Lauren Casbon remembers being “very star struck” as a freshman. She shook every game that season.
But her talent, as well as an “incredible” group of upperclassmen, helped her through any growing pains.
Now a senior for Boone Grove, the four-year starting forward has amassed 38 goals and 16 assists this season and 87 goals for her career.
“I can’t believe it’s been four years,” Casbon said. “It’s my favorite time of the year. It’s the best thing I do in my high school career.”
Casbon hopes to continue her career as the Wolves (16-2-1) play Westview (9-9-1) in the semifinals of Saturday’s Class A LaVille Regional. The winner advances to the final against either Wheeler (18-0), ranked No. 1 in the state coaches poll, or No. 2 LaVille (15-3).
Boone Grove has persevered as injuries have struck the last three weeks.
“I’m really proud of my team,” Casbon said. “I really appreciate every game I get to play with them.
“We have a really strong senior class and we’ve all taken it upon ourselves to bring it together more. We make sure everyone is out here with a goal in mind and keep everyone focused. We’ve had incredible freshmen come in and everyone has just been working together.”
The Wolves have set program records for wins and goals (108), led by a dynamic trio.
Freshman forward Lexi Darnell has 33 goals and 19 assists, and sophomore midfielder/defender Brook Burbridge has 11 goals and a program-record 26 assists.
“I have such a partner in Lexi up top,” Casbon said. “We all wanted the same thing — we all wanted to win, we all wanted to break records. We’ve done an amazing job keeping to those goals.”
Casbon, one of the team’s tri-captains, has been a central figure in that process, especially as the Wolves have dealt with the injuries to several seniors.
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“Lauren has really stepped up to fill that gap — it’s been incredible — and so have the freshmen,” Boone Grove coach Ken Burbridge said. “It’s great to have Lauren and Lexi who can cause havoc. They both have excellent ball skills, they both can create their own shots and they both pass the ball.”
Burbridge was hired last season after official practices had started and the Wolves went 4-11. They had eight players when they opened practice, 12 by the first game and 20 by the end of a season that also was hampered by injuries.
The Wolves lost their first 10 games before winning their last four of the regular season, showing their potential for this season.
“Lauren got us through that period,” Burbridge said. “Last year she was the only one up there. We played a defensive game, we would set a low block.
“We’d have her way up on her own and she was taking on four, five girls at once. It toughened her up and, boy, it worked out well for this year. Now she takes them on with no problem.”
Casbon had 17 goals and three assists last season before this season’s eruption.
“Anything I’ve accomplished, I could not have done it without my teammates,” Casbon said. “Lexi gives me amazing passes, the defense works hard and the midfield gets the ball to me. It’s been a true team effort.
“Our coach set goals and we’ve been ticking them off one at a time. He keeps us grounded and ready for the next challenge.”
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Top 10
Last week’s rankings in parentheses
1. Chesterton (1)
2. Munster (2)
3. Crown Point (3)
4. Lake Central (4)
5. Valparaiso (5)
6. Wheeler (6)
7. Highland (7)
8. Andrean (8)
9. Marquette (10)
10. Boone Grove (NR)
Player of the Week: Hannah Wleklinski scored in overtime Thursday for the game’s only goal as Highland edged Andrean in a sectional semifinal.