On the basketball court, speed can usually help a player.

Sometimes though, there are instances where speed can be a detriment.

Northern Lehigh’s Aubrey Pollard knows both situations well.

“When I was younger, I was too fast for my own good,” recalled the senior. “People were telling me that I was too fast for what I needed to do. I just needed to get myself under control more.

“I knew that I had to get everything under control if I really wanted to play basketball.”

Fortunately for Pollard, she figured it out. It was a quick transformation for a late bloomer to the game that resulted in a stellar career and a college-bound player.

The DeSales University-bound player developed into a consistent and effective scorer for the Bulldogs, and became the 25th player (14th female) in school history to reach the coveted 1,000-point mark during a game against Palmerton on Dec. 18.

Heading into the Colonial League playoffs Saturday, the post player is averaging 17.86 points per game.

It was a moment much anticipated, but it still carried its share of aftershocks.

“I could see it coming, but it still is a surreal and emotional moment,” said Pollard. “When I was younger, I never thought something like this could happen. I had to process it and let it sink in. It finally hit me, and I never really thought about it playing the game. I just concentrate on doing whatever I can for my team out there.

“I’m more focused on winning the game because I am a very competitive person. When I was working to put everything together, I knew it could be special. But you know it’s there, and I had a sense of relief when it was over.”

Pollard didn’t begin playing basketball until the fifth grade due to some medical issues. She gained inspiration from her older sister, Jada Mills, who was a standout post player for the Bulldogs.

“My sister definitely helped me get used to the sport,” said Pollard. “She knew that I had trouble with ball-handling, and I was trying to do everything too fast.

“I always looked up to her, and I wanted to be a good player. During the summer before seventh grade, I knew I could score, but I still needed some more help.”

Enter Jermaine Wilson, a shooting coach, who worked with Pollard’s older sister. Wilson was confident he could reshape Pollard into a consistent scorer.

“She began taking it seriously when her sister started training with me,” said Wilson about Pollard. “Aubrey has grown since seventh grade. When I told her she was too fast for her body, it was about her working on her pace and body control. She has really worked hard on both of those things.

“She has grown, and the proof is in her ball-handling, shooting, footwork, and passing. She comes in on game days to go over moves so she can remember them for game time. She deserves everything she has coming to her because of the work she puts in behind the scenes.”

Yet, Pollard decided to take a take a different path after her freshman year, transferring to Executive Education. Pollard soon discovered it wasn’t a good fit, and she returned to Northern Lehigh for her junior year.

“I had trouble making friends, and it wasn’t comfortable,” said Pollard. “I had to transfer back.”

Pollard returned and helped her team to a PIAA first-round playoff game last season. Head coach Chris Heery was glad to see Pollard back in the blue and white.

“When she transferred back to Northern Lehigh, I knew she had the potential for scoring 1,000 points,” said Heery. “She rebounds hard, and it is tough for other teams to keep her off the boards.

“She is one of our key players, and other teams often key on her. She is able to score in our half-court offense, but she also scores in transition.”

This year, Pollard is one of four returning starters, and the Bulldogs hope to create some havoc in the upcoming postseason. As a result, Pollard hasn’t expected to have the spotlight solely on her.

“I do what I can to help lead the team,” she said. “There are other good players on the team, not only me. I know I am not the only one who can score. We think we can do some good things this postseason.”

Pollard is anxious to begin her next step in the DeSales women’s basketball program under head coach Fred Richter, where she will pursue a career as a physician’s assistant.

“They have a very good program for my major,” said Pollard. “They were at the top of my list. Coach Fred (Richter) showed me a highlight reel of my career, and I was really impressed with him and the program. It is a very good fit for me in many ways.

“I am just very grateful that they gave me the opportunity.”

Before she closes her high school career, Pollard welcomes the chance to bring her team back to the state tournament.

“I think we can make it fun,” said Pollard. “We believe we can ... make it through districts. We just need to take it one game at a time.”

As far as Pollard, she is one person who understands that it is important to control pace and speed.