SIGNING: CBA's modest Edmundson picks Lenoir CC

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on March 1, 2017 9:57 AM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

PIKEVILLE -- Opposing teams had a difficult time sizing up No. 10 when she stepped onto the basketball court for Charles B. Aycock this season.

Who was she?

An aggressive player who slashed to the basket or used her dribble penetration to draw defenders and kick the ball out to a teammate open on the perimeter?

Or maybe someone who isn't afraid to stick her nose into the lane and deliver a hard boxout on a rebound?

If you know her, that's usually how No. 10 -- Lexie Edmundson -- introduced herself to an opponent.

"(Her) actions spoke volumes for what she was trying to dictate to the team," first-year CBA head coach Tangela Faulkner said. "She does not wax and wane with her emotions. She's even keel, stays the course and is consistent.

"I didn't want to see her game die here at the high school level."

Wake Tech called.

Barton showed interest.

Lenoir Community College head coach Eric Barnes jumped on the recruiting train. He attended several of Edmundson's games and quickly realized how she orchestrated her teammates on the court.

Most nights, CBA played in unison.

"I talked to him (Barnes) about Lexie as a person, as an athlete, as a student and he loved her before he ever saw her," Faulkner said. "There's nothing you wouldn't like about Lexie. She's an all-around person, a team player, a no 'back-talk' (person) and as a coach you can appreciate that.

"Whether I'm right or wrong, she's going to let it be what it is."

Edmundson is carrying that modest demeanor to the next level. Surrounded by her parents and the Golden Falcons' coaching staff, she announced her intentions Tuesday afternoon to attend Lenoir CC next season.

A 3 1/2-year varsity performer, Edmundson helped CBA file a 12-12 worksheet this season and advance to the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3-A playoffs. The future criminal justice major averaged 9.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists per outing.

She played 652 minutes and emerged as one of six Golden Falcons to play in all 24 games this winter.

"I'm definitely good as a support-type person because I won't harp (on) anybody," said Edmundson, who constantly shared and received advice from her teammates on the court throughout the year.

"Playing for Coach T, it was great. She is the best coach I've ever had. She always encouraged me to be aggressive. Even if she was harping on me, it was making me better. I never really got frustrated because I knew she was right."

Edmundson ranked either second or third in numerous team offensive statistical categories. She posted three season highs against Rosewood -- 23 points, 62 percent shooting (8 of 13) from the floor and 39 minutes.

And that wasn't all.

She scored in double figures on nine occasions and shot better than 50 percent from the floor in eight games. Despite that offensive success, Edmundson admits her shot still needs work -- especially a quicker release, the lone pet peeve Faulkner expressed throughout the season.

"I need to get better going up stronger with the ball," Edmundson said. "I definitely need to get in better shape because I know it's more of a fast pace at that level. I know I need to improve."

LCC is projected to return six players next season. The Lancers compete in the Division II Carolinas-Virginia Region X (10) Conference.

Guess it's time for another introduction.