to get the win,” Coach Curtis Condie said.
The Rustlers will now take on conference leading Gillette College on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 7:30 pm. The game can be seen live locally on Channel 5 and on the internet at www.cwc.edu. The game can be heard live on FM 88.1.
Rustlers defeated in overtime at Sheridan
Sheridan, WY (January 11) – The CWC men’s basketball team wlost to Sheridan College in overtime 69-65. Rockford, IL freshman Armani Flannigan's jumper at the buzzer rimmed out. The Rustlers were out scored in overtime by the Generals 10-6.
Flannigan led the Rustlers in scoring and rebounding with 15 points on 6 of 13 shooting and eight rebounds. Las Vegas, NV freshman Davion Pearson had 13 points; red-shirt freshman Malachi Roberts also had 13 points. North Hills, CA sophomore James “Deuce” Johnson had 10 points on 4 of 6 shooting to round out those in double figures for the Rustlers.
“This was not a question of being in shape or not knowing what needed to be done. But at the end of the game and in overtime there were still too many mental breakdowns. Our team is young with only three sophomores with any kind of experience, but it’s time to grow up and find a way on the court to finish the game. The effort is there, we need to find a way” Coach Curtis Condie said.
Rustlers defeated in overtime by ranked team
Rock Springs, WY (January 7) – CWC men’s basketball team lost by three points to the 11th ranked team in country. Western Wyoming defeated the Rustlers 80-77. With the loss the Rustlers drop to 11-3 on the year and 1-2 in conference play.
Leading the way for the Rustlers -was Armani Flanigan. The freshman from Rockford, IL had 19 points on 8 for 10 shooting. Las Vegas, NV freshman Davion Pearson had a double/double tonight with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Pearson was 4 for 6 from behind the arc. Sophomore James “Deuce” Johnson from North Hills, CA finished with 13 points on 5 of 6 shooting. Canadian freshman Benjamin Davis came off the bench for 11 points.
“We just turned the ball over to much tonight. We figured out our free throw problem but we gave them too many extra opportunities to score. We out rebounded them, 50 to 24 and still lost by 3 in overtime. We need to get back in the gym, get better and get ready for the next one,” summed up Coach Curtis Condie.
CWC men’s basketball team is statistically ranked
The Rustlers of Central Wyoming College are nationally ranked in the National Junior College Athletic Association Men’s Basketball Statistics.
The Rustlers are 2nd in the country in team defense of points allowed per game, with an average of allowing only 51.2 points a game. They trail only national power Chipola College of Florida by .1 of a point in this category. The Rustlers are also 2nd in the Country in Offensive Field Goal percentage as a team with 56.2%. They trail Connors State College of Oklahoma in this category. CWC is also in the national rankings in team 3pt Field Goal percentage, the Rustlers are ranked 15th with a percentage of 39% from behind the arc.
The Rustlers right now have four men’s basketball student-athletes that nationally ranked in certain statistics. Las Vegas, NV freshman Davion Pearson is ranked 17th in Assists Per Game with six and is ranked 25th in 3pt Field Goal Percentage at 50%. Las Vegas, NV sophomore Ali Sabra is ranked 8th in Free Throw Percentage with 91.66%. Rockford, IL freshman Armani Flannigan is ranked 5th in Field Goal Percentage with 76.9% and North Hills, CA sophomore James “Deuce” Johnson is ranked 11th in Field Goal Percentage with 70.4%.
“This is a tribute to our whole team working hard and doing what is necessary for us to be successful. But my favorite stat is that we have six student-athletes averaging double figures and one more averaging nine points a game. That means we are sharing the ball. Hopefully the guys will keep working hard at home during the Christmas & Semester Break before we resume together back here at school” Said Coach Curtis Condie
The Rustlers next official game will be January 7, 2012 in Rock Springs, WY vs. Western Wyoming Community College, but CWC will play a scrimmage vs. the Utah All-Stars January 3rd at Rustler Gym on the Central Wyoming College campus.
Rustlers win non-conference game over LCCC– The Central Wyoming College men’s basketball team defeated Laramie County Community College 67-53. The Rustlers held the Golden Eagles to 21 points in the second half to help them win their 10th non- conference game of the season. With the win the Rustlers improve their record to 11–2 on the year.
