CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Parkland College athletic department and the Cobra women's basketball program are proud to announce that sophomores Alyssa Cole and Abby Shepard, and freshman Megan Janson have been named to the 2023-2024 Region 24 All-Region Team, and head coach Jean Demosthenes has been selected as the NJCAA DII Region 24 Coach of the Year. Sophomore Alyssa Cole was also named the 2023-2023 Region 24 Player of the Year after leading the Cobras to a 24-4 regular season record, a regular season Region 24 title, and an NJCAA DII National Tournament appearance.
 
"This award would not have been possible if it wasn't for the players and the coaching staff and their trust in me as a leader," Demosthenes said. "Even though the season wasn't always easy, we still found a way to come together as a team and focus on what we needed to do to win games." 
 
Alyssa Cole, a sophomore from Nashville, Illinois, started all 33 games this season, leading the team in scoring and rebounding in 28.1 minutes per game. She averaged 19.2 points per game (29th nationally), 10.8 rebounds per game (26th), 3.2 assists per game, and 1.8 steals per game. The returning NJCAA DII Third Team All-American recorded a 53.2% field goal percentage (29th in the country) – and ranked second in the nation in free throw percentage (90.1%) following the season. The Region 24 Player of the Year produced 20 double-doubles this season, tallying a career-high 19 rebounds in the NJCAA Region 24 Tournament versus John Wood Community College on March 9th. Cole, a Dental Hygiene major at Parkland College, is the daughter of Shane Cole and Jennifer Heggemeier.
 
"I am so proud of Alyssa and the work that she's put in throughout the season," Demosthenes said of his star sophomore. "Her dedication to the game, her dedication to watching film really sets her apart as a talented player. She received this award because of the hard work she put in both the off-season and during the season. She's always the first in the gym, putting in the work, and she's the last one to leave. She even puts up shots while we take breaks. I am happy that I was able to witness her success, and I am excited about her future."
 
Abby Shepard, a sophomore from Beecher, Illinois, started all 33 games for the Cobras, leading the team in steals. The All-Region guard averaged 13.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 steals over 27.7 minutes per game, recording 108 assists (70th in the country) and 61 steals this season. The Beecher High School alum recorded a career-high 26 points on 11-18 shooting in a 70-46 win over Lincoln Land Community College on Sophomore Day, February 24th. Shepard, an aviation major at Parkland College, is the daughter of Rick and Patti Shepard.
 
"Abby grew leaps and bounds this year. Her confidence level has skyrocketed, her leadership ability has skyrocketed, and her energy and enthusiasm are some of the best I've coached in 20 years," Demosthenes said of his sophomore guard. "I am excited Abby had the year that she's had, and it has come by way of her putting in hard work and thousands of shots. The thing that I love about Abby is that she is not only an offensive threat but a defensive threat as well. Abby has a bright future ahead of her on and off the court."
 
Megan Janson, a freshman from Collinsville, Illinois, appeared in 30 games, starting 29 for the Cobras, leading the team with 31.1 minutes per game. The Parkland point guard averaged 10.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, tied for 12th in the country. Janson shot 44% from the field, 27% from beyond the arc, and 72% from the free throw line this season, ranked 11th in the nation with 162 assists, and her 2.3 assist-to-turnover ratio ranks 28th. The Collinsville High School alum scored a career-high 31 points in an 82-69 Cobra win over John Wood Community College on February 17th. Janson, a Chemistry major at Parkland College, is the daughter of Christine Chadwick and Chad Janson.
 
"Megan is a coach's dream; she's like having another coach on the floor," head coach Jean Demosthenes said. "Her basketball IQ is top-tier, and she can conduct her team like an orchestra. I am excited about Megan's future. She has the ability to be one of the best point guards in the league next year."