Lindell Wigginton came to Oak Hill his sophomore year. Last year was a learning curve for the talented point guard from Canada. Not many sophomores have a chance or opportunity to play for the prestigious national powerhouse. The majority of playing time is delegated to seniors and sometimes juniors. Sophomores may not get as much playing time in actual games, but the experience of practicing against the best players in the country on a daily basis is immeasurable. Now, it is starting to pay dividends.
This season opened up and Wigginton was getting more playing time, but didn’t crack the starting lineup. However, life is about opportunity and Wigginton quickly opened that door and walked confidently through it. After an early season road bump when Oak Hill got upset in the Phenom Hoops National High School Showcase, Coach Steve Smith made a few changes to the lineup. Coach Smith stated, “since we inserted Lindell in the starting lineup at the 2 spot, we have won 10 consecutive games. He has been our leading scorer over that span of those ten games and was named the MVP in our tournament win last weekend. He is scoring off the bounce as well as shooting a high percentage from three.”
Since joining Matt Coleman in the backcourt, they have formed one of the toughest backcourts in the country. We have been impressed with his tremendous poise and maturity demonstrated on the court. Wigginton is much improved over last season and has gotten more explosive off the bounce and more aggressive offensively. During our preseason open gym tour, we stated, “Lindell Wigginton has strength and long arms, which allows him to play bigger than his listed height. While it is early, Wigginton’s game reminds me of a younger Kendall Marshall. Wigginton plays with poise and is always looking up to make the “pitch ahead” outlet pass. His court vision and play making ability are high level. In addition, he is an above average outside shooter, but is excellent is coming off screens. Without question, Wigginton is tracking as one of the premier point guards in the 2017 class.”
Overall, we have continued to be impressed with his maturity and competitive spirit. He has excellent strength and poise and should be in the national conversation as one of the better guards in his class. Currently, Wigginton is averaging 16.9 PPG and is shooting 59.4% from the floor (FGA/FGM 101-60) and a very efficient 47.8% from the 3-point line (3PA/3PM 46-22). In addition, he is shooting 67.5% from the free throw line. Wigginton is also averaging 2.7 APG, 1.9 RPG, and 1.2 SPG.
Wigginton sports offers from Florida State, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Boston College, and Murray State while schools like Georgia, Georgia Tech, California, Missouri, Arizona State, Mississippi State and Wake Forest showing sincere interest. Wigginton has exercised tremendous patience and hard work. Now, his patience and work works is paying off and it couldn’t happen to a better young man.