In case you missed it, the 18-0 Panthers are atop the NJCAA Division II rankings for the first time in school history!

The tenth week of rankings came out on Monday afternoon, and the unbeaten Panthers received nine first-place votes and 140 points to surpass CCBC Essex, who was coming off their first loss.

At 4-0 in the Skyway, the Panthers will look to continue their winning ways. The new No. 1 ranked Panthers own several impressive active winning streaks.

• 45 Consecutive Wins over opponents from Illinois
• 38 Consecutive Regular Season Wins
• 35 Consecutive Home Wins (Henry J. Vais Gymnasium)
• 29 Consecutive Region IV Wins
• 16 Consecutive Skyway Wins

While the streaks are impressive, the team has more goals ahead of them, and conference play has ways to go before the Region IV Tournament gets closer. 

Heading to Sugar Grove against Waubonsee (6-11, 2-2) will be where the Panthers head Tuesday night. They will need to continue handling their business against Skyway competition.

Waubonsee shares the ball well (15.9 assists per game) and hoists plenty of shots. The Chiefs are No. 14 in the NJCAA DII ranks, averaging 72.8 shots per game. 

Limiting second-shot opportunities will be vital for the Panthers, and it could lead to chances for the top-ranked squad to earn a few transition buckets.

The Panthers' four leading scorers are averaging double figures, and their ability to dribble and drive to find shooters will be vital as the season progresses. 

Mia Simpson has been able to finish at the basket at an elite level. A likely All-Skyway performer can clean up all missed shots from the Panthers.

Jalyssa Carrasco has been an outstanding shooter this season, especially when defenses attempt to key in on Claire Hyde and Kaylen Evans. The dynamic duo currently is atop the leaderboard for made three-pointers, and Carrasco ranks fifth. The three top-five shooters will continue to torch the nets if they receive open looks. 

There is no weak link on the team, and the bench has picked up their production with extended minutes. Gianine Boado saw valuable minutes last season at Nationals, and she has been knocking down shots from the outside in conference play.

Josylin Simmons-Doxie has been able to connect on three-pointers off the bench, which has given the top-ranked Panthers plenty of punch from the perimeter. The ability of the team to catch fire and go on dominant runs is one of the many reasons they are the new No. 1 squad.

Catching fire in January and playing winning basketball has been a joy for Panther nation. If you miss any future home games in person, follow the team on our Facebook page and Youtube. Also, check out GoMCPanthers.com and our social media pages @McAthletics1924 for more upcoming featured recaps, previews, quotes, and all the latest news for Panther hoops.