:quality(70):focal(2145x2447:2155x2457)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/NPGFQGEMYREJ5HKMYROL2ZRWBU.jpg)
While the Southwestern Community College women’s basketball team faced three tough ICCAC opponents, the men were able to log a couple wins in the back half of the break.
Men
The SWCC basketball team used winter break to grow through adversity and emerge with momentum, closing the calendar year and opening 2026 with a renewed edge. Facing a demanding slate of ICCAC opponents and neutral-site competition, the Spartans capped the stretch with back-to-back wins—including a pivotal performance at the Minnesota West New Year’s Classic—signaling a turning point as conference play continues.
The stretch began on Dec. 13 against Iowa Central, as Southwestern continued to navigate the rigors of league play while leaning into player development and expanded roles. Despite setbacks later in the month, the Spartans showed flashes of offensive balance and improved execution, particularly in guard play and ball movement.
That progress came into sharper focus at the Minnesota West New Year’s Classic to close December. After a difficult outing against North Dakota State College of Science, Southwestern responded the following day with its most complete performance of the season, earning a 100–96 victory over Dakota County Technical College.
The Spartans showcased offensive balance and unselfish play, placing five players in double figures. Niko Wilson led the way with 21 points and nine assists, controlling tempo and delivering in key moments. Alec Belter added 19 points and seven rebounds, while Michael Smith contributed 16 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Justine De La Cruz finished with 15 points and five rebounds, and Theo Alexandersson Ohnell chipped in 10 points and seven assists.
Following the win, head coach Darryl Fletcher emphasized both the urgency and growth displayed by his group.
That momentum carried into the new year.
On Jan. 3, the Spartans returned home and delivered an 83–76 win over Metropolitan Community College, securing their second straight victory and reinforcing the progress made over the break. Southwestern executed late, defended with purpose and showed composure in key stretches—traits that had been building quietly throughout December.
“Glad to get another win and one at home is always great,” Fletcher said. “We are starting to get better defensively and starting to share the ball offensively. We need to limit our turnovers and keep teams off the glass. I love the progress we have shown so far though.”
Now riding a two-game winning streak, the Spartans turn their attention forward with renewed confidence as ICCAC play continues. Southwestern returns to action at home tonight against Northeast Community College, looking to build on the momentum established over winter break and continue its upward trajectory.
Women
The SWCC women’s basketball team continued its conference slate over winter break, facing a demanding stretch that included two perennial league contenders and a road test to open the new year. Competing with a young roster made up entirely of first-year student athletes, the Spartans used the break to gain valuable experience against physical, veteran opponents.
Southwestern closed the December portion of its schedule Dec. 13, hosting Iowa Central Community College at Spartan Gymnasium. The Tritons built an early lead and went on to secure a 64–33 conference win. Fantine Adgnot led the Spartans with eight points, while Roslynn Huston added seven points and two blocks in the post. Jaide McPhee pulled down five rebounds, helping anchor the Spartans defensively against a taller Iowa Central lineup. Despite shooting challenges, Southwestern continued to compete on the glass and showed stretches of disciplined half-court defense.
Four days later, the Spartans traveled to Cedar Rapids to face nationally recognized Kirkwood Community College. Kirkwood’s depth and pace proved difficult as Southwestern fell 105–26. McPhee paced the Spartans with eight points, while LaiLah Austin and Malaina Rodriguez each added six off the bench. Adgnot contributed four assists and five rebounds, and the Spartans gained valuable minutes against one of the conference’s most experienced programs.
Southwestern opened the new year on Jan. 3 at Marshalltown Community College. After a challenging first quarter, the Spartans settled in and matched Marshalltown much better over the final three periods before falling 74–49. Maddie Richter delivered a standout performance, scoring a career-high 24 points while knocking down six three-pointers on eight attempts. Austin led the team on the boards with eight rebounds, and Huston added nine points as Southwestern showed improved offensive rhythm and ball movement in the second half.
As conference play continues, the Spartans will look to build on individual growth and increased cohesion shown during the winter break stretch. Southwestern remains in the heart of its league schedule, with several repeat conference matchups ahead as the team continues its development under head coach Kori Zarzutzki. They host Northeast Community College tonight.