Aztec Report: January 18

Posted on January 22, 2025

Wildcats Radio 1290 has all the latest updates on Pima Athletics

By Pricilia Mugwa

TUCSON, AZ – The Pima men’s and women’s basketball teams delivered outstanding performances on Saturday, solidifying their dominance in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference.

Playing at the West Campus Aztec Gymnasium, both teams faced Chandler-Gilbert in back-to-back matchups and walked away with decisive victories that highlighted their skill, teamwork, and determination to remain at the top of their respective standings.  

MEN’S BASKETBALL

  Cohenj Gonzales (1) drives down the court with precision and focus during the game.
(Photo courtesy of Pima Athletics / by Pricilia Mugwa) 

The No. 5 ranked Aztecs (20-0, 8-0 ACCAC) cruised to a 95-55 victory, maintaining their perfect season. Despite early struggles, the team found their rhythm after a slow start, with the game tied four times in the opening minutes.

An 8-0 run midway through the first half propelled the Aztecs to a double-digit lead, which they extended to 47-23 by halftime. They outscored the Coyotes 48-32 in the second half to seal the win.

KEY PERFORMANCES

  • Kota Benson: Scored a game-high and season-high 18 points, hitting two three-pointers and dishing out four assists.
  • Cohenj Gonzales: Added 17 points, with 13 coming in the first half, and contributed three rebounds, assists, and steals.
  • Mason Hunt: Provided 15 points off the bench, shooting 5 for 9 overall and a perfect 3 for 3 from beyond the arc.
  • Wes Ball (Marana HS): Scored 10 points and grabbed eight rebounds, going 3 for 3 from the field.

The men’s team will next face South Mountain on the road Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Number 30, Rori Hoffmeyer, in action with the ball, leading the Pima Aztecs with focus and determination.
(Photo courtesy: Pima Athletics / by Pricilia Mugwa)

The No. 10 ranked women’s team (15-3, 7-1 ACCAC) overcame an early deficit to defeat Chandler-Gilbert 68-50. After trailing 15-12 at the end of the first quarter, the Aztecs surged in the second half, outscoring the Coyotes 42-25.

Sophomore Amelie Buffill-Gutierrez (Sabino HS) provided a critical spark in the third quarter, scoring eight points and helping Pima secure a double-digit lead heading into the fourth quarter.

KEY PERFORMANCES:

  • Kiley Sours-Miller: Dominated with a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds, along with seven blocks and two steals.
  • Amelie Buffill-Gutierrez: Scored 15 points on 7-for-8 shooting off the bench, adding two rebounds and two assists.
  • Lucy Land: Contributed eight points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
  • Melicia Nelson (Window Rock HS): Filled the stat sheet with four points, five rebounds, five assists, and four steals.
  • The women’s team will also take on South Mountain on Wednesday, tipping off at 5:30 p.m.

Both teams continue to build momentum as they aim to solidify their standings in the ACCAC.

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