Lakeside High School has a new all-time leading score. Gabriella Benjamin, an 11th grader with a passion for the game, ignited in the 7th grade. Benjamin, a varsity basketball player since her freshman year, achieved this remarkable milestone with a performance that has the community buzzing.
Benjamin’s journey to the record books has been a testament to dedication and teamwork. When asked about the contributions of her teammates to her scoring success, she emphasized their crucial role.
“I give my teammates a lot of credit, because a lot of the points came from assists, and then setting me up in the game,” Benjamin stated. “But also for the trust they have put in me, to make the right decisions.”
This mutual respect and reliance underscore the collaborative spirit of the Lakeside Vikings.
The path to breaking a significant record is never without its challenges, and Benjamin acknowledges the increased pressure that comes with newfound attention.
“I think it is definitely something that I am still getting used to,” she admitted. “A lot of the attention has caused me to become more aggressive in the game.” This heightened aggression, however, has only fueled her determination and performance.
Benjamin’s meticulous preparation for games is a key factor in her consistent scoring ability. “ When preparing for games, the first thing I do is make sure that I eat with enough time before the game to be able to fully digest my food,” she explained. “Next, I also find music to be pretty helpful when it comes to preparing myself, I usually just have a playlist on auto play, and then start playing while we’re doing our walk through and stuff.”
She also prioritizes mental focus, adding, “The last thing that I think really helps me, is putting my phone away an hour before the game starts, that way I can give myself time to clear my mind of any distractions, or anything else that may be going on at the time.”
The moment of breaking the record was a mix of surprise and expectation for Benjamin. “I was pretty surprised, but I was also kind of expecting it to happen,” she recalled. “ I knew that I was close but I wasn’t sure exactly when I would break it.”
The experience was made even more special by the presence of the former record holder.
“At first I didn’t know that reaching the milestone meant that I would be breaking the school record. It was really special because the one who previously held the record was there so it was a really cool moment.”
This achievement is more than just a personal triumph for Benjamin; it serves as a powerful motivator.” This achievement to me just acts as motivation to keep going, ‘cause it shows that there is always more to do,” she shared.
This forward-looking perspective is indicative of her drive to continue excelling.
Throughout her basketball career, Benjamin has benefited from strong mentorship. “Throughout my career I’ve definitely had a lot of mentors and people helping to guide me, but I would say some of my most notable have definitely been my dad and Coach Morton,” she stated.
Her father, her coach since day one , has been a constant source of pushing and guidance. Coach Morton, despite being a more recent influence, has also been instrumental.
“Although I have only known coach Morton for a little over a little, I would definitely say she has been one of my biggest mentors, because she has put a lot of faith in me, to help lead the team.”
Benjamin’s consistent scoring ability stems from a dual desire: “ I think it’s a want to score, but also the need to show other teams and coaches that I’m someone they have to worry about when they play against us.”
This competitive spirit has led to standout performances including her freshman year game against St. Pius, where she scored over 30 points and led Lakeside to their first win against the team in 24 years. This year, she also delivered a remarkable 48-point game against Riverwood a feat she realized the magnitude of only after the game concluded.
Looking ahead, Benjamin has her sights set on playing basketball at the collegiate level. Her record-breaking achievements at Lakeside High isn’t just an end in itself, but a significant stepping stone towards her future aspirations in the sport.
