The Western Junior College Athletic Conference (WJCAC) has officially announced its postseason honors, with New Mexico Military Institute's Joel Pinto earning a selection to the All-WJCAC Team as an Honorable Mention.
Pinto's impact was felt across every column of the stat sheet throughout the season. A consistent offensive threat, he averaged 14.9 points per game, leading the charge for the Broncos' scoring attack. His ability to stretch the floor proved elite, as he shot a remarkable 43.5% from beyond the arc, forcing opposing defenses to account for his range at all times.
Beyond his perimeter scoring, Pinto's tenacity on the glass was a cornerstone of the team's interior presence, hauling in 6.3 rebounds per game. This combination of outside shooting and rebounding prowess made him a unique mismatch in conference play.
"Well for the record I think he should have been on an all-conference team but Honorable Mention is still a big deal. You look across the board and some games he played like a true freshman while also having some great performances," said Bronco Basketball Head Coach Sean Schooley. "Being recognized by the coaches in this conference is a significant achievement, and we are incredibly proud of Joel and the growth he displayed throughout the season …. I think he can most definitely average a double-double next year."
The freshman shot 49.1 percent from the field while playing 22.6 minutes per game.