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February 9, 2024

Huntley alumnus Daniel Cruz plays tough defense for McHenry County College against Waubonsee.
Huntley alumnus Daniel Cruz plays tough defense for McHenry County College against Waubonsee.

Sports • February 9, 2024

Cruz plays key role for MCC hoops

By

Daniel Cruz, a Huntley High School alumnus, continues to contribute as he did during his Red Raiders basketball days.

Cruz is a sophomore on the junior college McHenry County College men’s basketball team in Crystal Lake. The Scots have put together a solid 16-8, 6-2 Skyway Conference season. MCC hosts College of Lake County Feb. 15 and Prairie State Feb. 20 in its final home games.

A few recent games show the talent of Cruz’s effort he brings each contest. Cruz entered the second half of a game against Waubonsee and scored 19 points, with five pointers Feb. 1 as the Scots turned an eight-point halftime lead to a 102-65 victory. He had 22 points in a 66-65 win over Prairie State, won by a last-second shot by a teammate. Cruz was 8 for 18 field goal shooting that game. Cruz also has scored 16 and 17 points.

“Like the coaches say, keep it simple, it’s getting better by 1 % every day,” Cruz said. “The biggest difference between high school and college is the physicality. It’s all about the reps.”

His season high points game is 27 against Illinois Valley Community College in a 95-87 victory.

“Cruz has been amazing with us,” MCC coach Rashim Lettsome said. “He is a true student-athlete and leader. He has been nothing less than an exceptional leader and role model since joining us. I actually recruited him when I was at my other school (Dominican University) coming out of high school. I knew about what a talented player he is.”

The Scots topped 100 points for the third game this season in a 107-60 romp over rival Elgin Feb. 8. Cruz had 11 points for the second straight game. The Scots’ highest scoring game was a 114-112 overtime triumph over Milwaukee Area Technical College early in the season. The high-flying offense often includes slam dunks.

The Huntley alumnus played hoops one year at Aurora University. Cruz took a red-shirt season due to injury, then joined the MCC Scots.

Lettsome said several schools above JUCO are interested in Cruz.

“He will definitely play when he moves on to another school,” Lettsome said.

Lettsome commented on the team’s goals as it fights for a league championship.

“We will continue to get better day by day, practice by practice, and game by game,” Lettsome said. “I try to stress that to our players. Basketball season is the longest season and we want to make sure we are staying focused and diligent in our daily work. The rest will take care of itself.”

Scots Quinton and Montreal McCullough are regular double digit contributors and Qunton has about 500 career rebounds. “It’s great having their sophomore leadership,” Lettsome said.