JESSIEVILLE -- There is nothing subtle about Kellie Lampo when the 6-1 junior receives a pass underneath the basket.
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Lampo's intentions are clear: She thrives on contact.
"I love to get in the middle, be physical, show my strength and play hard," Lampo said. "I love the physicality of the game, and I love going against other tough players."
"She's kind of a bully," Jessieville Coach Matt Carter said. "And I say that in a good sense. I'm trying to teach her how to be more of a finesse [player] as far catching the ball and making a move off a bounce. But she'd just rather make a Shaquille O'Neal-type of move and score on you that way. The more contact, the better for her because that's just the type of player she is. She likes it rough and most times she can endure the physical contact."
Lampo's size is an advantage especially when she's being double- and triple-teamed, which happens almost every game. Despite being constantly hounded by defenders, Jessieville's strong-armed post player is averaging 23 points, 12 rebounds and a sufficient amount of bumps and bruises per game.
"It's been like that the entire year," Carter said. "It's a tough deal. I've told her she's going to have to play every shot as if it were an 'and-one' because sometimes she will get the calls and sometimes she won't get the calls. She can't get frustrated because when you play down where it's more condensed and more physical. She's fine with it. She has a great attitude about it."
A competitor both in games and practice, Lampo has occasionally sent teammates ducking from one of her elbows.
"I don't even know that I'm doing it," Lampo said. "It just happens. ... I'm so sorry that happens, but it's something that we can all laugh about. We're a really close team, and it's something we can joke about."
Carter does not joke about Lampo's strength.
"I can't tell you how strong she is," Carter said. "I'll get out [on the practice floor] and sometimes I'll try to push around on her and guard her. But I don't want to guard her. She's incredibly strong. You'd have to get out there to explain it. Honestly, I feel sorry for other players who have to guard her."
Lampo has strengths other than her physical ability. She is also a 71 percent free-throw shooter and Carter raves about her hands and footwork.
"She catches the ball like a wide receiver," Carter said. "She has tremendous hands and they seem to get better every game."
Lampo had a solid sophomore season, but she began to earn even more attention during last season's state tournament. Lampo turned in a 40-point, 20-rebound performance in a semifinal loss to Valley Springs.
This season, the Lady Lions are 16-4 and 8-0 in the 3A-5 Conference. Senior Madison Hair (13.9 points per game) and junior Faith Bratton (7.1 points) have helped keep some pressure off Lampo.
"My teammates have made this a very enjoyable experience," Lampo said. "I think we have great chemistry and just to get out there and play with them is a pleasure."
There is no doubt, however, that the Lady Lions are hoping to ride Lampo's bruising style to some postseason success.
"I'm not saying she's the best player in Class 3A, and I'm not saying she can't be stopped, but I do think she's the most dominate player for her position," Carter said. "That's just what I believe."
Sports on 01/31/2016