If the Cyclones stay healthy and continue gelling, they are going to see some major success in the 2022-23 season.
This year's team has a nice combination of returners, transfers, freshmen and multi-sport athletes. Six players already have experience competing in college, which will be an asset.
Third-year guard Reagan Cameron (Oak Lawn) just completed her first season on the women's tennis team, helping them win a Region IV and an Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference championship. She returns to basketball with more confidence, maturity and poise, according to Head Coach Delwyn Jones. Sophomore guard Mary Chronopoulou (Reavis) has come a long way from the hesitant freshman she was last year and brings her skills back to the lineup. Sophomore center Larisa Milenkovski (Lockport) was mostly injured last season, but she is ready and can score with an even hand and block shots efficiently. Janiyah Hilliard (South Shore) is the final sophomore forward and has worked hard in the offseason. In the team's summer league, she was MVP and tough on defense.
Two players transferred from a community college that came in second at the national tournament and bring plenty of experience. Autumn Jones (Tinley Park) will play power forward and has rebounding skills with the ability to finish well around the basket. Aden Edebali (Turkey) is a guard/forward who can get to the basket and sees the ball well. She brings a sense of maturity and leadership to the team.
One freshman with point guard potential is Aubree Schultz (Lincoln-Way West), who also just finished her first season on the women's tennis team. She has good ball-handling skills, is fast and a good shooter. Andrea Robertson (Eisenhower) is a center with shot-blocking and strong defensive skills. Jones said she can guard smaller players away from the basket and gives 100% effort. Jayla Lamb (Evergreen Park) is a forward with a knack for scoring and is adjusting to college-level ball.
"I feel good about this team. We have talent, good people and good character. We have a high basketball IQ, so I'm excited about that," said Jones, who's in his 23rd season running the program. "We have post players who can run the floor well and should control the rebounding game, and we have good shooters. We have all the ingredients; we just need to put it together."
Last season wasn't as successful as the Cyclones have come to enjoy, despite finishing over .500. Jones wants his team to improve over last year and win a minimum of 20 games. He believes they have the potential.
"I expect to make some noise again this year. If we can get good point guard play, it's going to change a lot of what we're trying to do," Jones explained. "We have a lot of work to do, but we have the potential to be a major player in the region and conference."
Jones is again joined on the bench by assistants Erin Drynan and Dwayne McGhee.
The Cyclones open their season at the Parkland College Tournament on Nov. 5.