LASKER- If you ever watched a Northeast Academy girl’s game, you knew who number 30 was.

Lyndal Brown was a commanding presence in girls’ sports in northeastern North Carolina.

She was recognized for her efforts by being named All-State in basketball and softball by the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA).

&uot;I was surprised to make it in basketball.

There are so many players in the association that I felt had better statistics and were really tremendous athletes,&uot; said Brown.

Surprise turned to shock when the All-State softball team was announced.

&uot;Knowing the people in our conference alone who were really good and who I thought were deserving:

It’s an honor,&uot; she said.

According to Joella Brown, head basketball and softball coach at Northeast Academy and Lyndal’s mother, the NCISAA seeding committee looks for a well-rounded player.

They want someone who’s a leader, consistent and leads their team in several statistical categories.

&uot;It’s not very common in this area to have one person make multiple All-State teams because you’re competing against schools across the state,&uot; explained Joella Brown.

&uot;It’s a great honor to make one team.&uot;

Lyndal Brown had been around basketball her entire life.

&uot;I was born in September and went to my first practice in November,&uot; she said. &uot;I was always out here (at Northeast).&uot;

Brown started playing junior varsity basketball in seventh grade.

She has played all positions, but prefers center.

She said, &uot;You have to work to get the ball.

To get your points you have to really work.&uot;

All her time on the court helped Lyndal Brown develop an array of skills.

According to Joella Brown, Lyndal’s strengths include &uot;bringing the ball up the court.&uot;

She led the team in rebounds, could score from the inside and was able to find the open man and get the ball to them.

In addition, Brown could &uot;throw from one end of the court to the other.&uot;

&uot;This gave us an advantage when we had someone fast that could get back and get the basket,&uot; Joella Brown said.

Defensively, according to her coach, the All-Roanoke-Chowan Defensive Player of the Year has quick hands and reflexes.

Brown credits her teammates for her success on the court.

&uot;The team motivated each other,&uot; she said. &uot;We pushed each other and that made me better.&uot;

A three-year starter on the varsity team, Brown earned Most Valuable Player honors her junior and senior seasons.

She was named to the All-Tarheel Independent Conference team for two years, one in the now defunct Carolina Academy Conference. Brown was named to the All-Tournament team her senior year and earned the team’s Leadership Award.

On the diamond, Brown played first base her sophomore year and shortstop her final two varsity seasons.

&uot;Defensively she’s going to make the play,&uot; said Joella Brown.

&uot;Lyndal has a knack for knowing where the ball is going.&uot;

When she got her glove on the ball, &uot;she knew where to go with the ball to get the out.

She enjoyed turning the double play or connecting with the catcher for an out.&uot;

Being a left-handed shortstop is unusual but wasn’t an obstacle for Brown.

&uot;You have to turn to make the throw to first or second base,&uot; explained her coach.

&uot;Being a leftie didn’t take away from Lyndal’s game.&uot;

During her three-year varsity career, Brown was named Most Valuable Player her final two seasons.

She earned All-Conference honors all three years and was named to the All-Roanoke-Chowan Softball team for two years, both as Defensive Player of the Year.

In any sport she played Brown was &uot;very competitive and expected everyone to work as hard as she did,&uot; according to Joella Brown.

&uot;She enjoyed the team atmosphere.

When girls can get on the court or field, play ball and enjoy it, then they all become better,&uot; Brown continued.

Playing for her mother presented a unique situation for both coach and player.

&uot;I expected more out of her.

I expected her to know things because she’s been around it so long,&uot; said Joella Brown.

&uot;We both have the same work ethic and expectations,&uot; said Lyndal.

&uot;I knew what she wanted out of me.

&uot;I’ve enjoyed coaching Lyndal and watching her develop as a player,&uot; said Joella Brown.

&uot;My parents have had a lot to do with my success,&uot; said Lyndal Brown.

&uot;Since I was little I’ve had a ball in my hand.

Whatever sport I’ve tried to do, they were willing to go out and work with me.&uot;

Brown will attend Barton College this fall where she has earned a tennis scholarship to play for the Bulldogs.

The skills she learned as a player at Northeast will go with her as she makes the transition from high school player to Division II athlete.