Dethroning Royalty

EAST PEORIA — All throughout the regular season for the Illinois Central College women’s basketball team, nobody from Region 24 could even compete with the likes of the Cougars aggressive defense and sharp-shooting offense. A little bit more credibility was added to the Cougars resume with sophomore guard Chanta Wright being honored with Region 24 Player of the Year, while first year Coach Karrie Redeker was given Coach of the Year. The Cougars finished the regular season with a Region 24 record 8-0 and an overall record of 26-3, earning them a number one overall seed in the Region 24 tournament.

But it seemed that the impressive resume and prestigious traditions of the Cougars basketball team didn’t intimidate their opponents, after all it is March and anything can happen. After the Cougars defeated number eight-seeded Lincoln College in the opening round 105-35 it seemed as if it was statement game aimed towards the remaining teams in the Region, more specifically Semi-Final opponent Lake Land College. Apparently Lake Land didn’t get the memo and came out of the opening tip seeking Cougar blood. It was a back and forth game all the way until the closing minutes of the game, but after a costly turnover in the closing seconds Lake Land pulled off the upset 64-60 ending the Cougars season.

Although the Cougars failed to make a deep post-season run, that does not take away from the remarkable season these young ladies produced. There were much more positives for the Cougars this season than negatives with so many unforgettable moments and accomplishments taking place this season.

But when March comes around it doesn’t matter what happened in the previous four months. One off night from behind the arc or getting the crucial offensive boards can cost you not only the game but the entire season. That’s the beautiful thing about March: it’s unpredictable, Cinderella’s are born and King’s are dethroned earning the rightful name of March Madness.