Steady progress at CLC

Coaches like to focus on improving each game.

When the players start talking like coaches, you might really be on to something.

If last week's performance at the Joliet Thanksgiving Tournament is any indication, the College of Lake County men's basketball team is on its way.

The Lancers, who lost their first three games of the season, ran their winning streak to four in a row. CLC topped Ancilla 87-73 on Friday and St. Xavier 98-82 on Saturday to win the tourney title.

"Our growth has been tremendous," said sophomore guard Luse Mundadi, a Highland Park graduate. "The whole team looks better. Everyone is getting in the games and has a chance to shine."

Added Ray Idelburg, a sophomore guard from Zion-Benton: "It feels great to win a tournament after losing our first three games. We played hard and to the best of our abilities."

How well did CLC play during the tournament?

As coach Tom Shields likes to say, the Lancers led every game from pillar to post. CLC played a lot of zone in its first five games, but last weekend the Lancers showed they can be extremely successful playing man-to-man defense.

"We really improved our defense and rebounding," Shields said. "We were more aggressive on the boards."

Mundadi earned MVP honors for the tournament after contributing a total of 38 points, 15 rebounds, 8 steals and 6 assists in the two games. Idelburg (37 points, 16 rebounds) also was an all-tournament selection. Freshman forward Tim Bryant had 36 points and 23 rebounds.

"Those three have really been the mainstays," Shields said.

CLC plays its second home game of the season at 2 p.m. Saturday against Black Hawk College.

Big improvement: After a lopsided loss to Danville in its season opener Friday, the women's team rebounded with a 44-40 victory over Waubonsee on Saturday in the second game of the Joliet Thanksgiving Tournament.

"We improved by at least 50 percent the second game," coach Bill Braman said. "The panic mode was gone, and our shot selection was much better."

A free throw by sophomore Kelli Goodwin (Libertyville) with about 10 seconds left made it a two-possession game. Lauren Liles (Grant), Tiffany Lehner (Grayslake) and Ally Yarc (Libertyville) all came through with solid performances.

"I thought we played very smart in the second game," assistant coach Roger Peterson said. "I was encouraged. I think this group knows how to play."