Lehner, Lake County planning to harness speed
College of Lake County sophomore Tiffany Lehner ran cross country for the first time in the fall.
"My endurance and speed is way up," said Lehner, a sophomore center who is the only returner from last year's women's basketball team.
Lehner's increased speed will fit right in with a team that is extremely fleet of foot.
"I've never had a team this quick," coach Bill Braman said. "The question is can we capitalize on it. We (definitely) have some quality players."
With the exception of Lehner, who was all-Skyway Conference as a freshman, the Lancers lack size. They will often use three guards and push the ball in an effort to compensate and force the opposition to adjust.
"Our ball-handling and quickness will be our greatest assets," Braman said.
Added Lehner: "We all run the floor well. We're significantly faster than last year and that should win us some games."
CLC opens its season at 5 p.m. Friday against Danville in the Joliet Tournament.
The Lancers' three-guard look will include sophomore transfer Kelli Goodwin, (Libertyville), sophomore Lauren Liles (Grant) and freshman Ally Yarc (Libertyville). Goodwin will be the primary ball-handler.
"Kelly sees the floor and does a great job of putting it in the hands of people who are open," Braman said. "She's basketball smart and understands the game extremely well."
Liles has impressed Braman with her shooting ability and athleticism. Yarc is coming off a banner soccer season for the Lancers. She is a tough defensive passer and good passer.
As the season progresses, look for the Lancers to unleash some full-court pressure.
"We'd like it to be an up-tempo game," Braman said.
CLC has played well in its preseason scrimmages.
"Each time out we've been better than the time before," Braman said. "I've been pleased with that."
Freshman forward Ashleigh Braden (Zion-Benton) also has impressed.
"She's a strong inside player," Braman said. "She has good hands and a nice shot from 12 feet and in."
Finding a way: After dropping the first three games, the CLC men scored their second consecutive impressive victory.
The Lancers followed a triple overtime 96-93 victory against DuPage with a convincing 105-82 win last Saturday against Parkland College.
"They were a pretty highly regarded team and we won convincingly," coach Tom Shields said
CLC shot 51 percent from the field and made nine 3-pointers. The Lancers were 20 of 25 from the free-throw line.
Sophomore Ray Idelburg (Zion-Benton) and freshman Timothy Bryant each scored 26 points. The Lancers begin play in the Joliet Tournament on Friday.
"We opened up a 29-point lead against Highland," Shields said. "Everyone got into the game and made a contribution. It shows how we're growing."