This year’s men’s and women’s basketball All-Conference and All-Region teams were announced Monday, and Cochise men’s and women’s basketball were each well represented.

Sophomore Yvonte Neal, who transferred from Fullerton University this year, was named to the women’s All-Arizona Community Conference Athletic Association First Team, as well as First Team All-Region, Division I. She led Cochise in 3-pointers and free-throw percentage.

Sophomores Johnishia Welles and Ashley Mitchell were each named to the All-ACCAC Second Team and Second Team All-Region, Division I. Freshman Tianna Brown was named to the All-ACCAC Third Team.

Second-year Cochise women’s basketball head coach Laura Hughes was named Co-Coach of the Year, along with Gooch Cardenas of Central Arizona.

“It’s an honor to be named Co-Coach of the Year,” Hughes said. “Most importantly, this is not an individual award. It’s a reflection of a great staff, including my assistant coach, Nia Fanaika, and our team. This group of players had trust in me to come to Cochise, especially the two-year players who are now sophomores. The last two years, they have created a winning culture here at Cochise. They have worked hard for the program and it’s paid off in a lot of wins.”

On Wednesday night, the Cochise women host Arizona Western in the semifinals of the NJCAA Region I Championship Tournament. It’s the Apaches’ first time hosting in the playoffs in at least the last 20 years. Cochise College students with an ID are admitted to the game free. For the general public, admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children.

On the men’s side, freshman Demeco Blue was named to the All-ACCAC First Team and First Team All-Region, Division I. He led the team in points per game, with an average of 14.2 for the season, as well as rebounds, with an average of 7.6 per game.

Sophomore Joe Bell Austin was selected for All-ACCAC Second Team and Second Team All-Region, Division I. Sophomore Jerry Duckworth earned All-Conference Honorable Mention.

On Thursday, the Cochise men travel to Central Arizona to play in the semifinals of the NJCAA Region I Championship Tournament.