The remarkable rise of Dallas Loughridge
The Lightning recruit has been the WNBL's breakout star. Should she be the next Opal?
Photo Credit: Dan Cowley / Images by Dan
Dallas Loughridge stands on the baseline, hands on her hips. She’s a player who likes to live in the moment, and in this exact moment, there’s 31.6 seconds on the clock, and scores between Adelaide and Geelong are tied. A nervous energy fills Adelaide’s State Basketball Centre, with a sell-out crowd collectively holding its breath.
Her teammates cluster inside the keyway, and as she’s handed the ball, they begin scattering. Star import Sania Feagin rolls around a screen, and catches Loughridge’s pass just beyond the arc. She only holds it for an instant. Instantly, Feagin whips the ball back to Loughridge, splitting the defenders with a crisp bounce pass. Without anyone - save for Feagin - noticing, Loughridge has snuck back to the rim unsighted, and unguarded. Alex Sharp can only watch across the splitline as Loughridge lobs up an uncontested floater.
The crowd again holds its breath as the ball kisses the back of the rim, before gently dropping through the net. Then, pandimonium. The roar of more than 2,000 fans almost lifts the lid of the arena. The coverage camera shows a sea of arms rising in unison as Adelaide takes a two point lead over Geelong. New owner Mohan Koo pumps both fists with a beaming smile. Loughridge’s reaction is more measured.
“I like to make sure I’m living in the moment, and just focusing on the game. So I think I block out the outside noise and just focus on the game.”
That’s easier said than done though, especially with a thriller still hanging in the balance, as well as Opals coach Sandy Brondello sitting on the sidelines. Publicly, Brondello was glowing in her praise towards the young star, but privately, was even more complimentary.
Brondello waited until the post match chaos had subsided before approaching Loughridge for a one-on-one. For a 21-year-old, Loughridge has a surprisingly good poker face, but can’t help but cracking a smile when asked about that moment.
