SPOTLIGHT GAME OF THE WEEK
Carroll enters Wednesday night's showdown riding an impressive eight-game winning streak, but standing in their way is a daunting challenge—undefeated and second-ranked Illinois Wesleyan. The Titans, who lead the CCIW standings over the Pioneers, have been dominant all season, but Carroll has momentum and a chance to make a statement in Bloomington.
Olivia Rangel (18.2 PPG, 5.1 RPG) leads the Pioneers' offense, while Natalie Gricius (16.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG) and Emilie Wizner (36 threes) provide key scoring depth. A win would mark a statement moment for the surging Pioneers in Bloomington.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Olivia Rangel (Senior, Carroll)
Position: Guard
The engine of Carroll's offense, Rangel is as relentless as she is efficient. Averaging 18.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, she's a playmaker who thrives under pressure. Whether slashing to the rim or creating for teammates, Rangel's ability to control the tempo makes her the heartbeat of the Pioneers. Against an unbeaten Illinois Wesleyan squad, her leadership and poise will be tested in a high-stakes battle.
Natalie Gricius (Senior, Carroll)
Position: Forward
Gricius is the kind of player who does the dirty work and fills the stat sheet. Averaging 16.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, she combines toughness in the paint with a soft shooting touch, hitting 47.7% from the field. Her versatility, scoring inside, crashing the boards, and spacing the floor, makes her a matchup nightmare. Against a stifling Titans defense, her ability to impose her will in the post will be critical.
Erik Victorson (Senior, Carroll)
Position: Guard
The Pioneers' go-to scorer, Victorson has been a threat from beyond the arc all season, knocking down 62 three-pointers while averaging 13.6 points per game. His ability to stretch the floor and create space for his teammates makes him a focal point of Carroll's offense. If he catches fire, he can change the game in an instant.
Jacob Naber (Senior, Carroll)
Position: Forward
A force in the paint, Naber leads the team with 7.7 rebounds per game while shooting 52.2% from the field. His ability to dominate the boards and protect the rim gives Carroll a strong interior presence.
Ava Butt (Sophomore, Carroll)
Look out for her during the Flyer Classic, she has been great this season. She finished second among the 40 competing individuals in the last tournament and averaging 186.7. She has also been named College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Women's Bowling Student-Athlete of the Week
Brady Reusser (Junior, Carroll)
Brady Reusser continues to dominate the field this season, showcasing his talent in both the shot put and weight throw. At the most recent meet, he took first place in both events with impressive throws of 14.02m in the shot put and 14.39m in the weight throw. With this strong performance, Reusser solidified his place as a top competitor and remains one to watch this tournament.
KEY MATCHUPS
Olivia Rangel (Carroll) vs. Lauren Huber (Illinois Wesleyan)
Rangel has been an offensive force this season for the Pioneers, averaging 18.2 points per game and dominating the boards with 5.1 rebounds per contest. Huber, the standout player for Illinois Wesleyan, leads the Titans with 15.7 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. This matchup between two of the most prolific players in the CCIW will be crucial, as Rangel will need to continue her offensive output while containing Huber's scoring ability and physicality on the glass. Rangel's defensive tenacity will be tested, but if she can match Huber's intensity, it could swing the game in Carroll's favor.
Natalie Gricius (Carroll) vs. Ava Bardic (Illinois Wesleyan)
Gricius has been consistently excellent for Carroll, averaging 16.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. She's a versatile offensive weapon who can attack the rim and shoot from deep, but she will face one of her toughest tests in Bardic. Bardic leads Illinois Wesleyan with 14.5 points per game and is known for her ability to stretch the floor with her three-point shooting (39 threes on the season). Gricius will need to stay disciplined on defense and contest Bardic's shots while being mindful of her own scoring opportunities. This battle between two offensive forces will play a big role in how the game unfolds.
Erik Victorson (Carroll) vs. AJ Johnson (Carthage)
Carroll's Erik Victorson (13.6 PPG, 2.1 RPG) faces off with Carthage's AJ Johnson (16.2 PPG, 5.1 RPG), two of the top scorers in their respective teams. Victorson's ability to stretch the floor with his 3-point shooting (35.0% 3PT) will be a major asset, while Johnson's all-around game, highlighted by his impressive free-throw shooting (91.8%), makes him a key player for Carthage. Victorson will look to use his perimeter shooting to space the floor, while Johnson will try to dominate the game with his scoring and rebounding abilities.
Jacob Naber (Carroll) vs. Griffin Daun (Carthage)
In the post, Carroll's Jacob Naber (11.6 PPG, 7.7 RPG) faces Carthage's Griffin Daun (9.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG). Naber has the edge in efficiency (52.2% FG) and will need to continue using his strength to control the paint. Daun, however, is known for his solid rebounding and ability to finish inside (53.2% FG). Both players will be key in deciding the tempo of the game, with Naber looking to assert his presence inside while Daun will seek to use his rebounding prowess to keep second-chance opportunities alive for Carthage.
TEAM STATS TO WATCH
Women's Basketball
Men's Basketball
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