Photo by Mike Frederiksen
The Cyclones have captured their sixth consecutive 20-win season and currently sit at 20-8 (8-4) with an outside shot at a conference title.
On January 31 Moraine took their talent on the road to a .500 team in Morton College. With the combination of a well balanced offensive attack and some new-found defensive energy, the Cyclones took a commanding 35-13 halftime lead. Moraine Valley never looked back as they coasted to their third straight conference victory, 64-42. Raven Phillips posted a double-double with 18 points and 10 boards. Loretta Burton filled the stat sheet with 8 points, 6 boards, 5 dimes, and 2 blocks.
On February 2 Moraine returned home to take on McHenry County College. For the second game in a row the Cyclones came out firing on all cylinders, especially from behind the arc. Moraine cruised to an easy 82-57 victory. Kelly Foley led the team with 22 points, Kim Young added 12 points, and Natalina Cifaldi added 6 points and dished out a team high 8 assists. In the end, the Cyclones rained in 13 baskets from downtown.
On February 4 Moraine squared off against College of Lake County. The Cyclones played yet another amazing first half with a 35-19 lead. Moraine started the second half where they left off and cruised to a 65-34 win. Young led the team with 17 points, Foley added 13, and Becca Theriault followed with 10. With the win the Cyclones (8-2) moved into second place in the conference.
On February 7 the Cyclones went into the hostile territory of Elgin Community College (9-1). With a win against the Spartans, Moraine would take possession of first place in the ISCC. The teams traded buckets throughout the first half, and Moraine led 29-23 at the half. The Cyclones were up by as much as 13 in the second half, but with six minutes left to play the Spartans went on an extended run and Moraine fell 64-61. Foley, Cifaldi and Phillips each had 14 points. Phillips also had 19 boards, which gave her yet another double double with. The Cyclones loss can also be contributed by their 29-team fouls.
On February 9 Moraine took on ISCC foe Waubonsee Community College. The teams traded baskets throughout the game, especially toward the final minutes of play. Despite having the home court advantage the Cyclones fell short in a close one, losing 65-64. With the loss the Cyclones dropped to fourth in the conference. On February 11 Moraine finished their non-conference schedule with a win at Joliet Junior College. The Cyclones captured their coveted 20th win of the season with 76-69 victory.
Throughout the rigorous season the Cyclones have held their opponents under 50 points 11 times, and have outscored their opponents by at least 20 in 11 games.
Congratulations to guard Brittany Bixman and forward Rebecca Theriault who were both named to the Academic All-District Team, based on their outstanding GPA and basketball stats.
