At T.A. Dugger Middle School in Elizabethton, Baughman set a school scoring record. At Elizabethton High School, she starred four years and was named last season’s Johnson City Press player of the year.

Still, Baughman’s freshman year at Milligan College has even surprised herself. Through 24 games she is leading the Lady Buffaloes in scoring with 12.2 points per game and rebounding with 6.8 rebounds per game.

“I figured I would get to play, but I didn’t think I would get to start or play this much,” said Baughman. “This season has gone really, really well. We’ve won some big games and we have a chance to finish first or second.”

Baughman is part of a standout freshman class that includes Leah Anderson, Renee Ensor, Rose Pezzimenti and Hali Sparks.

“I’ve played against Hali (Sparks) and Renee (Ensor),” said Baughman. “Hali and I were like big rivals in high school. Now she’s one of my good friends.

“It’s different coming from high school to college, but I like playing for coach (Rich) Aubrey. It’s a different pace, the game is faster.”

Aubrey has been pleased with the newcomers’ input. He has kept things simple for the team, running a motion offense with a lot of man-to-man defense.

The formula has worked, with his Lady Buffs 15-9 overall and 12-3 in the Appalachian Athletic Conference. They are in third place, a half-game behind Virginia-Wise, heading into this evening’s game against Brevard.

“I’m excited our entire freshman class has had such an impact,” said Aubrey. “Rikki has played really well. She’s done a really good job and it’s contributed to our success.

“This has been a fun (conference) race. The next two weeks are going to be fun as well. Bryan and UVa-Wise go head-to-head this weekend and we go to Bryan next week. Those are big games, but every other game becomes big for the three teams, not just the head-to-head matchups.”

He also emphasized the veteran leadership on the Lady Buff team.

“This has been an enjoyable year,” said Aubrey. “It’s been an easy and fun group to coach. I attribute that to every individual on the team. The upperclassmen have done a great job of modeling and welcoming the freshmen.

“People don’t understand how important it is for the upperclassmen to buy into having the freshmen play a lot. Our upperclassmen have been great about it. They haven’t at all been selfish or resentful of the younger players. They’ve done their part to make them be successful.”

Their attitude has helped Baughman adjust to the college game quickly. She ranks second in the AAC in offensive rebounds and is tied for ninth in the defensive rebound category. Baughman also ranks second in the league in blocks. Still, these are areas of her game she feels needs the most work.

“Defensively and rebounding I need to improve,” said Baughman. “In college, it’s difficult to rebound. I feel like I will have someone boxed out and they will come around me. I need to work on that a little more.

“The players are taller, but if you box someone out, you should be able to get the rebounds. I’m able to pick up some blocked shots, but that where I also get a lot of my fouls at.”

When Baughman has been the one going to the free throw line, she has been outstanding. A shooting percentage of .838 ties her with Allison Fowler of Union College for second in the conference and 23rd nationally.

Her prowess at the foul line is no accident. It has come after hours practicing with her father, Rick a former head coach at Elizabethton High School.

“In high school, my dad and I used to shoot free throws all the time,” said Baughman. “You have to look at it like they are free, so you have to make them.”