Sydney Lynch follows a legend for Gilbert basketball. How the senior finds her own way on the court

Gilbert's Sydney Lynch knew coming into the season that she had the difficult task of taking over for a legend at point guard.

For three years, Lynch played in the shadow of former All-State performer Ava Hawthorne. Now that Hawthorne is off playing Division I ball at Drake, Lynch is taking over as the lead guard for the Tigers.

So far, the results have been pretty good.

“This is her fourth year of playing varsity basketball,” said Gilbert coach Mike Frisk. “It’s her year to shine.” 

Lynch has always been a pesky defender. The combination of her tremendous quickness and high-energy play is a nightmare for opposing players to deal with.

“She’s always diving after balls and jumping in passing lanes,” said Gilbert guard Abby Patel.

Lynch is starting to carry more of that over to the offensive side of the ball this season.

“After losing Ava, we’re all stepping up in our own way,” Lynch said. “It’s not one person, we’re all sharing the ball and not trying to rely on one person.” 

Lynch is averaging 11 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.5 steals through the Tigers' first two games.

She had 8 points and four rebounds, assists and steals apiece in a 56-38 win over Humboldt to open the season on Nov. 21. On Tuesday, Lynch went for 14 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal in a 51-33 victory at Roland-Story that put Gilbert at 2-0.

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“Sydney is an aggressive, gritty player,” Hawthorne said. “Her experience as an All-State soccer player and multi-sport athlete will carry over on the court. Her teammates will look to her for leadership.”

Lynch scored 38 goals and handed out 19 assists over the past two seasons in soccer. She doubled up as a golfer for the Tigers last spring and was an important part of Gilbert's runner-up team effort at state in Class 3A.

Her best sport is softball. Lynch hit .500 with 23 runs and 15 RBIs last summer.

Staying busy with school and athletics all the time has made it difficult for Lynch to hone her basketball skills at times.

“Since I’ve been so busy with my other sports, it’s kind of hard to work on basketball in the summer,” Lynch said. “I’m just focusing on making our team gel more, following my example.” 

But her tremendous all-around skills and the success she's achieved in those other sports have given her an edge and she hopes her teammates can benefit from that.

“Playing in those bigger games and meets has helped me bring that vibe to everyone,” Lynch said. “Know how to play in a bigger game and collectively play calm.” 

Her play has been inspiring to her teammates.

“Sydney has a competitive spirit,” Frisk said. “It’s infectious.” 

The Gilbert guards have especially taken notice.

“She’s been a great leader," Patel said. "She's helping me learn plays and know what I’m supposed to do.” 

The only obstacle Lynch has faced thus far is being a little too gung-ho at times. She almost fouled out against Roland-Story.

"I had to calm her down because she had four fouls,” Frisk said. “The reality was she knew what she needed to do. She guards hard and lets her defense create her offense.”  

Lynch doesn't plan on slowing down anytime soon. But she stresses that Gilbert must be patient as a team if it hopes to reach its ultimate potential by the end of the season.

“Play as hard as we can each game and take every opportunity that comes to us,” Lynch said. “Take each game by itself. Don’t look ahead...take each game as it comes.”