ICC trio earns All-Region honors

EAST PEORIA — This past week, three members of the #3 ranked ICC Cougars women’s basketball team were awarded Region 24 All-Region team honors.

Freshman Destiny Ramsey (11 ppg, 7 reb) was awarded both Freshman of the Year and First Team honors.

“Our region has a lot of solid freshmen, so I am humbled by this,” Ramsey said. “To be honest, I was surprised by the award as I just play hard and try to follow the game plan. I’m thankful to my teammates and coaches for pushing me and supporting me.”

Sophomore April Gebke, (10 ppg, 3.5 assists per game) who also received First Team honors, did so for the second consecutive year.

“April is our spark plug on both ends of the floor,” ICC Head Coach Karrie Redeker said.

Being able to repeat, Gebke also had some encouraging words for freshman of the year Ramsey, ensuring she too has the honor of repeating as a First Team member.

“She needs to work hard in the off-season and try to be consistent in games and practices. And not just be happy she got the award this year but try to be even better next season and be a force,” Gebke said.

Sophomore Jazmine Stubblefield (6.5 ppg, 4 assists per game) was also honored, receiving All-Region honorable mention.

“Jazmine has run the controls at the point, directing our offense while leading our defensive efforts,” Redeker said.

“It’s nice to be recognized, ”Stubblefield said. “Sometimes only scoring makes the headlines, but I know my team needs my assists and good defensive efforts so I’m glad the coaches respected the things I do for our team.”

While each coach nominates their own players, the voting is limited to those members nominated by the other Region 24 head coaches.

“Any individual awards received are a direct reflection of our team’s success, but [Ramsey, Gebke and Stubblefield] lead by example as they are three of our hardest workers and most vocal players. They, like most of our players, put in extra shooting workouts before practice,” Redeker said.

The Cougars (28-3) continue their road to the NJCAA national tournament Saturday afternoon with a semi-final matchup against Danville Area Community College. Tip is scheduled for 4 p.m.