Lakes makes the time for a special challenge

A busy January schedule won't stop Lakes' girls basketball squad from working on teamwork.

For the fifth year, the Eagles will visit Trinity Junior High in Cicero on Sunday to help Special Olympics run a basketball tournament. The Eagles' players, parents and coaches will help keep score of games, referee, run clocks, present awards to participants and distribute lunches.

They'll cheer, too.

Games will take place on six courts simultaneously.

"We will work with Katie Grisham of Special Olympics to provide help in making this event happen," Lakes coach Pete Schneider said. "Our January schedule is a busy one for basketball teams, and I was worried that we would be overtaxing the kids, so I was not sure about being able to provide this service this year."

The reaction from the girls, however, was overwhelming, Schneider added.

Said senior Nicole Denman: "No matter what we have to change, we need to do Special Olympics."

Denman wasn't the only Eagles player insistent on helping out.

"Many even shed a tear when talking about witnessing the enthusiasm of these players playing the sport that we all love," Schneider said. "I am very proud of all the girls over the past five years for taking time to do this. This requires a commitment to spend an entire day in Cicero as opposed to being home on a Sunday.

"My hope is that we all learn to be more sympathetic toward and show respect for some really special young adults. Hearing the stories and the emotion that is expressed I know that the ladies of Lakes women's basketball program are learning these valuable lessons."

Honoring "Coach Stan": Before Warren's 6 p.m. tipoff Saturday against visiting Highland Park, the Blue Devils will honor coach John Stanczykiewicz.

Stanczykiewicz, who's in his 16th season, recorded his 300th career win in the semifinals of the Blue Devil Classic, when Warren topped Grayslake Central 45-28.