Fischer Finds Her Range as Edison’s Deep Threat

There are no bulging biceps, no defined deltoids in Debbie Fischer’s arms.

Fischer, captain of the Edison High School girls’ basketball team, stands only 5-feet-6 and is actually kind of slight--skinny if you will.

Maybe that’s why so many defenders let her roam beyond the three-point rainbow.

Mistake.

Fischer, a senior guard, has emerged as one of Orange County’s premier three-point shooter. She set the county girls’ record for most three-pointers in a game with 10 Monday in a victory over Corona in the Savanna tournament.

She was just two off the state record of 12, which was reported to have been set by Kathy Lizarraga of Calexico two years ago. Lizarraga currently is playing for UC Irvine.

The Southern Section, however, has yet to recognize Lizarraga’s effort, instead listing the record as eight.

Fischer is well on her way to breaking the single-season record for three-point baskets (66), which was set last season by Linda Watson of Lynwood.

She has 38 and Edison (4-2) has played only six games.

Fischer, Edison’s leading scorer at 29.5 points per game, has shot 53% from the floor and 48% from three-point range.

“I haven’t seen anyone shoot three-point shots so consistently,” said Phillip Abraham, Edison’s first-year coach.

“They are just such beautiful, smooth shots. Most girls would have to throw it like a baseball from that distance, but she gets her feet under her and has a real smooth release.”

And a quick one. Fischer will pop a three as nonchalantly as if she were popping a soda.

“What’s interesting is she shoots them from three to four feet behind the line,” Abraham said.

Fischer stays after practice every day, practicing shots from beyond the 19-foot 9-inch line.

“I shoot 50 three-pointers to build up my stamina,” Fischer said. “I shoot from out of bounds (side line) just to get my strength.”

The work--along with a coaching change--has paid off. Last season, Fischer averaged 16.9 points but attempted only 11 three-point shots, making seven.

Part of the reason was then-coach Randy Williams wanted her to work the ball inside. But under Abraham, Fischer has the green light to shoot three-pointers.

“Her percentage is so high,” Abraham said, “I’d be dumb not to have her shoot.”

Or to leave her unguarded somewhere over the rainbow.