Loaded roster fuels Moraine Valley women’s basketball’s push for regional dominance

The Moraine Valley Community College women’s basketball team is competitive. New talent added to the returners has elevated expectations for the team to go far in the 2025-26 season.

“I’m very excited about this season; that’s not just words I’m using,” said Head Coach Delwyn Jones, entering his 26th year leading the program. “We had a good team last year; we just had trouble with rebounding and getting in the paint. With additional transfers and freshmen to go along with our returning talented sophomores, we should be good.”

Returning leaders are 5-10 forward Jadea Johnson (Romeoville) and 5-10 guard/forward Shakila Brownlow (Bremen). Johnson scored the second highest number of points in Cyclones history last season, ranking No. 3 in the NJCAA Division II for field goals and earning All-Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference and All-Region 4 first team honors. Brownlow earned All-Conference and All-Region second team honors.

“Last year, those two had to sacrifice to play at the post because of where we needed players on the court. With talented post players coming in, these two will play more on the perimeter and make us tougher. They will be dangerous,” Jones explained. “Any time you can take your center and power forward from last year’s team and put them in guard spots and then add more size, it’s going to be an upgrade.”

Adding some size and grit to the squad is 6-1 center transfer Mikayla Summey (Andrew) and 6-0 forward/center Kyziah Lewis (Evergreen Park). Summey brings skilled presence offensively and defensively while Lewis adds her abilities in the post. “Mikayla is more skilled than I thought, and Lewis is very adept around the basket, can shoot from the outside and handle the ball like a guard,” Jones noted.

Another transfer guard, Laila Houseworth (5-10/Romeoville) can shoot from the three-point line and is one of the best passers Jones has seen along with three-point shooting sophomore guard Lily Hernandez (5-4/Reavis).

Jones is expecting big things from sophomore guard Isabel Lopez (5-9/Reavis), who he said is an exceptional shooter and even more productive from the three-point line. Versatile 5-9 forward freshman Danielle Dempsey (Oak Lawn) has the talent to be a threat once she builds confidence throughout the season. “I knew she was good at Oak Lawn. She’s shown her ability to do so much – shoot from the perimeter, rebound, defend and run the floor well,” Jones said.

Sophomore guard Sam Cortez (5-6/Bremen) can heat up the floor with her three-point shooting while freshman guard Miracle Shelton (5-5/Richards) joined the team late but is finding her groove with the team.

In December, 5-8 sophomore guard Mariah Robinson (Bishop Noll) and 5-9 freshman forward Trajany Walker (Naperville North) will join the squad. Robinson is the consummate team player with energy and skill from the three-point line while Walker is versatile and can play any position on the court.

“Our hopes are to be extremely competitive in this region with a chance to go to nationals. We think we can compete with the talent we have. Our conference is always tough, but we’re confident we’ll be at the top this year,” Jones stated. “I’m looking forward to the region tournament because we have the talent. We have great young women athletes who’ve worked hard so far and deserve the success I’m expecting.”

Joining Jones on the sidelines are returning assistant coaches Arlena Roach and Erin Drynan.

The Cyclones open their regular season at Danville Area Community College on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. For updates on Cyclones Athletics, visit mvcyclones.com.