The Morton College women's basketball team will not participate in the 2021 NJCAA Division II National Tournament in Hickory, North Carolina, due to COVID-19 protocols. 

While Morton College will be replaced in the tournament, the Panthers will be recognized on the NJCAA's Selection Show at 10 a.m. today by having their seeding and opponent they would have played announced as part of the program.

"That's really cool," said Morton College athletic director/women's basketball coach Jason Nichols. "We appreciated what the NJCAA has done in recognizing us on our accomplishment. It's a wonderful, thoughtful gesture, which provides us with a sense of closure."
The Panthers qualified for nationals for the first time in program history by winning the Region IV Tournament.

Season highlights included a No. 12 ranking in the final NJCAA regular-season poll and a .895 winning percentage with a 17-2 record. Both were program bests.

"We are very disappointed to have our season end in this manner," Nichols said. "We are heartbroken for our student-athletes, coaches, campus community and fans. The members of our program did an excellent job following COVID-19 protocols all year so ending our season in this manner hurts even more.

"We appreciate all the support we have received from the Morton College community," Nichols added. "It has been tremendous. It hurt greatly to inform our players who had worked so hard to reach nationals. Breaking the news was one of the most difficult things I've had to do in all my years coaching."

Morton College follows Region IV, NJCAA, Morton College, State of Illinois, Cook County and Town of Cicero Department of Health guidelines to prioritize the safety of student-athletes, coaches and staff as well as the Morton College community.