Trailblazers eye strong finish with two games remaining

GODFREY, Ill. — With just two games left in the regular season, the Lewis and Clark Community College Trailblazersare embracing both the urgency and opportunity in front of them.

Head coach Isaac Moore said the team's biggest growth since the start of the season has come on the offensive end of the floor.

"We've taken huge leaps offensively this year and I continue to remind myself, and the coaching staff, about the offensive efficiency," Moore said. "We shot 90% from the free-throw line against Danville, have improved from 3-point percentage and do a great job of scoring against all opponents. Having several players who can score in double digits on any given day is a fantastic indication of the program's growth."

As the season winds down, Moore said the intensity in practice has reflected a team that understands what is at stake and cherishes its time together.

"I was blown away when a group of our sophomores requested to write the practice plans for the last few practices," Moore said. "They are cherishing their last moments together as a team and know that this is a special group."

Moore pointed to how far the program has come in a short time.

"Not so long ago, there was a question of whether or not the LC women's basketball program could finish a season, and now, we control our own destiny to clinch the playoffs, and the sophomores dictate the season end on their terms," he said. "I couldn't be prouder of the culture being built and how Haley Rodgers and Jimmy Richter have ushered in a culture of joy and toughness in this group."

The sophomore class has left a significant mark on the program. Abby Kreitner has committed to the next chapter of her career, La'Tasja Deloney is fielding multiple offers, and Kelcey Jones is coming off the best game of her career. Raylin LaCava has proven she can compete at any level, Rachel Bagley has provided consistent resilience and drive, and Ruby Stuckemeyer has emerged as one of the most adaptable players in the conference.

"This is a special group who have come a long way," Moore said. "They have nothing left to prove. Other programs should simply take notice."

Lewis and Clark will close the regular season against Spoon River College Snappers and Lake Land College Lakers, two formidable opponents.

"Spoon River does a fantastic job of playing to player strengths," Moore said. "We have to stop their shooters and deny their ball-handlers from controlling pace."

Lake Land presents another challenge.

"Lake Land is a premier program," Moore said. "Dave Johnson is one of the best coaches in the nation. We have to play our best to beat the best."

For the Trailblazers, the formula is clear heading into the final stretch.

"If we embrace toughness, nobody on our schedule can beat us," Moore said. "I'm confident our group is more than capable to do that."

With postseason implications on the line and a senior class determined to finish strong, Lewis and Clark enter its final two games focused, motivated and ready to define its own ending.

Written by Alexandra Dunn, Athletics Social Media Coordinator.