TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (December 26, 2022) – The Salt Lake Community College Athletic Department will have just a single team playing this week, albeit in a well-known tournament.
 
The No. 1 SLCC Men's Basketball team will participate in the annual 'Fiesta Bowl Junior College Shootout' tournament in Arizona, hosted by Mesa Community College. The tournament, which annually features some of the top NJCAA teams in the country, is viewed as a preview for March's NJCAA tournament experience in 'Hutch'. 

Bruins coach Kyle Taylor said the 'Fiesta Bowl' tournament is great preparation for his team down the road.

"'The Fiesta Bowl JUCO Shootout' always draws some of the top NJCAA teams in the country because it's a well-run event; it's a true tournament format, with a great location, and other quality teams," he said. "They take good care of us at Mesa Community College and it's fun to play over the holidays. This will be the last year, so it's bittersweet for it to be the last day, so hopefully we can go out on a high note."

Salt Lake will open the tournament Tuesday in a game against Central Arizona. The Bruins will then face off with No. 14 South Plains Community College on Wednesday, with a bracketed matchup scheduled to take place on Thursday. 

Taylor said his team will have to play well to compete against Central Arizona.

"I can't wait to get back on the court and start playing again after Christmas, but am glad for everyone to get a week-long break," he said. "'Our first opponent is Central Arizona and they are a solid Region 1 team. They have a couple high-level scorers, and coming off the break every game will be a challenge."
 
Salt Lake will resume Scenic West Athletic Conference play on January 4 at Southern Nevada. SLCC's next scheduled home game is on January 10 against Laramie County.