Before they even played their first game, Head Coach Delwyn Jones knew he had a unique lineup of players on the women's basketball team. Not only did they boast an impressive overall 34-3 record, but earned two championships and finished as the eighth best team in the country.
The list of accomplishments is long for this crew. For a large portion of the season, the Cyclones were ranked No. 3 in the NJCAA Division II—the highest they've reached in program history. They also took eighth in the nation after the NJCAA tournament, their best finish. As a team, they averaged 85.8 points per game, were second in field goals made per game (33.1), third for points (3,090) and fourth in assists per game (19.6). Their overall 34-3 record is the best in Moraine Valley history and includes a 31-game winning streak. They earned the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference (14-0) and NJCAA Region IV championships and competed at the national tournament for the second time in three years.
"An eighth place finish is an accomplishment. We had expectations to win a national championship, and it was disappointing because we didn't get there. We are a much better team. But it was a learning experience. Still, we went 2-2 at nationals. We are a better team than we were at the start of the season and one of 16 teams in the nation to get down to nationals," said Jones, who completed his 19th season leading the Cyclones and was named Region and Conference Coach of the Year. "It'll be hard to find another team with the talent, character, hard work and determination of this group. It is a rare combination."
The skill on this team was impressive and included a bevy of awards and more records in the Cyclone books. Sophomore starting guard Ashley Hunter (Homewood-Flossmoor) was ranked 16th nationally for points (595) and became the second highest scorer in Moraine Valley's history with 1,205. She broke the 1,000-point milestone in February. Hunter finished the year with nods to both the All-Region and All-Conference first teams and was the region tournament MVP.
"It was amazing to go to nationals. It was the best two seasons of basketball I've ever had. I'm blessed to touch the court and play with such a great team," she said.
Sophomore forward Julia Ruzevich (Marist) joined the Cyclones this season with her sister, Kate, from Quincy University, and made quite an impact. Julia was named an NJCAA Division II First Team All-American, All-Region and All-Conference first team player, was Region IV Player of the Year and named to the region and national All-Tournament team. She also earned a new single season record at Moraine Valley for 3-pointers made in a season (81). Nationally, she was 12th for points (627), 13th for field goals (236-551) and 14th for assists (156).
Sophomore guard Hennessey Handy (Plainfield Central) also was a transfer student this year from Kilgore College and fit right in. She was named Skyway Conference Player of the Year in addition to nods to the All-Region, All-Conference first teams and region tournament team. She tied for most assists in Moraine Valley history with 167, which also ranked her 11th nationally.
Kate Ruzevich (Marist) also was a force on the court, earning All-Conference honorable mention and ranking 18th for rebounds (338). A strong bench allowed any player to come into the game and make some noise. It was a team effort that brought this crew to the national stage, and one that Jones will not forget.
"We had 34 wins and three losses. What coach would go in saying they wouldn't want that," Jones said. "I'm very, very proud of these players. They're a great group and great individuals whom I'll always cherish and respect."