The Lady Lions (13-5, 5-3 Big Ten) have played nine of their 17 conference games and are still in contention for the coveted Big Ten title.

Without further adieu, the grades are now posted. (Note: The authors of this piece wish to respectfully add they can't play basketball.)

Guards

Helen Darling entered the 1998-99 campaign with a reputation so great it shadowed her 5-foot-6 frame. She earned MVP honors in the Women's National Invitation Tournament last season, and was named one of the team's co-captains in the preseason.

As the season has progressed, Darling's reputation has grown larger -- especially from the charity stripe.

The junior floor general has scored 86 of her 222 total points from the free throw line. She went 11 for 18 from the line against North Carolina State on Nov. 27, and nearly topped that by visiting the line 15 times Dec. 13 against another top-10 opponent, Old Dominion.

While Darling has relied on toughness and guile, Lisa Shepherd has used a more traditional plan of attack for a guard.

The long-range shot has been Shepherd's main weapon throughout the season. The sophomore sharpshooter has connected on 44 percent of her 3-point attempts, and her 13 points-per-game average is second on the team, despite the fact she's done most of her damage coming off the bench.

Junior transfer Shawnta Vanzant slowly but surely is becoming the "odd piece of the puzzle" that coach Rene Portland sought when she recruited Vanzant out of Seminole State College in Oklahoma. Her 25 points against Arkansas Jan. 9 were a testament to her offensive potential.

Helen Darling: The consummate leader, Darling is averaging more than 12 points a game and leads the Big Ten with 130 assists. Grade: A

Lisa Shepherd: "The Good Shepherd" is the future of the Lions. When the consistency comes, she'll be a force. Grade: A-

Shawnta Vanzant: When Vanzant is on her game, there usually is no player on the court who is better. Unfortunately for the Lions, Vanzant seems to sashay herself out of the offensive picture at times. Grade: B

Chrissy Falcone: Falcone has been instrumental in Portland's pressure defense, and has provided a solid long-distance threat off the bench. Turnovers are a problem. Grade: B-

Forwards/Centers

When they're on the court, the tandem of Clara Carter and Andrea Garner has been devastating.

The only problem is, they haven't been on the court together very often.

Carter and Garner lead the team in personal fouls, which has caused plenty of headaches for Portland. The duo's tendency to get into foul trouble has cost them plenty of minutes, which in turn has cost the Lions their top inside scorer and defender.

Carter and Garner's inability to stay on the court has not produced strictly bad things. In their stead, sophomore Maren Walseth and talented freshman Rashana Barnes have been able to develop and succeed simultaneously.

Andrea Garner: Great scorer. Great rebounder. Great shot blocker. Great player. Grade: A-

Clara Carter: Her influence is not felt as much on the scoreboard, but Carter is called upon to guard the best scorer on the opposing team each game. She usually wins that battle. Grade: B+

Christine Portland: Suffered through a spell of offensive inconsistency and it led to a lack of confidence in her shot. Her passing and defense, though, still are crisp. Grade: B-

Maren Walseth: Is becoming a more consistent scorer as time progresses, and her minutes should increase because of it. Grade: B

Rashana Barnes: The sky is the limit for Barnes. Although only a freshman, she has been a factor since the first game. It's now up to her to continue to accrue the experience needed to excel in the rigors of the Big Ten. Grade: B+

Marissa Graby: Has seen limited playing time, but brings a busload of enthusiasm off the bench. Grade: Incomplete

Coaching

Penn State hasn't been without its problems this season. An opening-night loss to Pittsburgh could have set the team back. Instead, the Lions responded with seven consecutive wins, including three against top-10 opponents. Foul problems in the frontcourt and sometimes inconsistent outside shooting haven't helped things. However, Portland has been able to motivate her team and make effective use of her bench. Grade: B+