It’s not hard to tell that Angel Reese is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. The superstar forward for LSU’s women’s basketball team carries the pride she has in her hometown in everything she does – her gritty play on the court, her swagger, and her affinity for trash-talking.
Reese has thrown out a pitch at an Orioles game, she prefers Old Bay over whatever seasoning they use on seafood in Louisiana, she’s a big fan of Lamar Jackson, and she loved watching highlights of fellow Baltimorean hooper Muggsy Bogues on YouTube.
So, when Baltimore hurts, Reese does too.
Earlier this week, on Tuesday morning, a cargo ship leaving the Port of Baltimore crashed into the Fracis Scott Key Bridge, causing it to collapse into the Patapsco River. Two bodies were recovered from the wreckage, and four people remain missing as of Friday.
In Albany, New York on Friday, LSU players spoke with reporters ahead of the Tigers’ Sweet 16 clash with UCLA. Reese was asked about the Key Bridge collapse by For The Win and shared her thoughts:
“My prayers are to everyone that hasn’t been found yet, and the ones that are found and are still suffering from injuries. I’m praying for Baltimore right now, and I hope everything gets resolved.”
Reese added that her aunt used to drive over the Key Bridge every day to get to work.
“And we drive over it to get to her house,” Reese said. “So, I’m not sure the route she’s taking right now or if she’s been able to go to work since then.”
The Tigers have had a lot of attention on them in recent weeks, and not just because they’re the reigning national champions. A scuffle with South Carolina in the South Carolina in the SEC tournament championship garnered headlines, and LSU coach Kim Mulkey has gone on the offensive regarding a still to-be-published Washington Post story about her. Mulkey declined to answer questions about the story on Friday.
Reese doesn’t seem to be bothered.
“We’re not distracted,” Reese said. “We’re still focused on the main goal.”
And she’s happy to be playing UCLA in Albany, which is just five hours from Baltimore.
“I’m happy to be closer to home,” Reese said. “My family is going to come to the game. It’s cold here – and I forgot my coat, but it’s coming tomorrow.”