Two Oakton basketball players named to NJCAA All-Region Team; playoffs ahead for Owls

(Feb. 23, 2016) The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) honored two Oakton men’s and women’s basketball players by naming them as all-region athletes.

Women’s sophomore forward Rebecca Bartnicki (Chicago, Guerin Prep) earned a spot on the NJCAA Region IV Division II District D All-Region Second Team and men’s captain freshman guard Trae Stott (Louisville, Ky./Moore) was a second-team selection to the NJCAA Division II District B All-Region Team.

On the season, Bartnicki is averaging a double-double (14.3 rebounds and 13.4 points per game) along with 2.5 blocks a contest. She ranks second in NJCAA Division II in rebounds and seventh in blocks.

“Becky possesses incredible ability, and I’m excited she was voted to the All-Region Team,” said Head Coach Melissa Rauschenberg. “Coaching her has been an honor, and seeing her grow on and off the court has been a pleasure. Becky has been a leader in so many ways, and she will make an immediate impact wherever she goes.”

Stott leads the men’s basketball team in scoring, averaging 15.9 points per game. In addition, he dishes out 3.4 assists and pulls down 4.1 rebounds per contest.

“Trae has developed as a player and leader throughout the entire season,” said Head Coach Mick Reuter. “I’m very proud of his growth and look forward to witnessing his continued development in the future.”

Bartnicki and the Owls travel to Black Hawk College-East (22-8) to play in the first round of the women’s basketball regional playoffs at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 25.  

“Black Hawk-East is a great team with very talented athletes,” said Rauschenberg. “We are focusing on giving it all we have and believe that any team can win on any given day.”

The men’s team will also have its hands full, traveling to River Grove to take on Triton College at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 25, in a first round regional playoff game. The Trojans (28-2) are ranked No. 1 in NJCAA Division II.

“Playing Triton will prove to be quite a challenge as the team possesses outstanding size, athleticism and depth, said Reuter. “We have to try to limit some of their strengths while our team will need to control the pace of play at both ends. This is a great opportunity for us and we will be prepared for it.”