The joy Shaelei Lucas gets from sinking a mid-range jump shot is comparable to the happiness she enjoys when teaching a young girl to shoot.
Lucas, whose first name is pronounced Shay-lee, is a first-year starter for the Tomahawks varsity team. In her spare time the 5-foot-10 guard/forward coaches her younger sister’s second-grade youth hoops squad.
It’s Lucas’ third consecutive year guiding young hoopers, and she savors the experience.
“It’s fun to watch all the little girls pick things up. Last year it was really cool seeing how much they improved,” said Lucas.
Discover more about this player-coach, who has improved quite a bit herself.
Coach’s corner
Lucas, who averages 9.2 points per game, is a great leader in the classroom and on the court, Marysville-Pilchuck girls basketball coach Julie Martin said. “She communicates really well to others, especially on defense,” said Martin. “Offensively, she has a great shot — a high and quick release.”
Martin called Lucas a “go-to shooter” who this past summer matured greatly and became more confident.
Sweet release
Unlike most players, Lucas lets go of her shots from high above her head. It’s an effective technique. “It’s just how it’s always felt comfortable for me. If I have a hand in my face I can still get my shot off,” she said.
No sweat
So far, Lucas hasn’t been overwhelmed during her first season in M-P’s starting five. Playing tons of games over the years for a Snohomish-based select team helped prepare her, she said: “I haven’t felt a whole lot of pressure. I play a lot of basketball, so games don’t usually get to me that much.”
Rad rookie
Seattle SuperSonics rookie Kevin Durant is Lucas’ favorite NBA player. “I just really like how he plays,” Lucas said of the 6-9, 215-pound guard from the University of Texas. “Everything just looks so easy and fluid. He’s a good hustle player too. He can rebound and he can shoot.”
On the boards
Two of Lucas’ favorite non-basketball activities are snowboarding and wakeboarding. Her favorite destinations are, respectively, Stevens Pass, Mt. Baker and Whistler, B.C., and Lake Sammamish and Lake Goodwin.
Dream jobs
A career in physical therapy or business, possibly sports marketing.
What’s your favorite restaurant?
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro at Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood.
What do you want most for Christmas?
A new digital camera.
By Mike Cane, Herald Writer
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