Strong Second Half Leads Cacti To Win

By Britain Kelly

Joshua Tree - CMC Men's basketball team was back in action Monday evening for the first time following the thanksgiving holiday. Copper Mountain hosted the Rustlers of Golden West College.

In the first half, the Fighting Cacti seemed to still suffer from the tryptophan from their Thanksgiving break. Early miscues and a few sluggish plays, made it evident that Copper Mountain needed to shake off the rust. Late in the first half, emphatic play from local redshirt freshman Calvin Hollins would help shift the momentum for the Cacti. By halftime CMC seemed to be awaken!

After Copper Mountain started clicking, they would send Golden West Into the locker room on their heels, barely holding on to the lead 37-36 at the break.

Redshirt Sophomore Demarcus King would lead the Cacti on their second half run, draining multiple three pointers to extend CMC's lead to double digits. The Fighting Cacti would not look back as they would go on to win 90-72. King would go on to have a career high 15 points, netting 4 threes in his performance.

Collectively it was a balanced attack for CMC on Monday. Standout Sophomore Dillion Voyles led CMC with 19 points. Hyking Brisbon continues to play like "a man amongst boys", with another dominate performance scoring 18 points and snatching 14 Rebounds. Sophomore guard Will Valsien added 10 points and Copper Mountain newcomer Marc Hall chipped in 10 points and 4 assist for the Cacti. 

CMC men's team improved to 4-3 on the young season and look forward to the challenges ahead as they travel to Riverside Community College to take on  3 of the State Top teams.

Wednesday 12/4 CMC vs. Saddleback college
Tip-off 5pm @ RCC

Thursday 12/5 CMC vs. Cerritos College
Tip-off  3pm @RCC

Saturday 12/7 CMC vs. East LA college (Rematch)
Tip-off  12pm @ RCC