Sheehan grows into role with Lancers

Gilbert Sheehan has come a long way from his freshman year at Grant to his freshman year at the College of Lake County.

At Grant, Sheehan was a member of the Freshman B team. In fact, it wasn't until his senior year that he really emerged as a player to watch. Sheehan was Grant's top threat last year, averaging 19 points, 8 rebounds and 2 steals.

There will be no understudy role for Sheehan, as he begins his freshman season at CLC. In fact, Sheehan, a 6-foot-3, guard/forward is one of the Lancers' most important players. Sheehan had 8 points and 4 rebounds in CLC's season-opening loss to nationally-ranked Mott Community College in Flint, Mich.

The Lancers (0-2) play at Joliet Junior College at 3 p.m. Saturday.

"We're really exciting about him," coach Mike Hirsch said. "He's turned out to be one of our most consistent players."

To Sheehan's credit, he can play within himself while still displaying plenty of athleticism. Against Mott, he dunked over a taller defender.

"We tell him that if he can put on 20 pounds he can leave here with a great opportunity," Hirsch said.

Sheehan credits his rapid improvement with his decision to focus exclusively on basketball as a junior and senior. He was a gym rat this summer to prepare for Hirsch's high-tempo system.

"I'm really enjoying it," he said. "I'm in shape and I can keep going up and down the court. That (helps) me get points."

Sheehan worked a lot on his outside shot. He will play all over the court on offense; on defense, he will often be asked guard bigger players in the frontcourt.

"I played center in high school so I'm (used to it)," he said. "I have to be smarter than the other player. On offense, I have a lot more freedom. I've developed my shot and I'm stronger with the ball."

Sheehan has quickly made a believer of his teammates.

"He's fast and athletic," freshman point guard Andy Rochon said. "The kid is really good."

All about the guards: With a dearth of size, CLC's success this season will largely be a function of how well its guards play.

"Our tallest player is 6-foot-5," Hirsch said. "We're a guard-dominated team. We don't have much of a choice. Hopefully, we can be quicker than our opponent."

Rochon, a Mundelein graduate who played last year for the University of Calgary, will run the point. Mundelein's offense is similar to the system the Lancers use.

"He brings four years of knowledge of how to run the system," Hirsch said. "When he came back, we instantly got a little smarter. He's perfect for what we do."

Sophomore Rick Bowers, a guard from Germantown, Wis., scored a team-high 18 points against Mott.

"He might have been the best player on the court," Hirsch said.

Sophomore guard Marcus Pettis (Waukegan) will also see a lot of playing time.

"He's dynamite, little guard," Hirsch said. "He can score a lot of ways and he's a tough defender."

CLC was hit hard by academic problems and injuries last year. If the Lancers can stay healthy, they have a chance to be a much-improved team.

"We're a better program than we were last year by far," Hirsch said. "We have a bunch of guys that are coachable and understand how to work hard."