The height is back and so is the anticipation of returning some championships in 2013-14 to Moraine Valley Community College. These past few years have not yielded the results sought after by the women’s basketball team, but a talented squad and a preseason ranking of 19th in NJCAA Division II are setting the Cyclones up for an exciting year.
“This year we’re going to be good. There’s a real good combo of talent that will give us the ability to be flexible against other teams and dominate in other areas because we have height, speed and perimeter shooting. Last year we didn’t have all those elements,” said head coach Delwyn Jones, who is in his 14th season at the helm.
Last year the Cyclones had a .500 conference record and 17-13 overall record, not where they wanted to end up. Although All-Conference players Kelly Foley and Stephanie Karl will be missed this season, a new, exciting lineup should keep the Cyclones in contention.
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With four post players over six-feet tall, two with finesse and two power players, there should be enough flexibility at the front line to maintain control of the ball. Sophomore center Amber Hunter (Evergreen Park, 6’0”) is back and so far looks like the best defensive rebounder on the team. Forward Jamilla Jones (Eisenhower, 6’0”) also returns with improved skills. New in the post are 6’3” center Nariman Jaber (Argo) and Cyclone volleyball player Colleen Kull (Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, 6’1”), both of whom should be a defensive threat.
Two solid wing players return in last year’s All-Conference athlete Katie McGann (Providence, 5’9”) and Maggie Yandel (Stagg, 5’9”), combined with newcomer Sam Holler (Sandburg, 5’10”) to make up the top three most athletic players Jones has had on his team. They are quick, making them terrors for opponents with their fast breaks and good finishes.
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There will be a battle between point guards with three vying for the coveted position. Ashley Cunningham (Eisenhower, 5’7”) returns this season and is already playing harder and smarter. Her high basketball IQ will be an asset to the team. Newcomers Aileen Gorman (Marist, 5’7”), who is also the top runner on the cross country team, and Shavonne “Bonnie” Lewis (Eisenhower, 5’5”), sister of former All-American Cyclone player Sharnita Lloyd, both have great vision and speed to push the ball up the court.
Other newcomers adding to the chemistry are guards Megan Beckow (Evergreen Park, 5’6”), Nicole Maloney (Oak Lawn, 5’8”), Brandi Miner (Chicago International Charter School, 5’8”), Diamond Taylor (Chicago International Charter School, 5’4”), Amanda Weiss (Shepard, 5’7”), and Alex Zelasko (Evergreen Park, 5’8”).
The strategy this season is to play faster thanks to the addition of several speedy players. Jones believes his squad can outrun most opponents and push the game more than in the past. “I expect us to win conference, be in the regional championship and go to nationals. I really believe it this year,” Jones said. “There is great chemistry and character that will help team unity. We also want to stay aggressive on the court.”
For their complete schedule, visit www.morainevalley.edu/athletics/womens_bball/schedule.htm.
