Photo by Mike Frederiksen
As the season draws to an end the Cyclones have bounced back into the NJCAA Division II spotlight by winning 10 straight games.
During a stretch of a little more than a month the Cyclones season looked relinquished as the team went 3-4 after starting the year off with a 9-3 record. The reason why the Cyclones have recuperated is due to the return of Lane Barlow and Mike O’Donnell (both players were out due to school related issues).
On February 2, the Cyclones were pitted up against McHenry County College. Earlier in the season the Cyclones lost to the Scots due to mental errors. With revenge on their mind the Cyclones came out and picked apart the Scots defense. The Cyclones led the entire game and crushed the Scots 72-40. Richaun Holmes had another dominating performance, scoring 34 points with nine rebounds and four blocks.
The Cyclones flawless play hit a speed bump during the first half of their match against College of Lake County. Moraine Valley’s shooting ability was to no avail, as their shots weren’t falling and the Cyclones fell to an 18-point deficit. The second half was a different story as Moraine outscored the Lancers 32-18 as they ceased an upset and won 68-55.
“It’s all about team defense,” said assistant coach Justin Domingo. “We’re not allowing teams to do what they want to do as far as shooting the ball and running their offense. We’re putting pressure on the ball and are crashing the boards.”
The Cyclones came into the Spartan Events Center looking for revenge from an earlier loss to Elgin Community College. The Cyclones for a second straight week struggled early on but edged out the Spartans 68-61. Holmes continued his strong play grabbing nine boards along with 26 points.
With first place of the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference at stake the Chiefs of Waubonsee Community College entered a hostile environment at the Cyclone Center. On sophomore night the Cyclones came out on top 69-55, with Moraine leading majority of the game. “The guys have come back together,” said assistant coach Domingo. “Watching these guys come out and dominate these teams every night is amazing. Being the only team to be able to beat Waubonsee twice in our conference and to have a chance at a conference championship is truly outstanding.” The Cyclones won their 10th straight when they beat Prairie State College 73-67 improving their chances at a ISCC title.
The Cyclones got on a hot streak at the right time as they head into the Region IV playoffs with a high seed. The playoffs begin March 1, at the IVCC Gymnasium in Oglesby, Illinois. The Cyclones look to continue their winning streak all the way to Nationals at Danville Area Community College.
