Boys basketball: Scouting Round Lake

Posted November 16, 2011 10:00 pm

By Patricia Babcock McGraw

Coach: Jim Roberts, 2nd season

Last year: 7-19, 4-8 (NSC Prairie)

Last year's tournament: Lost in regional semifinals to Fremd, 57-17.

Key players lost: F Nick Lange (Carroll College), G Isaiah Brooks

Key players returning: G Juddon Carter, sr., G Danny Uriostegui, sr., F Mark Jennings, jr., F Gage Steger, sr., G Teandre Brown, sr., G Matt Houghton, sr., G Anthony Gutierrez, sr., F Curtis Miller, sr.

Top newcomers: G Pache Akono, sr., G Rashawn Bommon, soph., F Tracy Moore, jr., F Zack Pick, jr.

Outlook: The end of last season seems like eons ago, but Round Lake is hoping the momentum gained then will serve as a good starting point for this season. "We felt like we finished on a very positive note," second-year coach Jim Roberts said. "We defeated Lakes at their place in our last conference game and then defeated Rolling Meadows in the first round of the state tournament. We feel like our program took steps in the right direction last year." The Panthers could very well keep going in that direction thanks in large part to the return of guard Juddon Carter, who is poised to become the all-time leading scorer in school history. He needs about 300 points to reach that milestone. He averaged 17 points per game and drained an amazing 80 three-pointers last season. Carter is a four-year varsity starter who will lead a strong contingent of guards for Round Lake. "We feel like we have six or seven guards who can play and contribute," said Roberts, referring to Carter, Danny Uriostegui, Teandre Brown, Matt Houghton, Anthony Gutierrez and newcomers Pache Akono and Rashawn Bommon. The question is whether or not Round Lake can find some post players to complement its perimeter players. The loss of forward Nick Lange, who is now playing at Carroll College, leaves a big void. He averaged about 10 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks per game last season. "Nick's loss is a big one," Roberts said. "We need some inside guys to step up and be able to rebound the ball and defend for us."

Opener: Monday vs. Wodstock North at the Hoops for Healing Tournament at Woodstock North

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