North Hills, CA sophomore and Louisiana Tech transfer James “Deuce” Johnson had a double/double with 19 points on 8 for 10 shooting and 10 rebounds. Payson, Utah freshman Braden Wright had 13 points off the bench as the only other Rustler in double figures. Rockford, IL freshman Armani Flannigan had 8 points on 4 for 4 shooting, and Las Vegas, NV freshman Davion Pearson had 9 points and 6 assists.
“I thought we came out a bit flat tonight. The guys responded to the halftime adjustments. Deuce was Deuce and controlled the paint. The team fought through some adversity but we were able to gut out the win. Braden came off the bench and sparked us, but this was a team victory make no mistake,” Coach Curtis Condie said.
The Rustlers have a break in action for the holidays and semester. They will be back in action January 3 as they take on the Utah All-Stars before they resume Region IX North Conference play. CWC’s next conference game is January 7 at Western Wyoming Community College, Rock Springs.
CWC defeats Casper CollegeRiverton, WY (December 10) The CWC Rustlers defeated the Casper College Thunderbirds tonight in conference action, 83-71. This was the Rustlers first conference win of the year and it came against one of the top teams in Region IX. With the win Central Wyoming College’s record improves to 10–2 on the year and 1–1 in conference play.
The Rustlers shot 61% from the field for the night. They also out rebounded the larger Thunderbirds by 12 to help seal the victory.
North Hills, CA sophomore James “Deuce” Johnson led the Rustlers with 19 points on 9 of 11 shooting. He also led the team in rebounding with seven. Las Vegas, NV freshman Davion Pearson, had 16 points to go along with six assists. East Wenatchee, WA freshman Malachi Roberts also had 16 points to help the Rustlers to victory.
“This was a team victory for us tonight over a very good Casper College team. Don’t be surprised if they are not the conference champs at the end of the year. We played our best team game of the year. Guys came in and played hard. Our bench was big time as well. We got great contributions from Dax Upton, Ben Davis, Braden Wright and Ali Sabra," said Coach Condie. "Defensively I thought Armani Flannigan was huge with his six big time blocks. The guys did a great job with the game plan and we had a very good crowd.”
The Rustlers will now take on Region IX Southern Conference member Laramie County Community College in a non-conference game next Tuesday night, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. in Rustler Gym. The game can be heard live on FM 88.1 and seen live over the internet at www.cwc.edu or locally on Channel 5.
Rustlers defeated in conference opener
Riverton, WY (December 7) – The Central Wyoming College men’s basketball team was defeated by the Northwest College Trappers in the conference opener, 72 to 66. The Rustlers record now stands at 9–2 overall and 0–1 in conference play.
The Rustlers had four student-athletes in double figures. Sophomore Malachi Roberts led the Rustlers with 23 points. Freshman Armani Flannigan and Sophomore James “Deuce” Johnson both had double/doubles. Flannigan had 12 points and 10 rebounds while “Deuce” had 11 points and 10 rebounds. Freshman Davion Pearson had 11 points to go with six assists. The Rustlers did win the rebound battle, but that wasn’t enough to hold off the Trappers.
“I talked all week in preparation about finishing, from cuts, to defensive possessions, to baskets. Unfortunately tonight we were not the team that did that. Northwest earned tonight’s victory. We just need to get back in the gym and get better at our non-strengths,” Coach Curtis Condie said.
The Rustlers will take on Casper College who lost Wednesday to Western Wyoming Community College, 72-71. The game is Saturday night, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in Rustler Gymnasium. The game can be heard live at FM 88.1 and seen live over the internet at www.cwc.edu.
Rustlers post second win in tournament
Miles City, MT (December 3) – The Central Wyoming College men’s basketball team had six student athletes in double figures and 23 assists to help them defeat the University of Montana-Western by the score of 95 to 31. This was their second victory in the Miles City Classic. Defensively the Rustlers held the Bulldogs to just 26% shooting for the game, creating 25 turnovers and outrebounding them by 18.
