By Evan Wixom
IV Leader Sports Editor, Feb. 17, 2011
The Lady Eagles have responded in a big way to their only
loss of the season.
Following a 69-67 heartbreaking setback to Highland at home
back on Jan. 18, the Lady Eagles have been on fire as of late, going 6-0 since
the last publication date, including a huge 71-52 redemption win over Highland
in Freeport on Feb. 8.
Other wins for the Lady Eagles include an 82-71 win on the
road against Sauk Valley, a 75-63 triumph over Black Hawk-East, a 62-59 thriller
over Carl Sandburg, a 57-49 win over Illinois Central College, and an 80-56
blowout win over Olive Harvey.
The recent string of wins has improved IVCC’s overall record
this year to 23-1, including a 6-1 mark in the Arrowhead Conference.
As of press time, the Lady Eagles are ranked seventh in the
latest NJCAA Div. II National poll, with fellow Region IV member Kankakee
Community College taking the top spot.
Leading the way for IVCC this year is sophomore Shannon
Washington, who has been a force this year averaging a team-leading 17.3 points
per game, 8.5 rebounds per game, 4.9 assists per game, 3.4 steals per game, and
1.6 blocks per game.
Sophomore Danielle Hellickson is second on the team with 13.6
ppg, to go along with a team-leading 6.0 apg. Hellickson, though, suffered a
season ending knee injury on Jan. 25 vs. Black Hawk East.
Polo product and IV freshman Julie Haye follows closely
behind with 13.5 ppg.
Sophomore Nyzera Fleming leads the team in rebounding with
8.5 rpg, and also leads the team with a hefty 4.3 blocks per game.
Besides leading the team in blocks, Fleming also leads the
nation in blocks, according to the NJCAA Web site.
“Overall, I’m really happy with the way people have stepped
up since Danielle’s injury,” said coach Pat Cinotte. “We have been able to keep
play at a high level.”
Sophomore night is slated for the home game Thursday, Feb.
17.
Then, the Lady Eagles wrap up the regular season on Saturday,
Feb. 19 at home against Black Hawk-Moline at 3 p.m.
The IVCC women will then look for their third straight Region
IV title and second straight national tournament berth as postseason play begins
Thursday, Feb. 24 in the Regional Quarterfinals. Who the Lady Eagles will play
will be determined in a seeding meeting, scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 20.