STATE EXTRA: Mickens 28, Graham 27

HARRISONBURG
Lee’s freshman phenom Angela Mickens outscored Graham High School by herself Friday in the Group AA, Division 3 quarterfinals.

But Lee coach Jeremy Hartman didn’t want to talk about her points. It was her unselfishness which impressed Hartman more.

Mickens’ stat line was impressive: 28 points, seven rebounds, five steals and four assists.

At times, it seemed like Mickens was in one gear and the befuddled Graham was geared down to a different level.

“She had four assists tonight and broke the single-season assist mark here,” Hartman said. “That’s what I was most proud of.”

In what was the first of what could be many state championship games, Mickens went about her job like it was just another game.

“I came out focused and determined,” Mickens said. “I have to say that just before the game I was a little nervous, but once tip off time came, I was comfortable.”

Although the Lee Ladies started slowly, Mickens ignited the team and kept her foot on the accelerator throughout.

At the 2:50 mark of the first period, Mickens drained a 3-pointer, her first basket of the game. On Lee’s next possession, she made an acrobatic driving layup, putting Lee into the lead for the first time.

After Graham went back ahead, Mickens came up with a steal and was gone in a flash, scoring at the other end.

The 15-year old freshman showed her entire showcase of skills, hitting a pullup jumper, rebounding like a much taller player, stealing Graham’s pocket and dishing off to waiting teammates for easy hoops.

“She brings us together,” said junior teammate Kendra Scott.

The only time that Graham could control Mickens was when Hartman had the luxury of resting her when the game had long been decided.

“She got determined and took over,” Hartman said. “She’s amazing. She put our team on her back.”

But for Mickens, Hartman and the rest of the Lee Ladies, Friday’s 52-27 victory at the JMU Convocation Center was just another stop on Lee’s “business trip” to the Group AA Final Four in Richmond beginning Tuesday afternoon at the VCU Siegel Center.

“If we stay hungry, we can get somewhere,” Mickens said.