Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives.
It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.
Hopes and enthusiasm are high as the 2013-14 season begins. The Cochise College women’s basketball team looks to build on the success of last year, when the Apaches posted a 26-6 record and advanced to the championship game of the Division I Region.
Last season’s Apaches achieved many firsts for the women’s basketball program. The 26 wins recorded were the most ever in school history. Seven sophomores went on to play at Division I and II universities on full scholarships. This year, in Laura Hughes’ third as head coach, the Apaches will be young and enthusiastic.
Top returners include Tianna Brown from Montini High School in Chicago. Last year, Brown played a large part in the Apaches’ success and was named Third Team All-Conference, averaging 10 points and seven rebounds per game.
“Tianna brings a consistent effort to everything she does,” Hughes said. “She will provide a strong inside presence for us.”
After redshirting last year, Ashley Carson looks to have an impact on this year’s team. Carson comes to Cochise from Upland High School in California and looks to add athleticism and perimeter depth to the Apaches. At Upland, Carson was named First Team All-Conference and League MVP her senior year.
A strong group of new comers will look to add depth and athleticism this year.
Aja Hoyle joins the Apaches after spending last year at North Carolina Central University. Before NCCU, she attended Hickory High School in North Carolina, where she was named team MVP, North Carolina All-District and First Team All-Conference.
“Aja is a strong versatile guard that will be looked to add leadership and division one experience to this year’s team,” Hughes said.
After leading John Jay High School to three district championships and a state semifinal appearance, Destiny Amezquita joins the Apaches with strong shooting skills.
“Destiny is a hard worker and knows what it takes to be a successful player,” Hughes said.
Princess Lauvao is a versatile, strong guard who will add depth to the Apaches backcourt. She comes to the Apaches from Kaimuki High School in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she was named the Hawaii Player of the Year.
Joy Boss is a quick athletic point guard from Jordan High School in Los Angeles. Her senior year, she was named team MVP and a team captain. She is a true “hustle” player who will always give her best effort.
Jada Lewis attended Linden High School in New Jersey, where she was named team MVP and Second Team All-County. Her speed and shooting ability will be needed to help the Apaches reach new levels of success.
Another player from California is Essence Jones, who attended Pasadena High School.
“Essence has good size and skills,” Hughes said. “She will help make the Apaches a formidable team to deal with inside.”
Two international players join the Apaches this year: Te Oramae Solomon, from New Zealand, whose athleticism and rebounding ability will add depth to the guard and post position, and Jessica Almeida, from Lisbon, Portugal. While attending Jose Augusto Lucas Secondary School, Almeida was named team MVP. Her great court vision and ability to score will make the Apaches a team to contend with.
A local high school player from Douglas, Karina Avechuco will look to build upon her successful high school career. At Douglas, she was named team MVP her senior year. Michela McGertt, also an Arizona native, was an integral part of her high school team’s success at Mesa Mountain View. As a senior, she was named a team captain.
The 2013-14 season will bring a tough and demanding schedule. Non-conference teams from Texas and New Mexico will provide a huge challenge for the Apaches, and 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.
Admission is free to all regular-season home games, played at Stronghold Gymnasium on the Cochise College Douglas Campus.