Cougars Still Going Strong

EAST PEORIA — Heading into the mid-way point of their season the ICC Cougars Men’s Basketball Team are sitting at a 9-1 record. Their only loss so far was dealt to them by Rend Lake Community College, where they were defeated 75-94. But the Cougars learned from that loss and made the needed adjustments on the defensive side of the court. They are on a five game winning streak since the loss.

The Cougars have a very deep roster consisting of 11 freshmen and 6 sophomores with talent from top to bottom. Coach Tony Wysinger is known for distributing minutes and getting everybody into the game. But they must be earned, Coach Wysinger stressed the importance of everybody earning their minutes.

“I try to get everybody into the game because they all practice hard. But sometimes it just doesn’t work that way, sometimes guys don’t play as many minutes as others. I explained to my freshmen that their on a shorter leash than the sophomores, we have to be in a position where they can help us just like everybody else does,” Coach Wysinger said.

The stats do the justice for the Cougars both offensively and defensively. They are averaging 84 points per game this season and only allowing 75 points per game. But Coach Wysinger is not yet satisfied with the stats to this point. There are a lot of games left to be played this season and he prepares for each and every one with the same demeanor and attitude no matter what the opponent’s record looks like.

“We cannot take anybody lightly I know that. We need to prepare and come in ready to play every single night,” Wysinger said.

Next on the schedule for the Cougars is the Oakland Holiday Classic Tournament at Oakland Community College on December 17. Followed by the annual Ken Williams Classic Holiday Tournament held inside the Cougar Plex, beginning on December 27.