The Panthers look to start their season at 7-0 on Tuesday night. They will be up against the JV squad of Governors State at 5:00 pm at the Henry J. Vais Gymnasium.
Recently ranked second in the NJCAA Division II rankings, Morton College will look to extend its current home winning streak to 30 games with another victory.
They have had great success against Skyway and Region IV opponents, but the non-conference slate will test the Panthers.
Following Tuesday's matchup with the Jaguars, the week ahead will be busy in Cicero. Hosting a pair of top 20 squads in 4-2 No. 14 Illinois Central and 6-0 No. 20 Lakeland over the weekend should be exciting matchups.
The pair of games will challenge the No. 2 squad, who have already seen tremendous competition this season. They knocked off Bryant & Stratton at home last Tuesday (November 22nd), 81-63.
Mia Simpson, Claire Hyde, and Kaylen Evans are quite the stars this season. The trio has been reaching double figures in every game this season.
The three have combined to average over 52 points per game with over 100 made field goals through six games. The competition hasn't been able to limit the three, but others have stepped their games up.
Early on, the team has shown the opposition that any player earning significant playing time can take over a game and lead the charge. Jovanna Martinucci reached double figures in the first half against Bryant & Stratton last week, which helped make the difference in their victory.
The Panthers won by double figures (81-63), but there is always room to improve. The team will look to their winning ways on Tuesday over Governor State before focusing on their back-to-back games against Top 20 squads this weekend.
Currently, on the season, the No. 2 Panthers lead the NJCAA Division II ranks in three-pointers made per game (13.2), and they are tenth in points per game (84.2).
The Panthers have scored 80-plus points in three of their past five games. While the competition could challenge that number, the Panthers should continue shooting lights-out at home. Already 3-0 at home, the team is averaging 94 points in those games and may remain on fire.
Another winning formula for their success last season was their defense. The Region IV Tournament and Port Huron for Nationals were where the Panthers used their stifling defense to their advantage.
They led the nation (DII ranks) in points allowed and are currently No. 24 (51.0). The elite competition that they have been taking on should continue to improve their confidence. Skyway play doesn't begin until after the New Year, but the Panthers are looking forward to their upcoming challengers.
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