Practice foibles aside, CLC points to Skyway

There has been a lot for College of Lake County's Tom Shields to like in his first season as men's basketball coach.

The Lancers have enjoyed a second-half lead at least once in each of their last seven games.

CLC has received contributions from a variety of players, and the Lancers' 4-5 record is deceptive because of their strength of schedule.

Two of CLC's losses were to NJCAA Division I teams. The Lancers' 3 other setbacks were by a combined total of 10 points, which included a 78-73 loss to South Suburban, ranked No. 3 in the latest NJCAA Division 2 poll.

If CLC can weather any significant academic eligibility issues prior to the start of second semester, the Lancers are in position to compete for the Skyway Conference title.

The one thing that Shields has not liked is the way CLC has practiced. In fact, he is blunt about the Lancers' practice approach and attention span.

"We're a terrible practice team," he said. "If we don't become a better practice team, we won't be as successful as we need to be in 2008."

CLC will have plenty of opportunities to practice prior to the start of the conference season. After playing three games in the Highland Tournament on Friday and Saturday, CLC visits Harper on Thursday. After that, the Lancers play host to Joliet Junior College on Jan. 5, and then they turn their full attention to league play.

"I like that we have a rematch with Highland because they blew us out earlier," said freshman forward Timothy Bryant.

Shields said he's not entirely surprised the Lancers have struggled in practice.

"Part of it is that we have no returning players with knowledge of the system or the coaching staff," Shields said. "I knew it would be a challenge up front and a learning process for them to understand what the expectations are."

CLC started the season with 19 players but only 12 remain.

"We've had some resignations and addition by subtraction," Shields said. "We'll get more reps with 12 guys and we should become more cohesive."

Sophomore forward Luse Mundadi (Highland Park) is confident the Lancers will be ready for the challenge of Skyway Conference play.

"I don't think we'll play any teams better than the ones we've played," he said. "We'll learn from our losses and we'll be ready to be a championship team."

Liles liking return to hoops: After graduating from Grant in 2006, Lauren Liles thought her basketball days were behind her. She spent one year at UIC before deciding that she could save some money by attending CLC.

Once she was in Grayslake, coach Bill Braman talked her into continuing with basketball.

Liles, a starting guard with a season-high of 13 points, quickly made the transition back to basketball.

"You would never know she didn't play for a year," Braman said.

Braman said Liles' demeanor changes when she steps on the court.

"She's soft-spoken off the floor, but she's a very aggressive defensive player," Braman said.

Liles said she likes contributing in all phases of the game.

"I'm not looking to be a star," she said. "(Defense) is really what you need to (win) games. I like it when everyone is working together."