Wright leads Mustang push for state title

East Lincoln senior center Lindsy Wright scored 32 points and grabbed 19 rebounds (according to the stat sheet. She says she had 26) in a Jan. 15 game against conference rival North Lincoln.

But the Mustangs lost by one point.

Despite a phenomenal performance, Wright was disgusted because she missed free throws during the game. So she went home and shot five free throws.

"I could've had 40 (points)," she said. Her team could have won.

The 18-year-old leads her team with over 20 points, nine rebounds and over two blocks per game. Next year she will play basketball at Wake Forest University.

According to Wright, the secret to her success is simple: "Just working hard," she says.

Wright's hard work has led the Mustangs to a 14-4 (7-1 and in second place in the Southern Piedmont Conference) record. She likes the teams chances to make a deep run in the playoffs this year.

"If we have any chance at states, it will be this year," she said. "I have a better feeling about this year."

Wright said she started playing basketball when she was 5 years old. She also plays volleyball and softball for the school. But her love has always been basketball.

She would have been a four-year varsity player, but an injury during volleyball season her freshman year kept her off the team.

Her sophomore year, Wright led the Mustangs with 19 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. Her junior year was better, leading the team again in points and rebounds while averaging a double-double (23.6 points and 11.3 rebounds).

Mustang head coach Franklin Lowery calls Wright a "once-in-a-lifetime" player, especially for the small 2A school.

"You take her away from this team, and we don't experience some of the success we've had so far this year," said Lowery, who is in his first year coaching Wright. "Elmer Fudd could coach this team and be successful."

Though Wright may be the star of the team, Lowery emphasizes that many other players contribute.

"It's a team game," he said.

The core of this team has played together for several years, allowing them to gel and work together better this year," Wright said.

Senior point guard Kiandra Long has been the perfect complement to Wright, leading the team in assists and steals over the last three years and averaging over 12 points this year.

It's obvious how important Wright is to the Mustang squad. Just ask Lowery how hard it will be to replace her when she graduates.

"I don't want to talk about it," he said.

Wright said deciding to play at Wake Forest was simple.

"I've been wanting to go to Wake Forest since I was 10," she said.

"I can't wait to compete on that next level," Wright said. "I think it's going to make me a lot better as a player."

Lowery said he expects Wright, who is 6-foot-3, to play as a forward or wing player in college instead of the center role that she plays in high school. Lowery said he's been working on her outside to midrange game to prepare her for college.

"I expect for Lindsy to do well at that next level," he said. "Her best basketball is still ahead of her."

For now, Wright and Lowery are focused on winning a conference title and going back to the state tournament. Lowery is just trying to savor Wright's last high school season.

"In this league she's just unbelievable," he said. "Once in a lifetime."