Lack of experience not a concern for ECC
The Elgin Community College women's basketball team may only have one player returning from last year's 20-11 team, but don't think for a minute the Spartans are in rebuilding mode.
Tenth-year coach Jerry McLaughlin had a banner recruiting season and is already seeing the fruits of his labor as the Spartans are off to a 3-0 start to the season.
“Coachability, work ethic and commitment to the program,” said McLaughlin. “Those are the three keys we're looking to to have a successful season. The team chemistry is good and they enjoy being around each other. Having competitive practices will make us a better team.”
Sophomore guard Kim Hotovy from Streamwood is the lone returnee from last year's squad that finished 8-4 in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference. But Hotovy won't be alone in leading the Spartans.
Freshman Cassie Dumoulin of Hampshire has already averaged 27 points per game in the Spartans' first three contests. The 5-foot-9 guard has been voted one of the team's captains and has made a smooth transition from the soccer field to the basketball court.
“She's a fun kid to coach,” said McLaughlin of Dumoulin, a two-time Daily Herald All-Area selection who led Hampshire to an 89-26 record in her four years as a Whip-Pur, including a 29-2 campaign last year that ended in the Class 3A sectional finals.
“I knew from watching her the last couple of years that she could be even better in college.”
Dumoulin has been supported so far this season by another top freshman, 6-foot center Dijon Smith of South Elgin as well as her former Storm teammate, 5-6 guard Genevieve Johnson, who transferred from Lake Forest College.
“Those three have been our most consistent players so far,” said McLaughlin, noting that Hotovy was injured in the season opener but is expected back this weekend when ECC travels to the Highland tournament in Freeport.
Other players McLaughlin expects contributions from include freshman guard Ryanne Mark (Streamwood), forward Bridget Dumoulin (Hampshire and Cassie's cousin), 5-6 guard Darlynn Sivilay (Larkin), 6-foot Kaleigh Irwin (South Elgin) and 5-8 forward Evelyn Boje (Elgin), as well as 5-7 freshman guard Adonte Anthony.
“Academically, we want to stay on top of things for both semesters,” said McLaughlin, who is 170-104 in his tenure at ECC. “We need to stay healthy and jell more as a team.”
McLaughlin says his team will look to score points by the bundle and play tough full court defense.
“When Gen and Cassie are pushing the ball we're a very good team,” he said. “We're not the type of team that wants to walk the ball up the floor. When we get out and go in transition is when we're at our best.”
McLaughlin feels his team's nonconference schedule will set the tone for the season. In addition to the Highland tournament this weekend, the Spartans take on College of DuPage and Kishwaukee next week.
“The 3-0 start looks good,” he said. “But the next 4-5 games are real key for us.”