The 2024–25 season will be remembered as a banner year for the Pima College men’s basketball program. Under the direction and advanced leadership of Head Coach Brian Peabody, the Aztecs compiled a stunning 35-1 overall record this season - capturing a Conference Championship and finishing third in the NJCAA Division-II National Tournament, and solidifying their place among the elite programs in the country.
From the start of the season, the Aztecs were on a mission - overwhelming opponents with their relentless pace, deep bench and championship mindset. Pima was the highest-scoring team in NJCAA Division-II, averaging a blistering 99.5 points per game. Their offensive firepower was matched by a gritty, defensive intensity that wore teams down night after night.
Stud sophomore guard Cohenj Gonzales was the heartbeat of the team. A steady floor leader and lethal scorer, Gonzales became the newest member of the 1,000-point club this season, and was selected as the ACCAC D-II Player of the Year. His ability to control tempo, get teammates involved, and make big shots in key moments made him one of the most impactful players in all of junior college basketball.
Joining him in the backcourt was 6-foot-4 sophomore Max Majerle, who had an excellent season after transferring to the program last summer. A tough, hard-nosed and high-energy, two-way player whose tenacity on defense and ability to stretch defenses this season, gave Pima a constant edge. Majerle's effort often set the tone on both ends of the floor, and he was a model of consistency throughout the season.
6-foot-8 sophomore post Gabe Oldham brought toughness and rebounding, as well as leadership to the Aztecs lineup. Oldham guarded multiple positions around the paint, crashed the boards and made the hustle plays that don’t always show up on the stat sheet, but wins games. His presence helped elevate Pima’s defensive identity and overall toughness.
Talented 6-foot-8 sophomore post Wes Ball was a dominant force all season as well. His physical presence inside, combined with his touch around the rim, made him nearly unstoppable for opposing teams. Ball’s rebounding was crucial, especially during national tournament play, where he consistently controlled the glass against elite competition.
Rounding out the core was freshman sensation Mason Hunt, a 6-foot-7 forward who had an immediate impact in his first college season. Hunt earned ACCAC Division-II Freshman of the Year honors, and delivered a standout performance in the third-place national tournament game, scoring 20 points with 8 rebounds. His athleticism, skill, and versatility made him one of the most exciting young prospects in the country this season.
Pima’s only loss of the season came in the NJCAA semi-finals, a hard-fought battle that could have gone either way. The Aztecs bounced back in dominant fashion, defeating a top-ranked opponent in the third-place game and finishing their season on a high note.
Head Coach Brian Peabody, selected as the ACCAC Division-II Coach of the Year, deserves immense credit for keeping his team focused, united, and prepared throughout the season. His leadership helped mold a collection of talented individuals into a championship-caliber team.
This year’s Pima squad wasn’t just a team - it was a statement. A statement that junior college basketball in Arizona can produce elite-level talent. A statement that culture, toughness, and team-first basketball still matter. And perhaps most importantly, a statement that Pima College is just getting started.
