Women’s Basketball Ranked Two in the Nation

EAST PEORIA — Dating back to 1971 when the first Illinois Central College women’s basketball team was formed, “winning” has been nothing shy of a tradition for the Cougars. That tradition has continued this year as the Cougars are sitting at 7-2 ranked number two in the NJCAA national rankings. The Cougars are looking to add their seventh National Championship into the trophy case.

“Our long term goal is we want to win our Region and get back to the National Tournament,” Coach Karrie Redeker said. “Short term we want to work on our half-court offense by reversing the basketball. We are getting into the meet of our schedule so every day we just want to work hard and get better as a team.”

Fierce defense has been a key ingredient for success early in the season. Coach Redeker has been working with theteamontheirrunand jump press to try and cause more turnovers. The Cougars are forcing their opponents to take contested shots causing poor shooting percentages and allowing only 57 points per game.

Hall of Fame Coach Lorene Ramsey lost her home in the tragic tornado that struck Washington on Nov. 17. The Cougars have been showing their support for Coach Ramsey and Washington, by wearing Washington Strong warm-up shirts.

The Cougars are on a three-game winning streak since wearing the warm-ups. The Cougars will look to continue their streak Dec. 16, when they travel to Sauk Valley Community College.