Photo by Mike Frederiksen
After a tough loss from Elgin College, the Cyclones answered back with a 73-62 win over Waubonsee Community College.
Richaun Holmes led the way for the Cyclones with 26 points, 8 rebounds, and four blocks. Lane Barlow also contributed to the stat column scoring with 14 points and getting 5 boards.
On January 24, Moraine Valley faced off against rival Prairie State. The Cyclones started the game off well for the Cyclones. Richaun Holmes and Avery Busch each hit a quick three pointer. Moraine’s came out playing stout defense, which translated into a lot of transition baskets. However, they got into foul trouble early, going over the limit and sending Prairie State to the line for some easy free throws.
Foul trouble led to the Cyclones difficulty controlling the ball offensively, which led to more buckets by Prairie State. Despite the errors, Moraine Valley went into half-time down 34-29.
The Cyclones went into the second half as a different team: “We came out with more intensity,” said assistant coach Justin Domingo. “We played together as a team and stepped it up.” With some second chance buckets by Mike Jackson and a three pointer by Richaun Holmes, the Cyclones took the lead 42-40 at the 13 minute mark.
They showed no signs of letting the lead get away from them as they laid on the full court press, which caused some misguided turnovers that led to transition baskets. Prairie State had no answer to the tough play of the Cyclones defense and continued their winning ways with a 67-57 victory.
“Every conference game is like a championship game; if we win the rest of our games, I’m sure we will be conference champs,” stated assistant coach Domingo.
That game certainly proved to be a momentum builder as they dominated Oakton Community College 78-55 on January 26. At first, it seemed as though the Cyclones were in trouble when they gave up two three pointers to start the game. The Cyclones responded back with several three pointers of their own.
During the first half of play Moraine Valley went on a 19-0 scoring run, which led to a comfortable 41-14 lead at the half.
The second half was more of the same as Moraine Valley continued their strong play and put Oakton to sleep. “We are a very unselfish team and that stood out today,” said assistant coach Domingo.
Richaun Holmes led the team with 19 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks. Avery Busch was right behind him only a rebound away from a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds.
On January 28, the Cyclones handily defeated College of Lake County 56-39. Moraine dominated the whole way. Holmes led the team once again with 17 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. Mike Jackson contributed nine points and six rebounds.
They extended their winning streak to five games when they beat conference foe Morton College 75-61 on January 31. They bounced back from a 1-2 start in conference play. The Cyclones are now in the front of the pack at 6-2 in the ISCC and look to continue it against McHenry College February 2.
