By Chris McCarthy/Editor
Abby Lockridge recently joined select company in girls high school basketball.
The Westbrook Christian senior shooting guard scored her 2,000th career point on Jan. 26 in a home game against Walter Wellborn.
Lockridge, who has been a member of Westbrook’s varsity since the seventh grade and a starter since the eighth grade, quickly deflected credit to her fellow Lady Warriors.
“My teammates are awesome; they make good passes and make me look good,” she said.
Lockridge entered the Wellborn game 15 points shy of the 2,000th mark. She scored the first 12 in short order before hitting a dry spell in the second quarter.
Lockridge finally reached mark with about three minutes remaining before halftime. Westbrook head coach Jamie Barkley noted that the team kept running perimeter plays for Lockridge but her shots were off the nark.
“Finally I just told Abby to drive to the basket,” said Barkley. “We ran a set play and I just knew when the ball came off the passer’s hand that Abby was going to make that one. It was a real pretty basket, right off her fingertips.”
Lockridge acknowledged that she could hear the home crows cheering for her on her way to the milestone.
“It was kind of a relief to get it over with,” she said. “I heard everyone cheering. It was really loud.”
Barkley pointed out that Lockridge would have scored her 2,000th point earlier in her career if she hadn’t assumed point guard duties for the benefit of the team.
“At different times during the last five years, Abby’s had to step up and play the point, where you’re not going to score a lot of 3-pointers.”
Sophomore Olivia Graham relived Lockridge of her point guard duties this season, allowing her to return to her natural position. Lockridge and Graham have combined for over 1,200 points this year.
“They are a great tandem that works really well together,” said Barkley. “They seem to be at the right spots at the right time for each other. They have the same mindset when it comes the ball, and it’s obvious.”
Lockridge is not just a scorer, as she finishes with double-double on a regular bases and triple-doubles on occasion.
“Abby ‘s not going to look to score every time,” said Barkley. “She’s going to look to pass and feed it to a teammate. She’ll get a steal and drive coast to coast and then dish it at the last second. She’s a complete player on offense.”
Several colleges have been in contact with Lockridge but she hasn’t yet decided whether to play at the next level. She is considering missionary work following graduation.
“That’s just speaks volumes to the kind of kid she is,” said Barkley. “I’d take a million Abbys.”
