Two Buena HS alums debut with Cochise College basketball
DOUGLAS, Ariz. — Every year, a lot of talented prospects end up going the junior college route. It used to be that NCAA DIV 1 schools would also see a few of their commits double-sign with Junior College (JUCO) programs just in case their academics were not in order in time to enroll. However, with the NCAA capping the number of players that can sign each year, schools are not going to use those precious spots on players they don’t believe will qualify. Because of that, you don’t see a bunch of huge names and tremendous talent signing with JUCOs until now.
Cochise College is the anomaly, and some athletes are heading to junior college now, despite being fully qualified. They simply want a chance to prove themselves against good competition and are hoping NCAA DIV 1 schools take notice. With Coach Carrillo at the helm, the Apaches are continuing to prove themselves as the Top-notch program in Arizona. A new season and new opportunities are ahead of the Cochise College Apache basketball team as head coach Jerry Carrillo continues to build a winning program and lead top contenders in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC).
Looking to lead the way in 2023 are Stephen Byard, Tyreese Watson, and Oscar Cluff. With these returning starters, Coach Carrillo continues to showcase remarkable talent and pump out DIV 1 prospects. Recently, Stephen Byard verbally committed to Texas A & M Corpus Christie University. Byard is from Atlantic City, NJ, and finished the 2021-2022 season 3rd overall in the ACCAC in field goal percentage (64.2%), 4th overall in rebounds (282) and points scored (526). Oscar Cluff, who is a 6’10” Center from Sunshine Coast, Australia, has verbally committed to Washington State University. During the 2021-2022 season, Cluff lead the ACCAC in field goal pct. (75.0%), was 2nd overall in offensive rebounds (113), defensive rebounds (335), total rebounds (335) blocks (82), and average rebounds per game (10.8).
We are thoroughly excited about the 2023 season as it also showcases two of our Buena High Alumni making their debut as college athletes. Wyatt Gordon and Frederick Hyatt have joined the running Apaches and continue to grow on their success on the hardwood.
Player Roster:
Jordan Hernandez-1, Stephen Byard-2, Tyreese Watson-5, Jalen Barbee-10, Riley Parker-11, Diego Sharp-12, Nathaniel Knight-20, Tracy Godfrey-23, Wyatt Gordon-30, Daniel Lans-32, Frederick Hyatt-33, Mark Clegg-40, Tanner Vogel-44, Oscar Cluff-45, Israel Griffin, Isaiah Smith, Gakuto Takano
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