Hankins' shot in triple OT nets Shield's first win at CLC

It's memorable anytime a coach wins his first game with a new school.

For Tom Shields, CLC's basketball win at the College of DuPage on Tuesday will be extra memorable. After leading the entire game, DuPage rallied and eventually three overtimes were required.

In the third extra session, freshman guard Derrick Hankins made a 3-pointer as the buzzer sounded to give the Lancers a 96-93 victory.

Hankins led CLC (1-3) with 28 points.

"To go on the road and get a win like that is a tremendous building block," Shields said. "They played great defense, and we just got the shot off in time."

Sophomore guard Luse Mundadi and freshman forward Timothy Bryant had 22 and 20 points, respectively.

"So many things happened," Shields said. "They took a 6-point lead in the second overtime, but we came back and hit two quick 3-pointers. It was just a great ballgame."

The victory was especially important because CLC had squandered a good chance at its first win last Saturday against Triton in the home opener.

The Lancers led by 5 points with 1:13 remaining but ended up falling 88-86.

"We made some critical mistakes that hurt us," Shields said. "We should be 2-2."

CLC began the season with a pair of losses to NJCAA Division I teams Kennedy King (75-51) and Highland College (78-56).

"We were overmatched, but what's been important is that we've seen growth every game," said Shields, who is assisted by Joe Paul.

Shields is excited by the Lancers' athleticism and coachability, two qualities that are not always compatible.

"I was very fortunate to get the players that I did," Shields said. "I think the key was my relationship with high school coaches in the area and around the state."

CLC players from area high schools are sophomores Ray Idelburg (Zion-Benton), Tony Rodriguez (Waukegan), Mundadi (Highland Park), and freshmen Justin Richmond (Waukegan), Julius Jones (Warren), Jeremy Shedrick (Grant), Josh Nickerson (Waukegan), Zak Jolly (Grant), Chris Millner (Mundelein) and Michael Skinner (Mundelein).

CLC travels at Parkland College on Saturday and then will compete in Joliet Junior College's Thanksgiving Tournament.

The Lancers' next home game is at 2 p.m. Dec. 1 against Black Hawk.

A major goal for Shields is for CLC to feel comfortable regardless of a game's particular tempo.

"We look to run as much as possible, but when we can't get the fast break we have to be prepared to run good halfcourt sets," Shields said. "We have to be versatile. We want to be able to adjust and play as fast or as slow as (the opposition) wants to play."