PORT CLINTON, Ohio — There is only one name that stands above the rest at Port Clinton High School when it comes to scoring in basketball. Her name is Da'Cariya 'DC' Lanier and as of Thursday, she has tallied 1,626 career points.
"I was just playing basketball. I didn't have any goals until my junior year when I realized how close I was," Lanier said. "Playing basketball has always been fun to me. It's my dream to play and I play every single day as best I can."
The 5-foot-2-inch guard has been on varsity since her freshman year. Despite her size, Lanier's grit continues to put stress on opponents. So much so that her name is associated with multiple school records including most career three-pointers made and steals in a career.
That talent and production helped land her a college team. In December, she signed to play with Siena Heights University.
On senior night last week, she scored 31 points against Edison to add to her list of personal bests in a game. When it comes to a favorite move Lanier enjoys utilizing, the pro hop is a go-to.
"I tend to shoot the ball a little bit higher or turn my body into them, knowing that they could block my shot," Lanier said. "When I move my body, it's hard for them to reach the ball."
That motion cemented Lanier into all-time No. 1 status after surpassing Adam Thorbahn for the school's leader in points scored on Jan. 30. A week prior, she broke the girls mark by surpassing Lindsay Mann Meek who had held the record since 1993.
"Thinking about it, it's honestly pretty cool to be that person. I've always dreamed of being at the top of something and now I've done it, so it's great," Lanier said. "It's great to see my community and friends happy for me. Being there for me throughout the whole journey has been awesome to see."
Her point total still has room to climb too before all is said and done. The Redskins finish the regular season at Huron before opening postseason play as a No. 5 seed against Clyde in the sectional semifinals on Feb. 22.
DC Lanier is WTOL 11's Athlete of the Week sponsored by Dave's Running.