Transferring from Cristo Rey St. Martin to Waukegan, Alexy Chapa stayed in the city for her senior year.
But that didn’t make it easy for the 5-foot-4 guard.
“It was a difficult decision for me,” she said. “I had a lot of emotions. I was scared leaving all of my friends from middle school. But I was excited about going to Waukegan. I knew I wouldn’t have all the weight on my shoulders in basketball at Waukegan.”
After three varsity seasons at Cristo Rey, Chapa has reenergized the Bulldogs (14-7, 6-3), who have a small roster of just nine players, fewer than other North Suburban Conference teams. She’s averaging 12.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.1 steals.
Chapa showed early in the season that she can make an impact, scoring 17 points against Buffalo Grove in the second game. She then scored 15 points in a conference win over Zion-Benton on Dec. 5 and 21 points with four 3-pointers in a rare conference win over Stevenson on Dec. 19.
“We needed another talented player like Lexy,” Waukegan coach Kanisha Pettis said. “She’s an elite ball handler and someone who can start our offense. She’s also a good shooter and has experience. She’s a good leader and sets the tone for us. We were missing that.”
Chapa said her experience at Cristo Rey made that possible.
“I was going to a school where basketball was not big there,” she said. “They were not playing basketball, like me, to play in college. They were doing it for fun. It taught me understanding and to be coachable and be a good teammate.”
Waukegan junior guard Evelyn Petty said she and Chapa have developed chemistry in the backcourt in their short time together.
“Alexy is such a talented player because her vision on the court is unmatched,” Evelyn Petty said. “She gets her teammates and is a positive rode model and always lifts her teammates up.”
Waukegan senior forward Hadassah Brown, who is also a standout volleyball player, said her friendship with Chapa dates back to elementary school and that she was was excited to have Chapa’s dynamic playmaking skills in the offense.
“Alexy sees the whole floor and knows how to create space, not just for herself but for her teammates,” Brown said. “She always looks to make the right play, whether that’s taking the best shot or setting someone else up for success.
“Even when she’s down, she leads with heart and confidence, pushing everyone to play at a higher level. Her court vision, leadership and elite mentality make her such a special player. Having someone as tough and talented as Lexy was a huge addition. We clicked right away.”
Chapa believes she has benefited too.
“It’s been nice going against girls my level or better and playing with teammates who know how to play basketball, allowing me to be pushed beyond my limit,” she said. “I’m happy to be here. It feels like a family.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
