Quincy, Ill. - The fifth-seeded Illinois Central College women's basketball team (18-12) will open postseason play on Wednesday as they take on the fourth-seeded John Wood Blazers (16-12) in Region 24 Quarterfinal action in Quincy at 5:30PM. John Wood recently defeated ICC 61-52 in the regular season finale in Quincy just four days ago.
"When we lock in and play with great energy, we can beat anyone," coach
Karrie Redeker said. "We're looking forward to the postseason and will be ready."
6'0" freshman forward
Savannah Orgeron anchors the offense, leading ICC at 14 points per game with 40 three-pointers made on the season. 5'9" freshman forward
Cora DeSutter is also in double figures at 10.4 points per game and leads the Cougars in field goal percentage at 50%, adding 6.2 rebounds per game. Sophomore guard
Miya Webb adds 9.3 points per game while leading the team defensive effort on a nightly basis.
"Savannah and Cora have been consistent down the stretch for us offensively," Redeker said, "and we know we can count on Miya for solid defense. We'll need to gang rebound to control the board and get extra possessions."
The Cougars schedule has been filled with ranked teams all season, so no opponent should be too formidable. ICC picked up a Top 20 win against Lincoln Land in January, had their most complete game against Danville in early February, and also defeated nationally-ranked Lake Land on the road in mid-February.
Despite the impressive wins, the Blazers defeated ICC both times this season, also winning 69-62 in East Peoria in early February. John Wood counters with two stat-sheet stuffing guards in Katey Flynn (20.2 ppg and 7.3 rpg) and Jada Dupree (13.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.9 apg, and 3.7 spg) while forward Alexis Pohlman has come on as of late, averaging 15 ppg and 7 rpg in the Blazers' last five games.
The winner of Wednesday's contest will advance to the Region 24 Tournament Semifinal on Saturday, March 9th, tipping off at 2PM from Cass Gym in Springfield, taking on the winner of another quarterfinal between top-seed Parkland and eighth-seeded Spoon River.
GAME INFORMATION
2024 Region 24 Tournament Quarterfinal
@ #4 John Wood Blazers (16-12)
Wednesday, March 6th - 5:30 PM
Student Activities Center - Quincy, Ill.
Watch Live (Facebook Live; exact link TBA)
Listen Live (Mixlr)
THE ROAD TO JOPLIN... POSTSEASON PAIRINGS
Region 24 Tournament Quarterfinals
Wednesday, March 6th - @ Campus Sites
G1 | #8 Spoon River @ #1 Parkland | 6:00 PM
G2 | #5 Illinois Central @ #4 John Wood | 5:30 PM
G3 | #7 Lewis & Clark @ #2 Lake Land | 6:00 PM
G4 | #6 Danville Area @ #3 Lincoln Land | 5:30 PM
Region 24 Tournament Semifinals
Saturday, March 9th - @ Lincoln Land CC
G5 | Winner G1 vs. Winner G2 | 2:00 PM
G6 | Winner G3 vs. Winner G4 | 4:00 PM
Region 24 Tournament Championship
Saturday, March 10th - @ Lincoln Land CC
G7 | Winner G5 vs. Winner G6 | 2:00 PM
NJCAA D2 National Tournament
March 18th-23rd - @ Missouri Southern State University (Joplin, MO)
CLICK HERE FOR A REGION 24 TOURNAMENT BRACKET