Shooting guards Preston Eaton of Springville, UT and Ali Sabra led the Rustlers with 14 points each. Forward Armani Flannigan of Rockford, IL had a double/double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while center James “Deuce” Johnson of North Hills, CA had 12 points on 6 of 7 shooting for the night. Washington native son Malachi Roberts had 11 points on 5 of 7 shooting and Payson, UT native Braden Wright had 10 points off the bench for the Rustlers. Point Guard Davion Pearson had eight assists in less than 20 minutes of play.
Balanced scoring helps Rustlers win
Miles City, MT (December 2) - The Central Wyoming College men’s basketball team had five student-athletes in double figures as they defeated the University of Great Falls, 99-45. With the win the Rustlers record now improves to 8 – 1 on the year. This was also their fourth neutral site win on the year.
Sophomore Springville, UT native Preston Eaton lead the Rustlers with 18 points, while shooting 5 for 7 from behind the three point arc and only played 15 minutes on the night. Freshman and Payson, UT native Braden Wright had 16 points. Sophomore Las Vegas, NV native Ali Sabra had 12 points and freshman, Rockford IL native Armani Flannigan had 11 points on 4 of 5 shooting for the night. Sophomore North Hills, CA native James “Deuce” Johnson had 10 points and lead the Rustlers with 8 rebounds tonight, all in the first half. Freshman point guard and Las Vegas, NV native Davion Pearson had eight assists and only one turnover on the night.
“I thought our effort tonight was very good. We did a good job defensively taking away what they wanted to do offensively. We held them to 29% shooting on the night. Offensively I thought we did a good job of sharing the ball. Davion did a very good job facilitating the offensive for us. We moved the ball and got in a rhythm. Plus it didn’t hurt to shoot 60% from the three tonight either” Coach Curtis Condie commented.
Rustlers split games at Western Wyoming Tournament
Rock Springs, WY (November 25-26) - The Central Wyoming College men’s basketball team split a pair of games at the Western Wyoming Tournament. On Friday night they lost to 14th ranked USU/College of Eastern Utah, 64-56. Saturday night's game against the Wyoming All-Stars, lead by 2010 Western Athletic Conference MVP and Utah State University All-American Jared Quayle, was a win for the Rustlers, 93-64.
On Friday, the Rustlers lost their first game of the season but continued good defensive play holding the Golden Eagles to their lowest scoring total of the year. Freshman and Las Vegas, NV native Davion Pearson led the Rustlers with 22 points.
Saturday night’s games against the Wyoming All-Stars saw the Rustlers with four student athletes in double figures, lead by freshman and Sheridan College transfer Malachi Roberts with 20 points. Springville, UT sophomore Preston Eaton had 16 points, going four for six from three point territory. Freshman Davion Pearson had 15 points with eight assists and went three for four from behind the three point arc. Freshman and Payson, UT native Braden Wright was the story of the first half for the Rustlers as all 13 of his points came in that half and he shot six/eight for the game.
“Friday night we did a very poor job of getting the ball inside," Coach Condie explained. "Saturday night we got the ball inside and did a great job of moving the ball. We defended well both games but we still have a lot to work on to become more consistent. I thought Dax Upton brought great energy off the bench both nights. We need to build on this and keep moving forward. We have a tough, long road trip ahead of us next weekend."
The Rustlers will take on the University of Great Falls and Montana Western University at the Miles City Community College Classic on December 2-3. They will look to use this last tournament to get ready for their conference opener December 7 against Northwest College.
Rustlers complete tournament with another victory
Riverton, WY (Nov. 19) – In the second night of the Electrical Dynamics Classic the Rustlers defeated Blackfeel Community College 91-55. With the win the Rustlers now improve their record to 6-0 on the season. CWC got off to a sluggish start, and was up 38-24 at half. The Rustlers then expanded on their lead after their half time talk.
Rockford, IL freshman Armani Flannigan led the Rustlers with a double/double. He had 18 points on 8 of 10 shooting and 10 rebounds. Freshman Davion Pearson of Las Vegas, NV had 16 points to go with his six assists. Payson, UT freshman Braden Wright had 14 off the bench. The other Rustler in double figures was Sheridan College transfer, freshman Malachi Roberts.
