DOUGLAS — Hopes and enthusiasm are high as the 2012-13 season begins for the Cochise College women’s basketball team.
The Apaches look to continue to build on the success of last year. In her first year as head coach, Laura Hughes and the Apaches posted an 18-13 record and advanced to the first round of the NJCAA Division I Regional playoffs. This year, with a strong mix of returning players and newcomers, the Apaches look to make an impact on the upper level of the conference and nation.
A few things are guaranteed: this team will always work hard, play together and represent Cochise College in a positive manner.
Top returners include Johnishia Welles from Barry Goldwater High School in Phoenix. Welles will provide a strong inside presence for the Lady Apaches. Last year, she played a large part in the Apaches’ success and was named Second Team All-Conference. She averaged a double-double for the season with 12 points per game and 10 rebounds. Welles brings enthusiasm and energy to everything she does.
From Window Rock, Ashley Mitchell is another All-Conference performer returning for the Apaches. Last year, Mitchell led the team in scoring, averaging 13 points per contest, four rebounds and two steals. She was also named to the First Team Division I All-Region. Mitchell’s all around versatility and toughness will once again be needed.
CC Rode comes from well-known powerhouse El Dorado High School in New Mexico. Rode was asked to play out of position most of last year and did an excellent job of leading the Apaches at the point guard spot and averaged six points per game last year. She is a hard worker that knows what it takes to be a success player and person. Her intensity and leadership will be looked upon on and off the court.
Justina Prairie Chief, from Gallup High School in New Mexico, had her season cut short due to injury last year. Before the injury, she was leading the team in scoring and assists. After a long rehab, Prairie Chief is ready to get back on the court and will be looked upon to run the show at the point guard position. Her great court vision and ability to score will make the Apaches a team to contend with.
Mia Williams from Watsonville, Calif., added depth at the post position last year. She averaged six points per game and three rebounds. Williams is a true hustle player that will always give her best effort.
A strong group of new comers will look to add depth and athleticism to this year’s team. After spending a semester at Adams State College in Colorado, Madison Lopez joined Cochise last spring. A high school teammate of Rode at El Dorado H.S. in New Mexico, Lopez was named First Team All-State and Albuquerque Player of the Year her senior year. Lopez’s athleticism and rebounding ability will add depth to the guard and post positions.
After spending last year playing at Seattle University, Jasmine Lemon looks to bring great court vision, athleticism and an ability to score in transition to the point guard spot for the Apaches. Lemon enjoyed a successful high career at John F. Kennedy High School where she helped lead them to a state championship and was named First Team All-Conference. Having a year of Division I experience, Lemon will be looked upon to add experience and toughness to this year’s team.
Yvonte Neal joins the Apaches from Fullerton University in California. The 5-foot-8 shooting guard looks to add experience and leadership to the guard spots. At Mount Miguel High School in San Diego, Calif., Neal was First-Team All-League and First Team All-State her senior year.
Ashley Carson comes to the Apaches from Upland High School in California. After a successful high school career, Carson looks to add athleticism and perimeter depth to the Apaches. At Upland, she was named First Team All-Conference and League MVP her senior year.
Tianna Brown is a 6-foot post from Montini High School in Chicago Ill. Brown enjoyed a successful high school career winning the state championship three out of four years at Montini. She will provide the team with a strong physical presence inside and out.
Donae Moguel, a 6-foot-1 post from Palisades Charter High School in California brings size and strength to the Apaches and will add toughness in the post area. At Palisades, Moguel was named to the All-City team and League MVP.
At Magdalena High School in New Mexico, Keanda Chavez was named Second Team All-State and First Team All-District. She will be looked upon this year to bring her great shooting touch and athleticism.
After red shirting last year due to injury, Valeria Buckway will add depth to the perimeter spots. Her speed and good shooting ability will be needed.
Larissa Stack also joins the Apaches after graduating from Bisbee High School, where she had a successful career.
The 2012-13 season will bring a very tough and demanding schedule. Non-conference teams from Utah and New Mexico will provide a huge challenge for the Lady Apaches. The Arizona Community College Athletic Conference is once again a premier league in the NJCAA. Nationally ranked teams from the ACCAC appear on both the NJCAA Division I and Division II preseason polls. The league will be highly competitive as usual.