Scouting Lakes
LAKES
Coach: Brian Phelan (fourth season)
Last season: 16-17, 8-6 in NLCC, won Class 3A Antioch regional, lost to Carmel in Woodstock North sectional semifinals
Key losses: C Paule Ceneac, G Anna Wallenfang
Returning players: Sr. G Sara Smith (5-8), Sr. G Brittany Washington (5-6), Sr. F Mia Edwards (5-10), Sr. G Kylie Jozwik (5-11), Sr. G Taylor Lehman (5-8), Sr. F Nicole Jones (5-9)
Newcomers: Sr. F Chloe Lukasik (6-0), Sr. G Mia Urban (5-6), Jr. G Daena Mae Cruz (5-6), Jr. F Grace Sullivan (5-10), So. G Rosie Tekampe (5-8), So. F Allison Dietz (5-11)
Outlook: It's not how you start ... like losing your first six games of the season. It's how you finish ... like winning the first regional championship in the history of your program. The Eagles might have difficulty getting back to a sectional again this season, considering they're jumping from Class 3A to Class 4A ("by six kids," coach Brian Phelan said), but they should rack up ample wins again. "The good thing last year was, when we started 0-6, no one was pointing fingers," Phelan said. "Everybody kept grinding. They were good teammates." Senior center Paule Ceneac isn't out for the team as she focuses on volleyball, but the Eagles' other four starters from last season return. Sara Smith was an all-area selection after averaging 8.3 points and 3.4 assists in her second season as a varsity starter. Fellow guards Brittany Washington and Kylie Jozwik, and post Mia Edwards also return to the starting lineup. Senior guard Taylor Lehman played a lot coming off the bench. "Juniors become seniors, and we got a lot of them (eight, total)," Phelan said. "It makes coaching easier." Sophomore guard Rosie Tekampe could step into the starting lineup. "She played all summer with us and fit in well," Phelan said. Lake Zurich's season-opening Turkey Thriller will provide another strong test for Lakes, which will rely on a veteran group that Phelan believes boasts strong leadership. "It's a new journey, and we'll try to build off that success that we ended the year on," Phelan said. "One of the goals is to start strong right out of the gate, don't dig a hole and just continue the momentum."