Coach Curtis Condie summed up the game. “We came out a little sluggish tonight. You can’t start the game off with four turnovers and three missed layups and call it a good start. We finally gained our composure and got back into it. This was very much a team victory tonight. Just cause guys were not in double figures in scoring didn’t mean they didn’t do a lot tonight. We had a good effort on the boards and I thought for the first 30 minutes of the game we really did a great job on the defensive glass. There were some men sized block outs and rebounds going on down there.”
CWC will now take on undefeated and 8-0 College of Eastern Utah this Friday, at 5:30 p.m. in the first round of the Western Wyoming Community College Classic. CEU just defeated Western Nebraska CC in Scottsbluff, NE by the score of 100 to 89. The Rustlers will play two games at the WWCC Classic, with Saturday’s game at 3 p.m.
Rustlers defeat Nebraska Tech
Riverton, WY (Nov. 18) – The Central Wyoming College men’s basketball team defeated Nebraska Tech on the first night of the Electrical Dynamics Classic, 125-37. The Rustlers played a pressure half-court defense and created 41 turnovers to help defeat the Aggies.
CWC out rebounded NATC by 26 lead by freshman Dax Upton, the Vernal, UT native. They also had 28 assists for the game to help their cause. Leading the team in scoring was North Hills, CA native sophomore James “Deuce” Johnson with 23 points on 9 of 12 shooting with 7 rebounds in 21 minutes of play. Freshman Malachi Roberts of East Wenatchee, WA had 18 points, while going 3 for 4 from behind the arc. Freshman point guard Jordan Phouthavong from West Valley City, UT had 16 points to go with his eight assists. Las Vegas, NV sophomore Ali Sabra had 16 points, while another Las Vegas, NV native freshman Davion Pearson had 13 points and a team leading nine assists. The third Las Vegas, NV native freshman Kyler Williams had a career night with 10 points.
Coach Curtis Condie said, “I thought we played with very good energy and ball movement to start the game. We were able to use our athleticism to put pressure on them to build that lead in the first half. We also were able to control the boards, so that they would not get any second chance shots.”
The Rustlers now stand at 5-0 and will now take on Blackfeet Community College, who lost to Miles City Community College 97-70 in their first round matchup of the Electrical Dynamics Classic.
Rustlers get fourth win at Bailey Tire Tip Off Classic
Riverton, WY (Nov. 12) – The Central Wyoming College men’s basketball team picked up their fourth win of the season with a 107 to 44 victory over Stone Child College in the final night of the Bailey Tire Tip Off Classic. With the win the Rustlers record now stands at 4 – 0. The Rustlers had another night of balanced scoring with five players in double figures. Springville, Utah sophomore Preston Eaton led the Rustlers with 24 points. Freshman Armani Flannigan of Rockford, Ill., had 19 points on 9 of 10 shooting. Sheridan transfer, freshman Malachi Roberts had 18 points off the bench, while North Hills, Calif., sophomore James “Deuce” Johnson had 12 points. Freshman and Payson, UT native Braden Wright finished out the double figure scoring with 11 points. Las Vegas, Nev., freshman Davion Pearson had nine assists as he distributed the offense, to go with his eight points and seven rebounds. The Rustlers had another good night on the boards as they out rebounded Stone Child College 52 to 22. They also had only seven turnovers for the night, while they forced 22 turnovers by Stone Child. CWC also shot the ball well, shooting 59 percent for the night and held their opponents to 35 percent. “Our effort was really good tonight,” said Coach Curtis Condie. “We started off a little slow but we picked it up and were able to follow the game plan that was laid out. We did a very good job of disrupting their offense and then for us we were able to get the ball inside for good quality shots.” The Rustlers now look to add to their win total next week at the Electrical Dynamics Classic next Friday and Saturday nights, November 18 and 19 in Rustler Gym. They will take on The University of Nebraska –College of Technical Agricultural, otherwise none as Nebraska Tech. Tech is a four-year university that plays at the NAIA level and United State Collegiate Athletic Association level. This is not a junior varsity team. This will be the first time a four-year school comes to Riverton to take on Central Wyoming College. Tip Off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. for Friday, November 18.
