2025-26 Morton College women's basketball outlook

General overview
"We're young," Morton College women's basketball coach John Bongiorno said. "We're all freshmen. I'm encouraged every day by the kids we recruited. They're learning the system and the way we play."

Bongiorno believes Panthers' strength lies in the guard/wing positions. He sees team quickness as a plus. While Panthers might be lacking in the height department, Bongiorno counters with, "You don't have to be the tallest player to be a good rebounder."

Players to watch
Charity Love – guard
Coach's comments: "She can really shoot the ball. She's someone who has really stuck out."

Isabel Rodriguez-Valencia – guard
Coach's comments: "She's a tough little kid, only 5-3. But she plays really hard. She's very unassuming and quiet, but I like the way she plays the game."

Catrina Sanders – guard
Recovering from an injury in the preseason. 
Coach's comments: "When she gets back at full strength, she'll be someone who can really help us."

Alexandria O'Hara and Niema Adams – forwards
Coach's comments: "Both can help us on the inside. They're good athletes."

Journie Wickert – guard
Journie brings an interesting backstory to the program. She wrestled last year at Morton College and participated at nationals. When the program was discontinued, Journie opted to give basketball a try. She's following in the lines of Mackenzie Miller and Jackie Magallanes, past players who didn't get a lot of court time but were extremely popular among teammates because of their effort and attitude.
Coach's comments: "A great kid. She's learning the game and getting better every day. The other kids on the team rally around her."

Others to watch
Cecily Marroquin – guard
Maria Del Cisne Gaona Granda – guard

All in
Bongiorno likes how the Panthers have meshed into a close-knit group. They hosted a youth clinic for fourth- through eighth-graders last week at the Cicero Stadium.

"They really related well to the kids," Bongiorno observed. "I like the way they are coming together as a group. They want to learn and get better. They're all in it together."

They're headed to an escape room next week for another team-building activity.

Season opener
Morton College opens at Illinois Valley at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 1st. Eight of Morton College's next 11 games are at home.

"We look forward to measuring ourselves and see where we stand," Bongiorno said. "The tougher the opponent, the more you learn from it."