RANGELY, Colo. (January 3, 2023) – The Colorado Northwestern Community College Athletic Department is back for a new calendar year.
 
After spending time during the winter break recuperating, CNCC's Men's-and-Women's Basketball teams will return to Scenic West Athletic Conference play this week with road games, starting with USU Eastern on Wednesday. CNCC will then travel to play at nationally ranked Southern Idaho on Saturday.
 
For more information and upcoming schedules, visit athletics.cncc.edu.
 
Men's Basketball: CNCC will resume Scenic West play on the road, facing off against USU Eastern and Southern Idaho.

USU Eastern is just 1-3 in league play, while Southern Idaho is a perfect 5-0. The Golden Eagles were No. 4 in the country entering the holiday break, having earned an upset road win over No. 1 Salt Lake. 
 
Colorado Northwestern will play at home next on January 18 against Southern Nevada. 
 
Women's Basketball: The Lady Spartans had a strong showing heading into the holiday break and will resume Scenic West play this week with two strong foes.
 
CNCC will travel to play at USU Eastern and Southern Idaho. Southern Idaho leads the Scenic West at 4-1, while USU Eastern is 3-1 in league play.
 
Looking ahead to both foes, Colorado Northwestern coach Eric Benedick said his team will first need to resume its conditioning.
 
"We come back to campus on January 2 and have games starting back up on January 4th," he said. "Having the mental focus to lock into the preparation in the short time we have will be key."
 
Both USU Eastern and Southern Idaho will present stiff challenges, requiring unique preparation, according to Benedick.
 
"USU Eastern is a very big, strong, physical team that imposes their will," he said. "CSI has multiple players that can beat you individually but who all do a great job of playing together to collectively make things very difficult. They are one of the top teams in the country for a reason. Both matchups will be challenging tests for us on the road."