Maddux, Springport Basketball Putting the ‘Locke’ on Opponents

(January 7, 2024 7:30 AM ET) Watching the Springport High School girls basketball team play defense from the stands is a little different than seeing them on the court.

After scoring points, the Spartans are all arms, legs, and whatever is going to stop their opponents from advancing the basketball to the other end of the court.

The ringleader of the defensive blitz is senior Maddux Locke.

But seeing the Spartans on defense is different than actually playing them. 

“We come out of the gate pressing people and turning our defense into offense,” Locke said. “Coach says scouting us from the stands and playing against us are two different things.”

The Spartans posted more than 30 points in the first eight minutes of action in its opening game of the season over Bellevue and 27 points last week in the first quarter against Hudson. 

Springport is giving up an average of just over 30 points per game defensively and have held three opponents under 20 points this season. 

The defensive pressure turns defense into offense for the Spartans.

“Coach says if we are doing well on defense, we never have to worry about our offense,” Locke said. “I have played with a lot of these girls since third grade, so we know where everyone is.”

Locke is excellent on offense averaging more than 26 points, seven assists, and five steals per game so far this season.

Last year she averaged 18.2 points, six assists, nearly seven steals, and four rebounds per game for the Spartans. She earned all-state honors in basketball for her efforts on the court.

Next year Locke will play at Lawrence Tech University in Southfield.

“I loved the atmosphere of a smaller school where I could come in and make a difference,” Locke said. “It just feels like home.”

Locke said going to a small school like Springport has been a pleasure. She participates in volleyball, basketball, soccer, and track and field at SHS. 

“I have formed a lot of great relationships with teachers, coaches, and people from Springport,” Locke said. “When you win something with other people (from your community) it feels so much better.

“I am proud of where I come from and all of the people who have helped me where I want to get to.”