Alexis Adams will not be forgotten at South Brunswick High School.
The senior forward closed her sparkling career when the Vikings fell in the opening round of the NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group 4 tournament.
South Brunswick was eliminated by Princeton High School, 34-18, in the state sectional tournament game that was played at South Brunswick on Feb. 27.
“We’ve been watching Alexis for five years now, and it’s a shame that it ends,” South Brunswick coach Jeff Johnson said. “We really wanted to extend the season as long as possible for her. She’s just been incredible. She’s played in, I think, almost 100 games. She’s only missed one start in four years here. It’s just sad that you won’t have her around anymore. Forget about the player, but just losing that type of person and leader is hard to replace.”
Adams led the Vikings in the defeat to Princeton with eight points, eight rebounds and three steals.
She was upset not just about the loss, but also that she missed all of the fourth quarter due to leg and foot cramps when the Vikings were still in striking distance. Her absence was greatly felt, as South Brunswick was outscored, 14-1, in the fourth quarter.
With her on the floor, South Brunswick was only trailing, 20-17, after three quarters.
South Brunswick wrapped up its season with a 12-11 record.
“It kinda feels like a book that has a cliffhanger in it at the end,” Adams said. “It just feels unfinished. I don’t want it to be over. Reality hasn’t really hit me yet.”
Adams said she will miss her basketball family the most, while she will be a fan of the program for years.
“This biggest thing is just this family,” she said. “We had a bunch of girls that I didn’t really know at first, but we’re a big family now. Those memories are the ones that I’ll keep with me the most.”
Adams finished her career with 765 points, 625 rebounds, 83 assists, 132 steals and 98 blocks.
Despite the numbers, she hopes her legacy is how she played the game.
“I just hope people remember me as someone who had heart,” Adams said. “Through the good and the bad times, I gave it my all. I just hope that’s what people remember me by.”
Adams will play NCAA Division I basketball in college for the University at Buffalo, which competes in the Mid-American Conference.
