When you look at the scoring sheet from past Wheeling Park girls basketball games, you’re going to see that the two leading scorers in more than half the games are Alexis Bordas, and Lala Woods. Making them arguably the best duo in the state, and considering they’re in the same grade, everyone was expecting 4 years of deep threes, insanely good passing, and racking up points totals that the school hasn’t seen in years, but tragedy soon struck among the duo. Back in June, Lala Woods tore her ACL in a summer league game which halted her basketball journey. 

Considering she has already committed to Maine, who have made 10 NCAA Division I  Tournament appearances including last season, ensuring a college career is a top priority for her. Woods said right now she just has to trust the process. 

“Trying to trust the process. It’s a lot of work, but I’m willing to do it,” said Woods. 

She also said that her doctor is known for getting players back in 6 months, but she decided to take the 9-12 month recovery. Though depending on how the recovery process is going, she did mention that a return for high school playoffs is a possibility, but not something she’s focused on. 

“It just depends on how well I’m doing at the time, right now I’m just set on my college,” said Woods.

Woods said that mentally it’s been the hardest thing she’s been through, but has had help from friends that have had the same injury, to help her get through it. 

“Definitely having other people that have been through it and understand everyday life. And how I can’t do what I usually do,” said Woods.  

Another aspect of Lala’s injury is the team missing one of their captains. Coach Young said she is a huge loss to an already young team. 

“We are going to be missing our quarterback on the court,” said Coach Young. “She is not a player that we can replace but I think we can collectively make up for some of that loss.” 

He also said that they have a good freshman class, and others that will fill the spot in the lineup well. He said that the team looks up to and respects her. 

“The players respect her and we believe there are ways in which she can still impact the team,” said Coach Young. 

Lala will still have a big impact on the team, even if it’s not the way she wanted to. With her recovery process in full swing, Orono has most of her attention.