Moraine Valley women’s basketball is flat-out good; looking for big things in 2016-17

On paper the Cyclone women’s basketball team looks unstoppable. And this talented squad is ready to prove their skills and ability to go far in the 2016-17 season.

Last year the Cyclones earned 20 wins (20-10), took second in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference (11-3) and averaged 72.5 points per game, the second highest in head Coach Delwyn Jones’ tenure. Two stud players added to that success and are back this season to take the team further.

Six-three center Erin Drynan (Mother McAuley) and 6-1 forward Michelle Borgen (Andrew) were the dynamic duo and stars of the 2015-16 season. Being named to both the All-NJCAA Region IV and All-Conference first teams was just the tip of their successes. Drynan ranked No. 1 in the NJCAA Division II through the entire season for blocked shots. She finished with 192, crushing the school record of 134. She also had six triple-doubles and 23 double-doubles. Borgen ranked No. 1 for free throws (199-286) and averaged 21.3 points per game, breaking the college record (18.7). She had 22 double-doubles and scored a season-high 36 points in one game.

Drynan and Borgen will be joined by returner and 5-9 forward Sharnita Breeze (Argo) who was sidelined with an injury last year. The trio will not only be a force on the front line but also be the best in the region, according to Jones.

A slew of dynamic guards will improve a trouble spot (at times) for the Cyclones. The acquisition of Diamond Dortch (5’5”/Romeoville), Sam Pilbeam (5’8”/Beecher) and Takesha “Pinky” Powell (5’7”/Richards) will make an impact.

The Cyclones also have some talented shooters in returning guards Krista Brill (5’6”/Oak Forest) and Erin Schaffrath (5’7”/Bremen) as well as newcomer Taylor McGiles (5’10”/Sandburg).

Completing the puzzle and not to be undervalued is a quality bench led by returning All-Conference 5-10 forward Ashley Carroll (Beecher), sophomore 6-1 forward Briana Smith (Chicago Christian) and freshmen 5-6 guard Gabrielle Brent (Oak Forest), and 5-6 guard Nadia Shehadeh (Richards).

With a talented crew in tow, Jones is excited by the number of strengths they have, comparable to his conference championship teams from 2007-08 and 2011-12.

“This year defensively we’ll be better at every position. We’ll be taller, faster and more athletic than most teams. There are several schools that can’t beat us,” he said. “Every year I’ve had some question marks, but not so many this season. I really feel that there’s no way we can’t go to nationals as long as we stay healthy. This team is just flat-out good.”

Joining Jones on the bench is Sean Mackey, who has been an assistant since 2011, and Cyclone alumnae Kathleen Zulevic-Warren and Rebecca Theriault.