Southside’s silver lining: Examining Dallas Loughridge’s breakout season

How did a young, back-up point guard, one season removed from a torn ACL turn into the league’s most efficient three-point shooter?

Photo credit: Mark Nolan / Getty Images

In the final game of Southside’s frustrating and forgettable season, one marred by injuries and inconsistencies, it was easy to spot at least some silver linings. There was Alice Kunek’s comeback from a horrific injury, Maddy Rocci’s continued ascent into the league’s elite, and Naz Hillmon’s All-Star Five accolades. Coach Kristi Harrower’s side eventually ran away with a 16 point win over Sydney, the kind of performance she initially envisioned when she took the job, and one that would at least end an underwhelming campaign on a high note.

But hidden away in a game that had little consequence was one incredibly compelling narrative. Dallas Loughridge, the team’s plucky young point guard, was on the verge of making history.

It was the third quarter, with little under eight minutes left on the clock. As the Flyers worked through an offensive set, Loughridge found an open look. She danced around a screen, finding enough daylight to launch a triple. Almost uncharacteristically, the attempt narrowly rimmed out. That would be her final shot attempt for the season, and while it made little impact on the game’s result, it had a major bearing on the history books.

A still impressive 4/9 shooting night (she had 14 points in a win!) saw her overall field goal percentage narrowly dip to 47.5%, with 2/6 attempts from deep dropping her three point percentage at 49.3%. With her free throw percentage sitting at 89.1%, Loughridge narrowly missed out on membership into one of basketball’s most exclusive clubs.

Had things been just marginally different, she’d be the newest member inducted into the prestigious 50-40-90 club. It’s a place reserved for the game’s most pure shooters. The criteria is 50% field goal shooting, 40% three point shooting, and 90% free throw shooting across an entire regular season, so it’s not surprising that just nine NBA players have ever achieved the feat, and just one WNBA player (Elena Della Donne in 2019).

While her name won’t appear in the history books, it’s still an incredible statistical achievement, and one that warrants a deeper examination. Because, while Loughridge has made some serious noise in her breakout season, she’s somehow still seemed to fly under the radar. Yes, she was a finalist for breakout player of the year, but alongside names like Shaniece Swain, Miela Sowah, and eventual winner Abbey Ellis, probably never quite got the kind of recognition she probably deserved.

So, how exactly did a Loughridge rise from reserve to revelation? After after leading the league in three point shooting percentage, what kind of expectations does it create for her future?