Jalyssa Carrasco has had an impressive season for the top-ranked Panthers, and she recently committed to play for Roosevelt University. 

"I cannot wait to get started at Roosevelt. I feel it will be the perfect fit for me. I am so grateful that I will have the opportunity to play there for the next two years. I am thankful for everyone who helped me get to this point, my coaches for pushing me, my friends for always encouraging me, and my family for always believing in me," Carrasco said.

The NAIA school should be a step up in competition, as they are moving up to the NCAA Division II ranks next year. Carrasco has been ready for all challenges during her time in Cicero. What caught her attention was the excitement of the program and the ability to grow.

"I liked the location of the campus. I have always wanted to live in the city, so now I will have the opportunity. However, I want to be a part of a growing team starting to make a name for itself. I feel like the coaches took the time to explain everything to me about where they are looking to take this program, and I genuinely could not be more excited to be a part of that," Carrasco said.

"Jalyssa came out of high school with Division III opportunities and played herself into numerous Division II offers," said head coach Jason Nichols. "She has worked so hard from when she came into Morton and now has seen all the hard work pay off." 

The West Aurora product averages 13.1 points per game and has 78 assists for the No. 1 ranked squad in the NJCAA Division II ranks.

Carrasco entered the week ranked fourth in made 3-pointers with 76 in 22 games played. She had a sensational 2021-22 freshman season but has put it all together on both ends of the floor for the 2022-23 season.

During last season she finished No. 34 with 66 made 3-pointers but has already surpassed that number this season in fewer games.

"Jalyssa from year one to year to two has made one of the biggest improvements I have ever seen. She went from being an inconsistent shooter to one of the top shooters in the nation. I am very proud of her and when a kid puts the work in you usually see positive results," said Nichols.

Carrasco is also coming off the best game of her illustrious Panther career, where she dropped a career-high 29 points thanks to six made 3-pointers.

Knocking down corner threes has been a specialty, and her love of winning for all her coaches, teammates, and family watching is a priority.

"We all knew this game (Oakton) would be huge. We were not playing near our standards, so we had to come in with energy from the jump. That is what we did from the locker room to the final play. It felt amazing to hit my shots, especially on a night I knew I would be committing to Roosevelt. I am so glad my parents got to be there, and I could tell they were proud of me because they hugged me about five times each before they left. It felt great. I am thankful that I have a team as supportive, kind, and uplifting as I do," Carrasco said.

Playing in Port Huron (MI) was where Morton College became the national runner-up one season ago, and Carrasco was a vital piece to the puzzle, having started all 33 games.

She believes her time thus far with the Panthers has been a joy ride that brings plenty of upside. Improving her game was a priority in the offseason, and the competition has pushed her.

"It has pushed me mentally and physically, but I would not have it any other way. I know I am a better player overall and a better person because of where I chose to spend my first two years of school. I cannot thank my coaches enough for all they have taught me. It has been so great to be a Panther and to feel the support of the entire community. Last year, although we fell short of first, we made history. It stung at first. Eventually, with everyone, we all realized how amazing of an accomplishment we had. I cannot wait for what is to come. I am so grateful to this program for everything I have learned on and off the court," Carrasco said.

Currently, atop the rankings, the Panthers are looking forward to returning to Nationals and achieving even more success.

"This truly is the best team I have ever been a part of since there is so much talent. The team is willing to outwork every team. I know we are excited about nearing the end of the season because those are the big games. After all of our conference games, we know we have to take everything one game at a time. Overlooking opponents is not something we can do because anything can happen at the end of the season. Individually, this being my second year, I feel much more confident and relaxed when I step on the floor. I have worked a lot on my shot, and I think it shows. I am excited because I believe the best is yet to come," Carrasco said.

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