By — Ronan Heykoop
On February 6th, 2020 Tuscarora history was made in the Tundra. Senior Guard, Isabella Middleton, became the all-time scorer in a 65-19 victory over the Independence Tigers. Middleton finished the night with a 24 point double-double, grabbing 10 rebounds, racking up 7 steals, and dishing out one assist. Her Older sister Kennedy Middleton previously held the record scoring 1633 points in her four years at Tuscarora.
Coach Newkirk who coached both Middleton sisters over the years said this when asked about their comparative game: “Yes they are both different players [but] they do share an intense competitive nature that separates them from average players. Bellah had more of an inside/outside game than her older sister. Bellah’s ability to hit the 3pt is a true game changer and big difference in her older sister. Where Kennedy had more length and was an outstanding finisher at the rim.”
That competitive nature that the both sisters presented would, as one could imagine, lead to quite the sibling rivalry. “She of course didn’t give me my props. She told me that it’s easier now than it was when she was there, but I know she’s proud of me,” said Middleton. Isabellah’s ability to shoot the 3-ball has been a key part of this Tuscarora offense this season as she has led the lady Huskies to a 16-4 record clinching the No. 2 seed in the Dulles district.
She continued, “I always loved basketball, but I really fell in love with it my junior year because it was when I was sure I wanted to play basketball in college and it was when I really started being super committed.” Isabella’s talent was evident as early as middle school which is where she was put on Newkirk’s radar, where he predicted that she would be a high level player. “As crazy as it may sound, I did. I had been following Bellah since 6th grade and knew she had the ability to defend, score and rebound at a high level. Once she arrived at THS and had an outstanding freshman season she confirmed what we thought prior to her coming in.”
Not too many people will reach this pinnacle in their lives, the way Isabellah summed up the moment was simple, “It felt so good and like such a big weight was lifted off my shoulders. I had been working for 4 years and I felt like my hard work had really paid off.” Another pinnacle Middleton reached was committing to play ball at the next level.
Isabellah has committed to Slippery Rock University in the fall of 2019; “I am just really hoping to change the culture and make us a winning team. I’m hoping to break records like I did here at Tusky. I want to become a legend at Slippery Rock and make a bigger name for myself.” As the “middle” Middleton leaves just as her older sister Kennedy did, she leaves big shoes to fill.
The youngest sister, Grace Middleton is currently a freshman at Tuscarora and is putting up significant numbers on varsity as well. She shows that same raw talent that her older sisters demonstrated. Isabellah hinted to Grace’s abilities to fill her shoes, “I hope she does to be honest. It’s a Middleton dynasty going on and it would be great to pass the torch on to her.”
