When did she achieve the feat and other rare accomplishments of the 2x WNBA

Modified Mar 03, 2023 21:00 GMT

When it comes to trailblazers in WNBA history, Lisa Leslie is one of the first names mentioned. During her 12 years in the league, she was an incredible talent who helped try grow the popularity of professional women’s basketball.

Lisa Leslie achieved many great fets during her career, but one stands out above the rest. Before she entered the pros, she did something that the sport has rarely seen.

While in high school, Leslie scored 101 points in a single game. What makes that mark even more impressive is that she did it in one half.

In just 16 total minutes of action, Leslie managed to rack up over 100 points. She scored 49 points in the first quarter and then followed that up with 52 in the second. Leslie knocked down 37 of her 56 shot attempts and converted 27 free-throws.

What other accomplishments did Lisa Leslie have in her career?

After scoring 101 points in high school, Lisa Leslie went on to play for USC in college. From there, her journey in the WNBA began.

Leslie was part of the 1997 WNBA allocation draft. She was taken seventh overall by the LA Sparks, just after fellow icons Cynthia Cooper and Sheryl Swoopes. In her first season, Leslie averaged 15.9 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.1 blocks.

Following the 2009 season, Leslie decided to call it a career. The 6-foot-5 center appeared in 363 total games and finished with averages of 17.3 points, 9.1 points and 2.3 blocks.

As for her accolades, Leslie was an eight-time All-Star, three-time MVP, three-time All-Star MVP and two-time WNBA champion. The LA Sparks legend was inducted into the basketball Hall of Fame in 2015. Other inductees in her class include Dikembe Mutombo, John Calipari and longtime NBA referee Dick Bavetta.

Looking at the WNBA all-time rankings, Leslie is tenth in points (6,263), sixth in rebounds (3,307) and second in blocks (822). She will always be in the history books as the first woman to dunk in a WNBA game.

Leslie made her most recent appearance in Utah during All-Star weekend as she served as a judge for the dunk contest.