Photo by Mike Frederiksen
The women’s basketball team continued to grind out their impressive season, currently holding a 16-6 record (5-2 conference record), despite playing a few sloppy games.
On January 14 Moraine lost their fourth game of the season. This loss came at the hands of the fourteenth ranked South Suburban College. Despite Kim Young’s 16 points and Ashley Corner’s impressive double-double performance, 10 point and 20 rebounds, the Cyclones fell to the 14-5 Bulldogs 67-54.
The Cyclones matched up against the red hot Elgin Community College Spartans on January 17. Both Moraine and Elgin came into this matchup boasting undefeated conference records. Only one would emerge victorious, and up to this point Moraine had not lost two games in a row all season. Kim Young and Kelly Foley combined for 28 points, while the rest of the Cyclones contributed only 21 points. This was the first game all season where the Cyclones were held under 50 points. The Spartans defense coupled with Moraine’s shooting woes led to the Cyclones first conference lost of the season 49-67.
Despite their deflating conference loss and their first two-game losing streak this season, Moraine returned to form vs. Waubonsee Community College. The Cyclones fell behind early, but went on a 10-0 run and a 14-0 run to take the halftime lead. In the end, Kim Young, Tempestt Reynolds and Kelly Foley combined for 12 three-pointers. Moraine got back to their winning ways with a hard fought 65-59 victory.
Following the impressive win, the Cyclones had another challenging conference match against rival Prairie State College. Prairie State College came into the game with a 17-4 record. The Cyclones were hurt all game by their cold shooting and the absence of key players. With center Raven Phillips taken out early due to foul trouble, and offensive threat Jessica Contant out, the Cyclones struggled against the Pioneers. Kim Young once again led Moraine in scoring for the fourth consecutive game, but with only 10 points. Moraine lost the game 62-50, shooting only 26% (16-60) from the field.
Attempting to avoid another losing streak, the Cyclones survived against there
conference foe, Oakton Community College. The Cyclones were held under 50 points for the second time this season, but prevailed 49-45. The Cyclones scratched and clawed their way to a huge conference home victory.
The Cyclones got back into form when they took on the College of Lake County. The Cyclones reunited with their superb shooting; scoring 71 points in the 71-49 win against the Lancers of Lake County. The victory was also the ninth time this season that Moraine held a team under 50 points.
The Cyclones finish the season with seven conference games, three home and four away. In their first seven conference games, the Cyclones went 5-2 placing them in third place in the Illinois Skyway Conference. The Cyclones currently sit at 16-6 overall, and four more wins in their final seven games will give coach Jones and his girls yet another 20-win season.
