Lakes likes trip to North Carolina

Lakes girls basketball coach Pete Schneider would like to start a winning tradition for his Eagles.

He and his players no doubt whet their appetite for success on a recent road trip to the University of North Carolina. The Eagles played in a showcase tournament in addition to enjoying some of the sights.

“We understand that we are able to find great competition locally, as we have some of the best players right here in Lake County, but we enjoy seeing how we match up with schools out of the area, (as well),” Schneider said. “This was a great chance for our kids to experience playing at a school with a great basketball tradition as well as playing schools from all over the southeast.”

Lakes won three of its four games, and Schneider got to see some younger players work with veterans.

Schneider said Amanda Smith, Evan Morris and Ashlee Cunningham all had a good tournament, while Nicole Mogged, Heather Hurlbut and Terese McMahon added solid performances. Newcomers Paige Olker, Shelby Trkla and Amanda Beestchen provided good minutes, too.

“The tournament provided some of the players great exposure to some college coaches,” Schneider said. “Being basketball junkies, the coaching staff enjoyed talking with some of the UNC staff and college coaches, and getting some great tips and feedback.”

Lakes not only played on the UNC campus but also stopped at Purdue and Ohio State and took tours of Wake Forest and Duke.

“Whether or not the kids attend any of these universities is not set, but being exposed to these great institutions will help each of them in their decisions for their college choices,” Schneider said. “The kids were able to see different sized campuses and different types of facilities as well as learn a little about each one.

“These trips are a great way for the kids to get to know each other, learn to work together, help and look out for each other. It provides the coaching staff a chance to get to know the players individually, and see how everyone fits with each other on and off the basketball floor.”