THATCHER, Ariz. – After a dominant regular season, Eastern Arizona College will enter the NJCAA Region 1 Tournament as the No. 1 seed, aiming to cap off an already historic year with a postseason championship.
The Gila Monsters finished the 2024-25 season with a 27-3 overall record, including a 16-2 mark in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference, securing their second consecutive conference title. Eastern Arizona closed the regular season on a 12-game winning streak, positioning themselves as one of the top teams in the nation.
Regular Season Success
Eastern Arizona put together an impressive campaign, highlighted by key victories over rival Cochise College, sweeping all three meetings against the Apaches. One of their most decisive wins came in a February matchup when the Gila Monsters held Cochise to just 27 second-half points in a 75-62 victory.
Another statement win came on the road against Arizona Western, where Eastern Arizona handed the Matadors an 80-68 loss, avenging an earlier defeat. That midseason loss to Arizona Western was one of just two conference setbacks for the Gila Monsters, the other coming against College of Southern Nevada.
Eastern Arizona showcased one of the most efficient offenses in the ACCAC, averaging 84.5 points per game while shooting 49.5 percent from the field and nearly 40 percent from three-point range. Their defensive efforts were just as impressive, holding opponents to an average of 68 points per game.
Key Players
Guard Armari Carraway emerged as one of the team’s top playmakers, averaging 14.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. His efficiency from the field and ability to create opportunities for teammates made him a crucial piece of the offense.
Kaden Ericksen provided a consistent scoring presence on the wing, averaging around 14 points per game while shooting well from beyond the arc. Guard Tarrance Warren played a key two-way role, often tasked with defending the opponent’s top perimeter player while still contributing offensively.
The team’s success was guided by head coach Cameron Turner, who has led Eastern Arizona to consecutive ACCAC titles. Turner has built a roster featuring some of the top talent in the country, making the Gila Monsters a strong contender heading into the postseason.
NJCAA Region 1 Tournament Preview
Eastern Arizona will open the Region 1 Tournament on Thursday as the top seed, hosting College of Southern Nevada in the semifinals at 7pm.
Southern Nevada enters as the No. 4 seed after finishing 15-11 overall and 9-9 in conference play. The Coyotes are one of the few teams to defeat Eastern Arizona this season, pulling off an upset in January. However, in their most recent meeting, the Gila Monsters dominated, cruising to an 89-54 victory at home.
Southern Nevada’s strength lies in its fast-paced offense, averaging 90.7 points per game. Guard LeRone Wright leads the Coyotes with 18.2 points per game, shooting over 42 percent from three-point range. Cyril Franklin Jr. adds 14.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game, making him a versatile threat.
While the Coyotes have a high-powered offense, their defense has been a weakness, allowing 78.5 points per game. Turnovers have also been an issue, something Eastern Arizona will look to exploit.
In their previous matchup, the Gila Monsters controlled the tempo and shut down Southern Nevada’s perimeter shooting, leading to a 35-point victory. The rematch will likely hinge on whether Eastern Arizona can replicate that defensive effort and maintain its offensive efficiency.
Looking Ahead
With a top 20 national ranking and home-court advantage, Eastern Arizona enters the postseason as the favorite to claim the Region 1 title. If they advance past Southern Nevada, they will move on to the championship game they will host the winner of Cochise and Arizona Western on Saturday in the Region 1 Championship.
