Senior spotlight: Lexie Higgins a force on the boards for D.C. Everest
WESTON - One thing D.C. Everest's Lexie Higgins has done consistently through her basketball career is crash the boards.
The Evergreens' 6-foot-2 senior forward has been one of the top rebounders in the Wisconsin Valley Conference in each of the past two seasons, and she has not let up in that category.
Higgins entered the week averaging 5.9 rebounds per game, which is a high-water mark in her time with the Evergreens' varsity squad. She is also averaging 10.2 points per game, about two points a game higher than her career average coming into the season.
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"She is one of those kids that you love to have as a coach," Everest coach Matt Bullis said of HIggins, who was an honorable mention all-WVC selection last season. "She works hard, is good in the classroom and good in the community. Just a great kid overall."
Higgins also has developed into an all-around player for the Evergreens, who are undefeated in the WVC and head into Friday's nonconference game with Hudson with a 6-3 overall record.
"She passes the ball well, been a really good rebounder and is a good defender with her length," Bullis said. "She's really good in the post and she is scoring a bit more this year. She and Natalie (Mohring) are probably the best combo of players I have had together in the post."
Higgins, who also is part of the volleyball and softball teams, recently sat down with USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin to talk about the high- and lowlights of her athletic career, the keys to rebounding and her future plans, among other topics.
Do you have a certain nickname which your friends, teammates or family call you?
My friends call me Lex-Higgs.
You are a three-sport athlete, but what would you say was your most memorable athletic moment?
One of the most memorable is from volleyball my sophomore year when we swept Marshfield to go to state.
What would you say has been the least memorable or not your finest sports moment?
Sophomore year (in basketball). We were playing Wausau West and I was throwing the ball in (from under the basket) and I hit the backboard inbounding the ball during a close game.
What is the key to rebounding?
Definitely height and then just getting good position and getting in front of the other team to see where (the ball) is coming off (the backboard).
Do you have pregame superstitions or rituals?
I have the same routines before a game. For volleyball and basketball it (starts) with just listening to music and jamming with the team.
Any certain music?
It kind of depends. I don't usually get to choose. It's just listening to whatever everyone else wants to.
Where would your dream vacation be?
Australia.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Josh Duhamel from (the movie) "Safe Haven."
Do you know what your postgraduation plans are?
Definitely looking at college. I have a couple of options to play basketball at the Division III level so that is possibility or going to a school for just the education.
Is playing at the next level something you have thought about for a long time or is it something that you felt recently became a reality?
I went through the whole AAU (basketball) thing trying to get the chance to play at the next level but this past year I took a step back and focused more on going (to college) for the education. But I have had a couple schools reach out to me to play, and I am really excited for the opportunity.
Do you know what you would like to major in?
Something in the health field. Maybe a physician assistant or physical therapy.
FAVORITES
Sport: Basketball.
Pro or college athlete: Jordy Nelson.
Movie: "Safe Haven."
TV show: "Shameless."
Music group or artist: Post Malone.
Food or meal: Chicken tenders. Just plain with some ranch dressing.