Photo by mvcyclones.com
The Cyclones add a win to their season against Richard Daley, final score 94-58.
By Mohammed Jbara, Freelance Contributor
Moraine Valley men’s basketball has officially kicked off as the Cyclones have a 3-2 record. Their latest win was against Harry S. Truman College 117-78 on Tuesday. MV sophomore guard Trace Williams scored 31 points.
Head Coach John Chappetto
Coming into the season, the Cyclones look much different compared to last year, while still having a very good foundation they set solid last season.
Key returning players include Anthony Taylor, Williams and Kobe Adams, according to head coach John Chappetto. The promising newcomers to the team are Luis Acevedo, Taijon Barry, Nicco Reyes and Davion Lawrence.
“We hope to add transfers Enarin Thomas and Javonte McKenzie during the semester,” Chappetto said.
Even with the new faces on the team, the Cyclones have the same goal in mind: do everything necessary to get to Nationals.
“We dream about making the national tournament,” Chappetto said. “In order to get there we have to win our conference and get a good seed for the region 4 tournament. That’s a long way off so we will focus on today.”
After four years of coaching at Moraine, Chappetto still strives to instill the principles of being a student-athlete:
“We always preach to our players to embrace the entire process of being a student-athlete. In basketball, we want our players to always play hard and play together. A positive attitude and love for the team is essential for success.”
Their success depends on overcoming many obstacles, such as Waubonsee Community College, which was ranked 17th nationally in the latest NCJAA Division II poll, according to their website.
Moraine will also play grudge matches against rivals Morton and Prairie State College. Prairie State is scheduled to be at home this year.
Regardless of the opposition, Chappetto has the same mentality going into each game: “I treat every opponent the same. With respect and no fear.”
Chappetto sees the potential of this team, but doesn’t want to focus on the future, instead homing in on the present.
“Potentially our team this year could be better,” Chappetto said. “We have more pieces. With that being said every year and every team is different. We go one day at a time and so many things can happen to trip us up. So we focus on getting better every day, so we are at our best in March.”
The Cyclones continue on with a road trip for the next three games to close out November. They open up December by welcoming the team from Joliet Junior College on Dec. 1.
