Emily had a very good high school career. As a junior, she was first off the bench for a team that went 26-8, and was ranked 11th in Illinois. It was a team that beat Morton in the regular season, and then lost to Morton in the Sectionals.
As a senior, she had an outstanding season. She was First Team All-Conference, averaging 9.5ppg and 6.3rpg, while shooting 48% from the field and 60% from the line. The team didn't have the year they had hoped, going 15-16.
Emily wanted to play college basketball, and like many players she dreamed of playing D1. As an 18 year old, she got no D1 offers. She headed off to Parkland College in Champaign to play basketball. Her first year things were ok, but not what she had hoped for. The team went 16-14, while Emily started only 7 of 30 games. She led the team in rebounding with 6.4rpg and twice scored 18 points.
Things took off for Emily and Parkland this past year. They jumped to 24-7 with 5 of their 7 losses to nationally ranked teams. Emily emerged as a star for the team. She started all 29 times and averaged 27 minutes per game. She averaged a double-double with 16.1ppg and 11.0rpg, while shooting 54% from the field and 73% from the line. Emily has always been intense, but often got in foul trouble in high school. This past year, she averaged 2.0 fouls per game, and did not foul out any games.
It is not surprising to see Emily as a 20 year old being able to earn a D1 scholarship. She has always had the intensity and athleticism to play at that level. Scouts would describe Emily has having a "strong motor", in other words she goes and goes. She is nearly impossible to block out because of her level of activity.
Emily Meinert has always had a passion for basketball. It is part of her identity. When she was in high school, I could count on regularly getting a text from Emily, "Coach, can I come in and shoot." She did other sports- volleyball and track. In the Fall and Spring, she would come in during the evening to shoot. On Sundays during the season, she would come into shoot. And she didn't just put time in, she worked. I don't know how many drop steps that I have seen her shoot over and over. She would always leave dripping with sweat. What is it they say,"Take game shots at game speed."
It is exciting to see Emily's dreams coming true. She has earned the opportunity. I got to talk to Emily about high school, Parkland, and NIU.
What was the toughest adjustments as a college student?
Realizing that just because I didn’t have class from 8-3 didn’t mean I could sleep all day.
What was your favorite class at GHS?
Advanced PE
What was your favorite class at Parkland?
Forensic Science
What was your focus of study at Parkland?
Criminal Justice
Why did you choose NIU?
It is in the perfect spot for me, the offer was great, beautiful campus, the team was super nice and welcoming, the coaches were interested and are good coaches, also I think I would fit in great with their program.
What do you plan to study at NIU?
I will be studying Sociology with a certificate in Criminal Justice.
You had a great high school basketball career. What are some of your favorite memories from high school basketball?
Going to the Christmas Tournament every year or Playing at Purdue in the summer time.
Your team had a great year at Parkland, what are you most proud of?
Getting Parkland Basketball back to being a good and successful program. Last year was pretty bad and not fun, but this year my team definitely had fun and were successful.
For you personally, your season ended earlier than you had hoped. Could you describe what happened?
I got a concussion going up for a rebound on sophomore night in the beginning of the fourth quarter and I tried to get back and play but I wasn’t ready and couldn’t. My team made it to the Semi-finals of the Region 24 tournament but lost in double over time, but I was proud. The only way I would have got to wear my Parkland Uniform again was if we made it to nationals. But I would say I went out on a good win on Sophomore Night.
You had a good year as a freshmen, but had a great year this past year as sophomore. How has your game improved so much? Did you do anything in particular to improve your game so much?
I stayed in Champaign the whole summer between my freshman and sophomore year and was in the gym a lot. I had workouts with my coaches and would come i to the gym by myself and work on my shot. I became more confident and realized I hadn’t even got close to reaching my ceiling.
How was college basketball different than high school basketball?
Everyone you play is going to be good. You cant take breaks defensively or offensively. But one of the best differences is the shot clock.
Based on your high school experiences and your college experiences, what advice would you give to someone who will be playing for the Streaks next year?
Be confident in yourself because no one will believe in you more than yourself. Also make sure you appreciate being a Streak and take pride in that because it goes by fast and college ball is so different from high school.
If you were playing your sister, Kennedy, one on one- what would Kennedy's biggest strength?
Trash talking with me because she knows me better than anyone.
Last question for you- If you could invite three famous or not so famous people (living or dead) for supper- who would you have invite?
I would invite Kobe Bryant, Nipsey Russell, Michelle Obama.
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