Cobras defend home court

Men's basketball Head Coach Nate Mast and women's basketball Head Coach Karrie Redeker have worked hard at turning the Dodds Athletic Center into a house of horrors for the competition. Judging by the response of their players, it's obvious they take pride in defending their home court.

At the end of the day, the goal is always to win. With that in mind, the home court advantage cannot be overstated. Whether that means the level of comfort players get while playing in their own gym or the enthusiasm of the fans acting as the "sixth man," playing at home gives a distinct edge. Adding talent and a dedicated coaching staff to the formula makes it very difficult for the opposition to perform in this environment.

"Our kids were excited to play at home and we talked before the game about the importance of trying to develop a reputation of being a ‘tough at home' team," Redeker said in reaction to an early season home victory over now No. 18 Illinois Valley Community College. The Lady Cobras followed that win with another against the University of Illinois club team.

While the Lady Cobras tarnished this reputation with back to back home losses against Blackhawk College and Lakeland Community College, losing at home would not become a recurring theme.

Since the December 3 loss to Lake Land, the Lady Cobras have only dropped one home contest. "We now have set a goal to be undefeated at home in 2012," Redeker said. So far, so good, as the record stands at 6-0 for this calendar year.

Mast's club has been equally impressive this year on their home court. Like the women's team, they suffered a couple of tough early home losses. As the rotation tightened and the chemistry amongst this young team grew, so did the will to defend their territory. Parkland fans have not witnessed a home loss since November 28.

The Cobras are in the middle of a seven game home stand. They are 4-0 during that stretch as of Saturday, with match-ups against Olivet Nazarene, Danville Area Community College and perennial rival Lincoln College on the horizon.

One of the more impressive statements during this current run of home games is the offensive output. Mast's team is averaging 78.5 points per game.

Charles Glass, an Urbana High School graduate, is one of the starting forwards on this year's team. He is averaging over 8 points a game this season. Glass' vision and playmaking ability are a huge boost to this team.

On Saturday, the Dodds Athletic Center was the site of home games for the women's and men's basketball teams, who both faced off against Shawnee Community College. The women were up first and they were ready. Caitlin Cody scored 21 points in an 82-58 blowout win. The men followed in their footsteps. In front of 2011 Male Parkland Athlete of the Year D.J. Hoskins, the Cobras drained 10 3-pointers in a 74-69 victory.

In addition to the three remaining home games for the men's basketball team, two home games are left on the schedule for the Lady Cobras. Lincoln College and Danville College lie in wait for the women.

It should be a great end to an exciting season as both teams have aspirations of hosting a home postseason game. Be sure to support the Cobra athletics starting tonight at 5:30, when the Lady Cobras host Lincoln.