Cesar Tovar once gained acclaim with the Minnesota Twins by becoming the second player in Major League Baseball history to play all nine positions in a single game.
Lindsey Lindstrom can't match that feat -- after all, basketball only has five positions -- but that doesn't mean the Superior senior isn't as versatile for her high school team.
The 6-footer is equally adept at playing the post position inside the lane as she is at handling the ball on the perimeter. It's that style of game that gives the Spartans a decent chance when the Wisconsin playoffs roll around and put Lindstrom on a fast track to a Division II athletic scholarship.
"I don't like being designated as playing one position. I like playing all over,'' said Lindstrom, who will attend Michigan Tech this fall.
Though she may play small forward for the Huskies, Lindstrom's versatility with the Spartans (4-4) is a key to their season. She's averaging 19.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.5 blocks and 2.5 steals per game a year after averaging 18 points and 12 rebounds in leading the Spartans to a school-best 18-3 record.
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The two-time All-Lake Superior Conference first-team selection was named one of the 50 best Wisconsin players for this season by Wisconsin Women's Basketball Yearbook.
Her all-around game was on display during Superior's 45-37 win over Grand Rapids on Nov. 30. The Thunderhawks were unable to pressure the Spartans in the backcourt thanks to Lindstrom's ability to dribble and pass out of danger.
"She's a high-energy kid. She can shoot it from the outside and take it to the basket," Grand Rapids coach Adam Johnson said. "She likes to take it coast to coast unlike any other player we've seen this year."
Lindstrom said she usually played point guard coming up through youth traveling leagues, but a growth spurt forced her inside when she began her varsity career as a freshman. First-year coach Dan Schulz doesn't hesitate to use her on the perimeter -- or anywhere else on the court -- when needed.
"She handles the ball really well. We use her as an option against pressing [teams]," Schulz said. "Her biggest asset is she doesn't force anything. She's very unselfish."
When Lindstrom does move to the backcourt with 5-2 Britnee Blake, it gives defenses quite a contrast in height. But it's her presence inside the lane that causes opponents the most trouble. She's especially tough when paired with fellow 6-footer Laura Amys.
"She helps us out a ton,'' Amys said. "When we need a big shot, she's there. If we need a good ball handler, she's there. If Britnee needs help bringing up the ball, she helps her."
That likely will aid Lindstrom at the next level, too. Michigan Tech (9-4 heading into Wednesday's game at Grand Valley State) is one of the favorites in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
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"Lindsey will provide height and athleticism at the off-guard/small-forward position," Michigan Tech coach John Barnes said after Lindstrom signed a letter of intent. "She has excellent 3-point range and the ability to slash to the basket and score."
Lindstrom also visited Minnesota Duluth, Bemidji State and Northern Michigan before deciding on going to Houghton, Mich.
"I really liked the atmosphere and the people. I felt I was really wanted there,'' she said. "I could tell when I went there, that was the place I wanted to be."
RICK WEEGMAN covers prep girls basketball for the News Tribune. He can be reached at (218) 723-5302, (800) 456-8181 or e-mailed at rweegman@duluthnews.com