Rustlers open Bailey Tire Tip Off Classic with victoryRiverton, WY (Nov. 11) – The Central Wyoming College Men’s Basketball opened up the Bailey Tire Tip Off Classic with a 108 to 44 victory over Aaniiih Nakota College. With the victory the Rustlers improve to 3 – 0 on the season. The Rustlers used a balance scoring effort and 16 of 27 from the three-point line to secure the victory. Sophomore Preston Eaton, a Springville, Utah native and a Western Nebraska transfer led the team with 25 points. He was 7 of 11 from behind the arc. Freshman and Las Vegas, Nev., native Davion Pearson had 20 points to go along with his six assists. Freshman Braden Wright of Payson, Utah, had 20 points and seven rebounds for the game. Sophomore James “Deuce” Johnson from North Hills, CA and Louisiana Tech transfer had 12 points and eight rebounds. Freshman and Rockford, Ill., native Armani Flannigan had his first double double of his career with 11 point and 10 rebounds. “Tonight was a very good home opener for us," said firsst-year Rustler Coach Curtis Condie. "We shot the ball extremely well. Ithought our effort was very good especially since we only had nine bodies to play tonight. We can enjoy for tonight but tomorrow we have to come back and give a better effort.” The Rustlers takes on Stone Child College in the second day of the Bailey Tire Tip Off Classic. Stone Child College lost to Western Wyoming Community College 115 to 67 in the first day of the classic. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and the game can also be seen live locally on Channel 5 and online through the cwc.edu website. Just click on the link on the home page “Basketball Live." CWC looks to improve to 4 – 0 on the year.
Rustlers power forward signs with Cal-State Fullerton
Riverton, WY - Central Wyoming College Men’s Basketball Power Forward James “Deuce” Johnson signed scholarship papers today with California State University Fullerton of the Big West Conference.Johnson will enroll at Cal-State Fullerton in the fall of 2012, after competing this season for CWC.
Johnson played his freshman season and also started some games at Louisiana Tech University in the Western Athletic Conference. He transferred to Central Wyoming College and now will be complete his education and athletic eligibility at Cal State Fullerton.
“I’m very happy for Deuce and his family," Coach Curtis Condie said. "I recruited Deuce to Louisiana Tech and coached him for a year before I left to come to CWC. When his father called me and asked if I had a spot for him, it was such a great honor to say yes. Coach Burton, staff and the entire Cal State Fullerton community are getting a great man as well as student athlete. He will have great success there at Cal State Fullerton,” Condie concluded.
Two games into the season Johnson is CWC’s Leading scorer at 20.5 points a game and leading rebounder with 8 rebounds a game. He is averaging those stats while only playing 22 minutes a game and shooting 66% so far for the season.
Rustlers chalk up second victory
Ephraim, UT – The Central Wyoming College men’s basketball team held Impact Academy’s A Team to 25% shooting for the game to defeat them 93-42. The Rustlers out rebounded Impact Academy 53 to 19 to help them attain their second win of the season.
CWC had four players in double figures and three others with nine points. The balanced scoring was led by Louisiana Tech University transfer James “Deuce” Johnson with 21 points in 18 minutes of play. The North Hills, CA. sophomore also lead the team with eight rebounds, five of them were offensive. Rockford, IL freshman Armani Flannigan scored 16 points. Also in double figures were Sheridan College freshman transfer Malachi Roberts and Western Nebraska sophomore transfer Preston Eaton both with 10 points. Las Vegas, NV freshman Davion Pearson had a very good statistical game with nine points, seven assists and eight rebounds, seven of which came on the defensive end.
“I thought we played much harder tonight, compared to last night. Our freshmen did an excellent job following the game plan tonight. We still have a long way to go but we are making strides in the right direction,” Coach Condie commented.
With the win the Rustlers record stands at 2-0. Their next game will be November 11, the home opener for the season at the Bailey Tire tip-Off. The Rustlers will play at 7:30 p.m. vs. Fort Belknap College from Montana. The Lady Rustlers will make their season debut at 5:30 p.m. Make your plans to attend and catch all the action here at Rustler Gymnasium on the Central Wyoming College campus.
Rustlers post first victory while on the road |
