Meade boys basketball’s ’emotional leader,’ Lucaya Baldridge, plays to make his sister proud

Lucaya Baldridge already had a good reason not to look forward to his senior basketball season.He built up four years of partnership with senior Jaisean Kenner, both defending the net and feeding the ball back and forth to score.

Together, they were to lead Meade boys basketball back to the state championships and unlike two years earlier win it.

Then, in the offseason, Kenner suffered a season-ending knee injury.We had big plans senior year, Baldridge said.

We trusted each other.So when Meade staff pulled Baldridge out of the first day of winter tryouts with an urgent phone call, he turned to Kenner and begged him to take him home.Along with his mother, Baldridge served as his sister Anikahs main caretaker.

His first thought: Did she have another seizure?I had a feeling, Baldridge said, but I didnt want to believe it.On the drive to the Fort Meade base, Baldridge felt himself sinking into the truth.

Hed feared what epilepsy could mean for his sister someday.

He remembered repeating to Kenner, I dont want nobody to be dead.Soon, his worst fears became reality.The entire Meade team attended Anikahs funeral.

Baldridge missed three weeks of school and most of the preseason.

He couldnt get in his car without thinking of Anikah, whom hed drive to work every morning.

He canned all of his words and feelings inside.

His smile had died.Growing up, Baldridge described his household as very serious.

His mother, Tonukkah, served as a Marine.

His parents split separated the siblings.

Baldridge spent years missing his sister, wishing he could see her again.

He felt hed lost her without actually losing her.But about three years ago, Anikah left her fathers home in Michigan to live in Fort Meade.She made us smile.

She just had a spark, Baldridge said.

She was such a silly person, and we never had that.Meades Lucaya Baldridge grabs a defensive rebound as Arundels Dominic Clark hangs on his back during a game in December.

(Paul W.

Gillespie/Staff)Baldridge genuinely felt his life had turned up.

He helped Anikah wherever he could, texting her throughout the day to make sure she was okay, and shed do the same back.

She was in the crowd at his games with his mother, cheering.If Im being honest, besides my younger sister, [Anikah] was my other half, Baldridge said.It hasnt clicked for him yet that he wont see those texts again.

In school, thoughts race through his mind.

He cant focus.Related ArticlesHigh School Sports | No.

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But when he returned to Meade after missing the preseason, he mostly rode the bench in the early games.

Sometimes, his gaze followed the action on the floor.

Other times, he stared forward.After an early-season loss, Baldridge broke down crying in his mothers car.I told her I was done, he said.

I dont want to play no more.

And she said, Give it more.

Keep going.It took some time, but Jan.

21 against North County, basketball snapped back to Baldridge like a missing piece back in its place.

In the first minute of overtime, he beat the Knights defense for the go-ahead basket.

He set the course for Meades comeback victory their eighth-straight win in what is now an 18-0 run.He found a way to breathe deep and remember why he was out there, Tonukkah Baldridge said.

He wanted to make his team proud.

He wanted to make his sister proud.Baldridge knew he wasnt going to lead Meade by just scoring.

Rebounding and defense had always been the 6-foot-6 forwards strength, so he poured his focus there.

Meade coach Mike Glick praised not only his post presence, but how he sets the pick and directs the defense.With Kenner out, Baldridge paired with junior Arouna Soumaoro to guard the low post.

The senior earned his starting spot back most nights, but even when his coaches recalled him to the bench, he didnt look at his seat so coldly.Whether its starting or sitting on the bench and clapping, Im getting this team to be a team, he said.

When we first played Arundel, then Annapolis Area Christian, it wasnt a team.

We were just throwing the ball over.

Practicing with the team, learning each others game and trusting each other more makes it easier.No matter where he is in the rotation, Lucaya Baldridge finds ways to help Meade.

Whether its starting or sitting on the bench and clapping, Im getting this team to be a team, he said.

(Paul W.

Gillespie/Staff)He had to hold himself accountable, too.

Watching himself play on film, Baldridge cringes when he sees himself turn over the ball.

He knew what his mind was doing in those moments spiraling.

He reminds himself to just make the play hes comfortable with.

If he messed up, just get back on defense.From Glicks perspective, the Mustangs dont rally over rival Old Mill in February without Baldridge on the floor.

They dont survive North County in the county championship without Baldridge beating down star Nash Avery at the net.Lucaya is the emotional leader of the team, Glick said.

When hes locked in and playing, hes dangerous to other teams.

Hes vital to our success on and off the court.Baldridges counselor tells him basketball is good for his head right now.

If hes not in a game or practice, hes still throwing up shots at home.But after every Meade victory, Baldridge still looks for a hug thats not there.I want to say I still feel her there, he said.

But to be honest, I dont.A state championship would obviously be nice.

Its been 10 years since Meade basketball brought one home.

The county champions will either rematch North County for a third time in the Class 4A East Region I final next week, or theyll see an increasingly dangerous Glen Burnie team.

Should they go beyond that, the Mustangs will navigate a perpetually difficult 4A bracket.Admittedly, Baldridge is setting his sights further.

Fortunately, hes already talking to a few colleges to make that happen.I know basketball aint gonna be forever, he said.

I really focused this year on academics and my future to build that pavement for myself.

Because I really want to succeed as much as I can.Have a sports tip? Email [email protected] or DM @capgazsports on Instagram..

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