Cyclone women's basketball has the depth and pieces to win and go far in the 2021-22 season while making sure they leave their mark on the court.
Unlike their unusual spring season that didn't count toward their record, the Cyclones are ready for a full, regular season with the championship up for grabs. With a number of returners, transfers and freshmen, Head Coach Delwyn Jones believes they can beat anyone in the NJCAA Region IV.
"Our depth is one of the best I've had. We think we have a good chance to win the region. I feel good about that. I expect to win," said Jones, entering his 22nd season leading the program. "This is a good team. The first goal is to win conference and the second is to win region. I'm excited to see what we can do."
Coming back for the Cyclones is first team All-American guard/forward Kirsten Kamholz (Andrew), guard Katchie Savic (Lincoln-Way East), forward Briana Sanchez (Oak Lawn), guards/forwards Steffi and Maggie Manthey (Sandburg) and forward Julia Janks (Oak Lawn). Kamholz is back for a third season as allowed by the NJCAA and is one of the best scorers around. She'll be expected to put plenty of points on the board. Savic is one of the best guards around, according to Jones. She's a prototypical guard who handles the ball well, keeps the game under control and gets the ball to open teammates. She'll be a leader as well. Sanchez, also in her third season, surprises people with her physicality on the court as well as her speed, length and strength around the basket. Steffi Manthey and Janks are two long forwards. Manthey has the speed, and Janks can extend the defense with her solid three-point shooting. Maggie Manthey has the height for solid defense and can provide needed offense.
Some new faces to the crew include Bashirah Muhammad (Catalyst Maria), the other strong guard who transferred with her sister, Taanisa, from Kennedy-King College. She is a dynamic, athletic point guard who can see the floor in ways other players cannot while shooting high jump shots. Forward/center Mikayla Dove (Richards) brings her athleticism and ability to run the floor as well as jumping skills to the squad. Kelsey Kelley (Stagg) is a transfer guard from Trinity International University, who has physical play and speed to help the cause. Guard/forward Taniyah Henry (Thornton Township) is another transfer from Johnson Community College with scoring ability like Kamholz to outplay defenders. Additional height will come from Larisa Milenkovski (Lockport Township), who also plays on the Cyclone soccer team.
"We have a lot of talent. We're a very physical team, which is good for us. We have very good defenders and enough offense to put up points. We want other teams to know we're on the court for all 40 minutes with a relentless attack," Jones said. "They're tired of beating each other up in practice and ready to go."
Joining Jones this season are two newcomers familiar to the Cyclones. Nariman Jaber played for him in the 2013-15 seasons and broke a few blocked shot records. Dwayne McGhee played for the Cyclone men's team between 2008 and 2011. Both assistants helped their respective teams win a conference championship while student-athletes.
The Cyclones' season opener is Friday, Nov. 5, at Parkland College, and their home opener is Tuesday, Nov. 9, 5:15 p.m., against Joliet Junior College. All home games will be livestreamed to Cyclone Athletics YouTube, but masked spectators are allowed this season.