by By Dan Ninham
Lexus Eagle Chasing was a 5-8, junior guard on the University of Minnesota-Morris basketball team. She is enrolled with the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe.
Lexus was awarded at the end of this season to the First-Team UMAC All-Conference finishing second overall in points per game with 17.3. She was also selected to the UMAC All-Defensive Team leading the UMAC in steals averaging 2.7 steals per game. Out of 10 games she reached double figures nine times with four of those times being in the 20’s. She was also named Heartland Orthopedics Cougar Athlete of the Week.
“EC” is Lexus’ nickname at UMM. “In EC’s first two seasons with us, we had seniors both seasons who were really our leaders and who we counted on in big spots,” said Tim Grove, head women’s basketball coach at University of Minnesota-Morris. “She was able in those years to be a major contributor to our teams without being the main focus of our opponents.”
“Coming into this past season, I told her that SHE is now our best player and that SHE was the one who needed to come up big in those big moments for us. I challenged her to play her best against the top teams in our league, knowing she would be at the top of their scouting reports and she did just that. She averaged just under 20 ppg against the three teams who shared the regular season championship this year. That is showing up in the big games, and that is displaying the drive to be great,” said Tim.
“EC has consistently shown the drive and willingness to work on her game and to improve her individual skills,” said Tim. “She is a true gym rat and uses her time in the gym wisely. I have challenged her again to continue to improve as a player, and I have no doubt she will. Big things are still ahead of her here at the University of Minnesota Morris!”
“My former high school coach Michael Brooks has positively influenced me as an athlete,” said Lexus. “Without his knowledge and encouragement I wouldn’t be where I am today. He believed in me when no one else did and not only that, but he trusted me and gave me the confidence I needed to excel in my basketball career. I am so blessed and thankful for him and all he’s done.”
“When Lexus transferred to Stevens HS she was worried and timid coming into a new situation,” said Michael Brooks. “Roles had been set for many years and I was a new coach. Throughout the season she transformed. She made amazing connections with her teammates and started to believe in herself once again. She became our go-to player on the offensive end when we needed a bucket. Her effort and focus allowed us to grow exponentially. She helped change our culture at Stevens and that started a transformation that still resonates today.”
“My parents have also been a positive influence on me as an athlete for my entire life,” said Lexus. “They’re my biggest supporters and number one fans. They give me great advice on what I need to work on to better myself. Whether I played good or bad in any sport I participated in, they always made sure I knew how proud they were of me.”
James Eagle Chasing, Lexus’ dad, talked about his daughter: “Lexus is naturally competitive. As the youngest child, she was always competing against her older brother and sister. She did not like to lose. As a family, we would walk or run this mile long trail. She always stayed in the front and if anybody got close to her, she would start to run so no one could pass her. As she grew older, we all started to realize that her ability and talent was the gifted type. She naturally was better at sports than most girls her age. So, Lexus started organized basketball in the 7th grade. By the 8th grade she was playing for the freshman basketball team at Central High School in Rapid City. She played in some varsity games as a freshman.”
“I think that she believed she should have been a starter on the varsity team as a sophomore but she never got the opportunity. That drove her to really change her practice routine,” added James.
“Lexus changed schools after her sophomore year, thinking she would have a better chance of being a starter in basketball,” said James. “Unfortunately, she had a substitute role during her junior year. She knew that time was running out to show people what she could really do as a basketball player, which made her practice even more. As a senior, her coach allowed her to start and all her hard work came to light.”
“Since Lexus started playing sports, we noticed she began to accumulate fans,” said mom Lourdes Parker. “It started with softball, in Huron, South Dakota. Parents would come up to us and praise her. They praised her on her speed and how good she was. Whether it be softball, volleyball, track or basketball, she had a small fan group. Others would make comments to James and I about how fun it was to watch her play, or how she did a great job, or good game. The most common statement from people was she is so exciting to watch.”
“Not only has basketball showcased her talent and competitiveness but it has showcased her other qualities such as compassion, selflessness, caring, drive, determination, dedication and loyalty,” said Lourdes. “She has displayed compassion for her team and other teams. She has been selfless with her teammates and makes sure they are all involved. She has proven that she cares by helping other team members off the floor or making sure her team is taken care of as a friend. Her drive, and determination is seen on and off the court. She once spent the entire summer focused on her three pointers and would shoot 300 3-pointers a day.”
“I’m currently taking this spring season off because I injured my right elbow during practice,” said Lexus. “I am taking the time needed to heal so I don’t further injury myself.”
“This off-season I am going to improve all areas of my game,” said Lexus. “I plan on getting in the gym every day and I’m fortunate enough to be able to play for two more years. I’m staying in Morris most of the summer so I will be able to get in the gym as much as possible.”
“My goals for next season are to lead my team to a championship title,” said Lexus.
Photo Credit: Nora Lund
I’m so thankful for what ndnsports does for our generations to come. Native people of this land are too easy overlooked. Ndnsports at least starts the creation of the awareness that we are strong people and just as capable.
My message to the top dogs is share the knowledge. Educate the next generations.