Two torn ACLs later, Juliana Paddock gets lock on leadership for Sandburg. ‘It’s been a crazy ride.’

It may be a bit ironic that Juliana Paddock wears No. 13 for Sandburg.

After not one but two ACL tears in her high school career and a stress fracture that cost her a month of her senior season, you might think the 6-foot forward would want to change numbers.

But Paddock just keeps on keeping on, proving she can overcome any bad luck that comes her way, a trait that should prove important for the Eagles in the playoffs.

“It’s been a crazy ride for her,” Sandburg coach Nick Fotopoulos said.

No doubt. And the ride for Paddock continued on the upswing Saturday in a 60-46 nonconference victory over host Oak Lawn.

Paddock scored six points and grabbed five rebounds for Sandburg (17-12) but also was responsible for three blocked shots, all of which disrupted the Spartans’ offense.

She’s also an effective passer, which Fotopoulos appreciates.

“Whenever we can get the ball down low to her, the defense collapses,” he said. “When we’re able to get the ball inside, and three defenders collapse in, then we’re open for our shooters.”

That was the first quarter Saturday for Paddock. Case in point was midway through when she caught the ball in the lane and multiple players dropped down on defense for Oak Lawn (15-13).

No problem. Paddock kicked the ball out to sophomore guard Olivia Trunk, who promptly nailed a 3-pointer that propelled the Eagles and they never looked back.

After the game, Paddock reminisced on a rather interesting high school career, especially those two ACL tears.

“The first time I was a freshman, and it was in preseason, I think I dribbled the ball too far,” she said of the injury to her left knee. “It was the COVID season, so I didn’t miss too much.

“Junior year, I was trying to save the ball back in and there wasn’t even time left in the game. It was a fluke thing.”

That second one happened in January 2023. She wasn’t cleared to play until October, so that gave her time to think, and in effect, be another assistant coach for Fotopoulos.

If that implies she would like to coach someday, you would be right.

“I think for sure I will,” she said. “Especially after last year, I think it solidified that I love basketball, whether it’s watching or playing, so I think I would definitely want to coach it in the future.”

The other strength she has going for her is she’s a strong leader for the Eagles, according to sister teammates Annie Driscoll, a senior guard, and sophomore guard Ellie Driscoll.

“She has the most varsity experience on our team, so she’s very helpful with that,” Annie Driscoll said. “So her coming back and being on the bench, she was really helpful.”

Driscoll’s sister said you could tell the difference when Paddock is on the court this season compared to last winter.

“She brings a lot of energy to the team,” Ellie Driscoll said.

Paddock’s philosophy is to lead by example. Of course, when she was sitting out with her second ACL tear, she had to be more vocal, but it’s always better to model a strong work ethic.

“I don’t want to ever ask somebody to do something that I’m not doing myself,” she said. “Now that I’m on the court, I think it’s easier to communicate.”

With senior year and a wild high school career winding down, Paddock has been thinking about college. She wants to play basketball, of course, but she hasn’t made any decisions yet.

One thing she has figured out is she would like to study business analytics.

“I don’t want to sacrifice any academics,” she said. “So if an opportunity came that offered both, I’d be really happy.”

Gregg Voss is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.