Haayer One Bright Spot for MCC Women's Hoops

The 2011-12 regular season for McHenry County College’s women’s basketball team has come to a close with a very bright spot in forward Alyssa Haayer.

Haayer, a graduate of McHenry East High School, is a Criminal Justice Major and MCC Gold Scholar-Athlete. She will receive her Associates Degree in the spring and is the lone sophomore on the Scots’ nine-player roster.

She said that there are a few differences between last year and this year and that things started to turn around for the young squad as the season progressed.

“I think the big difference between last season and this season is I’m the only sophomore so I had to get used to playing with a whole new group of players,” Haayer said. “As the season wore on, we really started to understand each other, gel as a group, and play better together. It was rewarding to see that improvement and an exciting feeling.”

The Scots struggled with inexperience this season but a game against Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference rival Elgin C. C., where MCC had a lead late in the second half, was a highlight of the campaign. Haayer, recognized before the final home game of the regular season Thursday night in Crystal Lake, said that the ECC game showed how good the team can be.

“Obviously we take it as knowing we can play that well at times,” Haayer said. “We know what we are capable of and we shouldn’t hold ourselves to any lower standard.”

Haayer averaged over 14 points and 11 rebounds a game during Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference play along with shooting almost 80 percent from the free-throw line.

“I just go into every game hoping to give my team the best of my abilities,” Haayer added. “I try my best and some games are better than others which is the case for every athlete but I just try to put it all out on the floor when I’m out there.”

— Wally Reynolds