Matadors claim ACCAC title outright for first time since 2009

Matadors Head Coach Kyle Isaacs captures first outright conference title in coaching tenure

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Arizona Western College captured the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference title outright for the first time since 2009, capping a season defined by experience, depth and a relentless work ethic.

Head coach Kyle Isaacs credited the collective effort of his players and staff for the Matadors’ return to the top of the conference.

"It's all the hard work that the assistant coaches and the guys have done since August 15," Isaacs said. "The secret formula is just outworking everybody else and giving everything you have every single night."

That approach paid off for both returning players and newcomers.

Sophomore Guard Jared Arias, in his third year with the program, said winning the conference title was especially meaningful.

"It means a lot, honestly," Arias said. "This being my third year, I just wanted something to show for it. So having a conference championship, that's amazing."

Freshman Forward Marsai Mason echoed that sentiment, saying the welcoming culture made his first season with the Mats memorable.

"My first year here has been nothing but love from the fans, from the coaches, from the players," Mason said. "Being the first time here, it means a lot to us."

Isaacs pointed to the team's veteran presence as a key factor in the Matadors' success. Arizona Western features the most returners and sophomores among the conference's six Division I programs, including players who experienced last year's run to the regional championship game and a second-place conference finish.

"When you're playing older guys with more experience, having gotten to that regional championship game and being in second place last year, we had a bunch of what we'd call hungry dogs that are ready to get fed," Isaacs said.

Beyond experience, players emphasized the team’s chemistry.

"This team is really connected," Arias said. "Everyone gets along. We hang out outside of basketball and during basketball. We're always with each other, it's the most connected team I've been on."

With the regular season complete, Arizona Western now turns its attention to postseason play. The Matadors will host the College of Southern Nevada in a region semifinal Thursday at 7 p.m.

The women's team will also begin its playoff run Saturday, hosting Central Arizona College at 5 p.m.

Isaacs said the program hopes to capitalize on home-court advantage.

"Your care and your support when you show up in the stands truly means a lot, not only to us but to the student-athletes," he said. "Being at home gives you an extreme advantage, and we want to take advantage of that as long as we can."