Girls basketball: Scouting Round Lake

ROUND LAKE

Coach: Howard Conkling (fourth season)

Last season: 3-25, 0-12 in NSC Prairie, lost to Conant in Class 4A Wheeling regional opener

Key losses: G Bianca Mahoney, G Morgin Evins, G/F Shawna Edens

Returning players: Sr. G Destiny Brown, Sr. G Justice Clark, Sr. F Daniella Kalume, Sr. C Kelly Birch, Jr. G Raven Nicoline

Newcomers: Fr. G Lesley Diaz, Jr. F Hayley Smith, Fr. C Amparo Vargas, Jr. G Mike Crisantos, So. F Tatyana Steadman

Outlook: The traditionally small Panthers claim a 6-footer in freshman Amparo Vargas, who can run the floor and actually might be close to 6-11, coach Howard Conkling said. “I think she has a pretty bright future,” Conkling said. “It’s nice to have somebody who’s tall stand in the lane and put their arms up (laughing). We haven’t had that for a few years. Nothing against the girls we’ve had. ” The Panthers have a small ninth-grader, too, in 5-2 Lesley Diaz. “She’s a pretty good little guard,” Conkling said. “Lesley is going to be OK. She handles the ball well and has a pretty nice shot. The freshmen will grow, and we’re going to enjoy watching them grow.” Ultimately, whether the Panthers come up big in some games will depend on their consistency at both ends. Senior guards Destiny Brown (5-6) and Justice Clark (5-6) are veterans and are good athletes. “They’re not real big, but they’re quick,” Conkling said. “Hopefully they’ll have pretty good seasons for us.” Junior Raven Nicoline begins her second season on varsity.