Laila Abdurraqib 'breathes life into that team.' Now, LC in rarefied air at state finals.

INDIANAPOLIS — Jannon Lampley pulls out her phone when the question's asked.

What are some of your earliest memories with point guard Laila Abdurraqib?

After a couple minutes of scrolling, the Lawrence Central coach finds the video. It's of a young Adurraqib, a post player at the time, running a pick-and-roll. Her pick was solid. But the roll? That deserves the highest of marks with Abdurraqib twirling toward the lane like a whirling dervish.

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Now a 5-7 junior, Abdurraqib's graceful execution was like an unofficial homage to her gymnastics background.

Abdurraqib's role in leading LC back against Center Grove in last Saturday's Class 4A semistate final staked another gold-plated mile-marker in her journey from basketball-loathing youngster to a rising star who's overcome two season-ending injuries to lead the Bears to their first state championship game appearance (Saturday vs. Lake Central, 8:15 p.m.).

On a team headlined by its two nationally ranked recruits (Jaylah and Lola Lampley) and littered with young standouts, Abdurraqib is widely regarded as its most important piece, the lynchpin.

"Abdurraqib is quite a player," Center Grove coach Kevin Stuckmeyer said Saturday.

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Lawrence North coach Stephen Thomas said Abdurraqib "breathes life into that team" following the sectional semifinals, while Warren Central coach Stacy Mitchell described her as the "glue" to the team.

"I've seen a big difference in their team from last year to this year," Mitchell said on The Scorers Table. "That team, it's just different without her. With her out there, she's the one that holds it all together and makes it all run."

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Jaylah called No. 44 a role model, one of Lawrence Central's best leaders on the court. They draw inspiration from the effort she (and Mariah Garrett) put into the defensive end, and recognize Abdurraqib's command of the offense and propensity for making those "winning plays."

"She's our honcho on the court," Jaylah said. "Whatever her mind is telling her, we're going to follow her. We support her and we love her as our point guard. I wouldn't trade her for anyone in the world."

Abdurraqib's love for basketball shines through in her play. But before middle school? Not so much.

As Gainbridge Fieldhouse was transformed from NBA All-Star Game to IHSAA state championship games Tuesday, Abdurraqib recalled how she loathed when her dad would turn on football or basketball during dinner. I don't want to watch this. Young Laila wanted to be a baker and found enjoyment in gymnastics — though she (admittedly) wasn't very good and after a few years, was told by her father that she was too tall. "I was offended," she laughed.

"I was like, what's next?" said Abdurraqib, who moved to Indianapolis from Louisiana in second grade. Next, she continued, it was YMCA basketball with Jaylah and Lola's brother. Abdurraqib began improving as a middle schooler, then received her first offer in eighth grade. "From there it was: Well, this could go somewhere."

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Abdurraqib didn't even know what it meant when Michigan State offered her, but once she found out, she was all-in on basketball. An aspiring sports journalist with a 4.4 GPA, she's always loved working hard and basketball provided tangible results for that hard work.

Her plan: Play college basketball for 4-5 years, then get into her career (she's already writing for the school newspaper).

"I appreciate (basketball) so much. It's been the biggest blessing of my life," Abdurraqib said. "I appreciate the people who pushed me, especially my coaches, parents, teammates — literally everybody that pushed me, because without them, I probably wouldn't be playing anymore."

Abdurraqib's potential preceded her at Lawrence Central, but knee injuries her freshman and sophomore years delayed her arrival.

The first, a torn ACL and meniscus, happened the summer before her freshman year and sidelined her until mid-January. She reinjured her knee about a year after her return whilst going up for a layup against Warren Central, derailing a promising sophomore campaign (13.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.1 apg, 3.0 spg) just a couple weeks before sectionals.

"The first time, it definitely sucked a lot," Abdurraqib said. "The second time, it was more of, I did this already. I can come back even stronger."

Abdurraqib used her time on the mend to focus on the mental aspects of her game, watching her teammates and learning them as individuals. She focused intently on Jaylah as a freshman, then Jaylah, Lola and Aniyah McKenzie as a sophomore, watching them grow as she gained a greater understanding of their games.

"I can play off of them and I know their spots," Abdurraqib smiled. "Lola loves the corner; Jaylah loves that left wing area; Aniyah gets it on the right elbow, then she's attacking the basket. I learned the game more, especially with coach Jannon. I was at her house, watching film and understanding the mechanics of the game and getting a better IQ."

Abdurraqib has dazzled in her first fully healthy season, averaging 12.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists. She's impressively efficient, shooting 48% from the field, 39% from 3 and 83% at the line, and commits only two turnovers per game.

Her winning plays have come at various times and in various forms. Saturday night, it was a bit of everything: 22 points (14 in the fourth quarter), 14-for-16 at the free throw line and six rebounds, all while steering a defensive effort that netted 17 turnovers and running point for LC, which committed only seven.

"I remember when we played LN in the Marion County tournament last year and that's when I saw the true dog come out in her, just taking over the game," Jaylah recalled. "And that's what I saw last week when we played Center Grove, her slowly taking over and keeping us unified as a team. … I'm so proud of her."

Follow Brian Haenchen on Twitter at @Brian_Haenchen.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IHSAA girls basketball finals: Laila Abdurraqib makes Lawrence Central go