Lauren Walsh admitted she didn't have high expectations for the workout that will help determine the IndyStar Indiana All-Star women's basketball team.
The Pennsylvania High School senior definitely exceeded those expectations when all was said and done.
Walsh, a 5-7 guard, was selected to the prestigious 13-member IndyStar Indiana All-Star Women's Basketball Team in March.
more:High school basketball: Penn State's Lauren Walsh named Indiana All-Star
“I'm very excited to be part of the team and it means a lot to me, but it's still a little bit of a shock,” Walsh said in a recent phone interview.
“I didn't have high expectations going into the tryout, and after it was over I thought I was playing okay, but I probably wouldn't make the team. When I got the call, I was like, what the hell happened? But I was really excited.''It's an amazing group to be chosen. ”
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Walsh did a little bit of everything his senior season with the Kingsmen. She averaged 12.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 3.2 steals per game. She shot 41 percent from the field and 44 of 130 from 3-point range. She shot 74% from the line.
Penn State coach Christy Ulrich, who has coached six of the eight young women from Penn State who made the All-Star team, sees a lot to like about what Walsh brings to the table. says.
“Lauren is a very driven and competitive player,” said Ulrich, who compiled a 330-57 record in 15 seasons at Penn. “She is extremely skilled and has an edge that sets her apart from many other players. She is also a great teammate and excels in the classroom. Lauren is very active in the content of our program. I also love watching her grow as a leader.”
Walsh helped Penn finish 18-7 overall and 9-2 in the Northern Indiana Conference last season. She was selected to her second team All-NIC and was a member of the Tribune All-Area her team. Walsh transferred from North Carolina to Penn State before her sophomore year, and she played the past three seasons at Penn.
Walsh knows why he was selected for the All-Star group, which will play 12 Division I games.
“My defense is what they liked,” Walsh said. “That's my job, that's my role. I bring energy and defense.”
Ulrich, who coached the All-Star team a year ago, said the team has people who can do a lot of things well.
“Lauren's defense and ability to get to the rim are her biggest strengths,” said Ulrich, who led Penn to the Class 4A state championship in 2016. “She's also a great passer, and her shot has improved a lot over the years” to actually set up drives.
“Lauren will bring a lot of energy and encouragement to the Indiana All-Star team. I think she will give them a versatile option at the point guard position. She can score, she is unselfish, They're going to make the extra pass. They're also defenders and she's willing to lock someone down. Lauren will definitely contribute to the culture of what an Indiana All-Star is.”
Walsh, the middle of three children to parents Tim and Molly, credits several people for her success in the hardwood forest.
“My parents gave up a lot for me,” Walsh said. “I would also like to thank my teammates and coaches at Penn. The biggest influence on me was my trainer at North Carolina, Amber White. She was the reason I was able to continue playing basketball.”
Walsh, who scored 698 points in his career, continued to hone his skills by playing for his AAU team, the Michigan Storm, after his season at Penn.
“I train every day and play with my AAU team on the weekends,” Walsh said.
The IndyStar All-Star team will be coached by Zionsville's Andy McGuire. The team will be led by Miss Basketball Chloe Spreen of Bedford North Lawrence. The 5-10 guard, who plays at the University of Alabama, averaged 20.3 ppg. her senior season. Spreen led BNL to the Class 4A state title in 2023.
Indiana will play Game 1 at Kentucky on June 7 and 8, and Game 2 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, so Walsh is looking forward to it. Indiana split the series last year but currently leads the series 53-41 overall. The All-Stars will play an exhibition game against the Indiana Junior All-Stars in Kokomo on June 5th.
“I'm a competitive guy and I know everyone on the All-Star team is a great competitor,” Walsh said. “If we all do what we're supposed to do and work hard at Kentucky, we'll be fine. I really want to kick their butts.”
“Being selected as one of the eight All-Stars from Penn State means a lot to me. I've worked hard for this and I'm really happy it paid off.”