Struggling JUCO Programs Seek Momentum in Saturday Clash

BLYTHE, Calif. (Interstat) — Two men’s junior college basketball teams seeking to reverse early-season struggles will meet Saturday when the Cerro Coso Coyotes visit the Palo Verde Pirates.

The non-conference matchup, organized by the California Community College Athletic Association, is scheduled for Dec. 13, 2025.

Cerro Coso (3-6) enters following a 69-54 road loss at Reedley on Wednesday. The Coyotes had won two of their previous three games, including a 56-47 victory at Santa Monica on Dec. 5 and an 84-82 home win over Los Angeles Southwest on Dec. 2.

Palo Verde (2-9) looks to rebound from a forfeit loss, listed as a 2-0 defeat at Copper Mountain on Dec. 7. The Pirates’ last played game was a 93-80 home loss to Pasadena City on Dec. 6, which snapped a brief winning streak after a 78-76 victory over Los Angeles Pierce the previous day.

A key matchup will feature two recent standout performers. Cerro Coso will rely on Issiakoi Aminou, who is coming off a 13-point, 6-rebound effort in 32 minutes in the win at Santa Monica. Over his last five games, Aminou is averaging 11.2 points and 5.2 rebounds.

For Palo Verde, forward Dejon Townsend has been a force, posting consecutive double-doubles. He scored 27 points with 12 rebounds against Pasadena City and had 21 points and 11 rebounds in the win over LA Pierce.

Despite both teams’ sub-.500 records, a competitive game is anticipated. The Interstat game simulator projects a narrow final score of Palo Verde 100, Cerro Coso 100.

This game is the first of a home-and-home series between the teams this season. They are scheduled to meet again at Cerro Coso on Jan. 24, 2026.

Following this contest, Cerro Coso will host Victor Valley on Dec. 17. Palo Verde will travel to face Barstow on the same date.