YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Arizona Western Matadors are back on the hardwood and after one of their best seasons in recent years, the team is ready to make another run at a Region One title.
Coming off a 23–8 campaign that ended just shy of a championship, Head Coach Kyle Isaacs returns for his 17th season leading the Matadors. After last year’s motto of “embrace the process,” Isaacs says this year’s theme is all about precision.
“Everyone embraced the process that was kind of our team motto last year,” Isaacs said. “This year it’s dominate the details, and it’s so much easier when you have six guys who know exactly how you want things done.”
Isaacs says the team is focused on keeping its identity built on toughness, defense, and physicality while also improving a key weakness from last season.
“Our main focus was keeping our identity — being tough, being physical, really getting after people on defense,” Isaacs said. “But we had to fix that outside shooting issue, and I think we’ve got a better opportunity this year to make shots.”
Sophomore guard Engel Gutierrez, from Miami, says an active offseason helped him boost his confidence heading into the new year.
“I feel way better — I was playing back home in summer league, and that helped me gain more confidence in myself,” Gutierrez said. “We’re working hard every day, trying to get one percent better.”
Redshirt sophomore forward Paora Winitana, from Alpine, Utah, is also ready to make an impact after a season of readjustment.
“I’m definitely excited,” Winitana said. “I took a break before playing again, so last year was kind of a readjustment for me but I’m ready to get back into it.”
With a returning core, an experienced coaching staff, and a renewed focus on detail, the Matadors believe they have what it takes to make another deep playoff push this season.