BASKETBALL: Improved Chaps host Howard in WJCAC opener
Midland College freshman forward Trent Johnson may be new to the team this year but he is well aware of the strong reputation that the Western Junior College Athletic Conference has built over the years.
By Oscar LeRoy
Midland Reporter-Telegram
MIDLAND, TEXAS -
Midland College freshman forward Trent Johnson may be new to the team this year but he is well aware of the strong reputation that the Western Junior College Athletic Conference has built over the years.
"It's one of the biggest in the country," said Johnson, who is from Cambridge, Ontario. "When one talks about Juco it always comes up. We have the best teams coming out of it each and every year. Whoever comes out of this conference is most likely to win the whole NJCAA."
Johnson will get his first taste of WJCAC play at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday when the Chaparrals (7-3) host rival Howard College (7-4) in the league opener at Chaparral Center.
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The rebuilt Chaparrals have already shown that they are much different team from last year when they had only one victory and were winless in conference season.
Head coach Pat Rafferty said his team continues to make progress but added that the Chaps still have a ways to go.
"It's an ongoing process," he said. "We're learning how to play hard, we're learning what's required to win games relative to the level of our competition and our league. It comes down to our eagerness and willingness to do those things. I know we're capable, now it comes down to if we're willing enough and eager enough to do those things.
"We've had some issues with consistency. We've been inconsistent from one game to another and we've been inconsistent within the same game in terms of the hard things … defending, rebounding, executing and valuing the ball. Sometimes we have some good sequences, sometimes in the same game. If we focus on the process, I'm going to feel comfortable with the outcome. If we play the right way and respect the game, to me that's what matters most."
Johnson said he can see his team improve each day.
"I'm feeling pretty confident," he said. "We got some good wins and each day we get stronger as a team and we get better. I'm feeling really good about this season and this game."
Johnson was among four Chaps who scored in double figures in an 82-63 victory over Dallas College -North Lake as he and Daniel Piech-Meat each had 20 points. North Lake had also lost to WJCAC teams New Mexico Military Institute, New Mexico Junior College and South Plains College in some close games.
"I thought we played really well in all phases," said Rafferty about the win over North Lake. "If everybody doesn't make substantial contributions, I don't know if we would have won the game. I thought we defended well. I thought we did the hard things well."
Howard College is expected to be tough once again as Rafferty expects the Hawks to play hard, test the Chaps' defense and defend well.
By playing the Hawks, the Chaps will find out just how ready they are for conference play.
"It's my first time in the league, it's pretty nerve-racking, but it's a home game and we've played a bunch of games already," Johnson said. "I'm excited. I think we've got a good team and I think we can do some damage. We need to box out, be mentally tough and just compete."
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2021-22 WJCAC men's basketball standings
Conf. Overall
W L W L
Frank Phillips 0 0 9 3
Western Texas 0 0 9 3
Midland College 0 0 7 3
Howard College 0 0 7 4
New Mexico JC 0 0 7 4
Odessa College 0 0 8 5
New Mexico Military 0 0 6 5
South Plains College 0 0 3 5
Clarendon College 0 0 4 8
Wednesday's games
Howard College at Midland College; New Mexico JC at Odessa College; Clarendon College at Western Texas College; Frank Phillips College at New Mexico Military Institute; South Plains College is open