Here's the unabridged version -- with more questions and answers -- of the interview with Fairfield's Lauren Beckley that appears in today's York Sunday News. She's our YAIAA Division II Girls' Basketball Co-Player of the Year.
By JEFF FRANTZ
Daily Record/Sunday News
Average fans didn’t know Lauren Beckley’s name at the beginning of the season.
They do now.
The senior became the all-time leading scorer in PIAA competition in York and Adams counties, with a total of 2,258 points. At the same time, she led a surprisingly strong Fairfield team to the quarterfinals of the PIAA Class AA playoffs, with bus loads of green-clad fans in tow.
What was your best moment of the year?
I’d probably say when we beat Brandywine Heights to make it to the state playoffs. We knew it was a huge game going in. We just had a lot of energy to go out there and win it.
Do you feel you received enough recognition for scoring all those points?
I don’t really focus on (the attention) a lot. It’s nice to be recognized, but I’d rather our team be recognized for having the season it did.
When did you know Fairfield was capable of having the kind of season it did?
We knew from the beginning. There was a lot of seniors, and we knew it was our last shot and we focused. We knew we had the talent, we just had to put it together.
It seemed like the whole town was following you guys during the post-season. Did the team feed off that?
It was a huge part, having the support of the school and the town. They’d get us up and pick us up when we were down.
Did you get recognized off the court?
Walking around town and at school of course, people would walk up and say congratulations and talk about the season. That was nice to see.
You scored 50 points in a game this year. Did your arms eventually get tired?
No (laughs). It was a cool game. I just hit some shots and got hot. It was fun.
What would be the soundtrack to a movie of your life?
Probably “Heart of a Champion� by Nelly.
Which player in the league did you most enjoy matching up against?
Meredith Cox. We’ve just been compared during the whole (season), and it’s great to play someone of her skill. It’s always exciting to play Delone with the little rivalry.
What’s one thing about the town of Fairfield people should know?
Just that the community is so supportive. Everyone is so nice, and they really care about the kids at the school.
Who did you follow in this year’s NCAA tournament?
My school is always Maryland. My parents loved it, so I’ve followed the girls' and guys' teams for years. I used to go to midnight madness. They had everything hanging up for the guys so it’s nice to see the girls get some recognition.
What’s the difference between playing AAU and high school?
It’s two different worlds between AAU and high school. (AAU) is faster pace, you run more complicated plays. You can go to a tournament and play three games in a day. It’s tougher on your body.
Teammate L.J. Wills played through a knee injury during the playoff run. Would you have done something similar?
She was amazing, she’s such a tough kid. She didn’t hesitate to put the team first. I like to think I could do that, but I’ve never been injured like that before.
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