Lily- Shows Energy

Lily has faced adversity and just kept going. As a sophomore she was in the middle of great season and she hurt her knee in a skiing accident. It resulted in her missing the rest of the season and the entire summer of basketball. This past season she had games where she played and others she only played a little. It is not easy when you have been a “regular” your entire career to not play as much.

Lily has continued to be positive thru her injury and during the past season. Her enthusiasm has made her successful in basketball. She has a great combination of athleticism and energy. This past year, when she got a turn, she was ready to go. She had a game this past year where she hit shot after shot to open up a close game.

We are confident she will work hard this off-season and continue to grow as a player. If anyone can handle "stay at home", it is Lily- she will keep bringing energy. I am anxious to see how much she has improved when we get back together!

Here are her thoughts…

What is your average day like during the stay at home?

I’ve been trying to wake up around 10 everyday. I usually eat something when I wake up, get ready, and start my homework. Then I go outside and do some sort of exercise. It could be shooting, running, or going on a bike ride. As long as I do something. 

What do you miss most about school?

I miss seeing my friends everyday. Having interactions in person and over social media aren’t really the same. 

So far in high school, what has been your favorite class?

I really like band. Everyday during 4th block I got to play music with my friends. Class would be serious sometimes but in class we would always have fun learning and playing together. 

What have your eLearning classes been like?

Online classes are definitely harder. You have to motivate yourself more because you aren’t sitting in a classroom. Nobody is forcing you to do work besides yourself. It’s your job to check classroom everyday and to get your assignments turned in on time. 

What's been the best show, movie, or series that you have watched during stay at home?

Outer Banks is a new show to Netflix and it is really good. I find myself watching several episodes at a time because of how good it is. I highly recommend it. 

What's been your favorite stay at home meal, and who fixed it?

For my birthday my mom made chicken spaghetti. It’s cheesy pasta with shredded chicken. My mom is a very good cook and has been making us healthy meals during quarantine. 

When did you start playing basketball?

I’ve been playing basketball for as long as I can remember. I was in Jr. Streaks and found a love for the game well before that. I still have the gold uniform with the number 4 on the back from my first year as a Jr Streak. I’ve worn the number ever since. 

As a young player, did you have any Streaks players you looked up to?

I’ve always looked up to Jessica Howard. I remember going to the camps at Knox and GHS and she would always help me and motivate me. Seeing her name and picture in the locker room along with the records she holds has always inspired me to try harder and to always push myself. 

Any favorite memories from grade school and/or junior high?

In 8th grade at the Lombard vs Churchill game, we were down by 3 with a few seconds left on the clock. Riley drove down the lane and kicked the ball out to me on the wing. I’m took the last second 3 and it swished sending us into overtime. The entire team crowded around me jumping with huge smiles on our face. We ended up winning the game after losing the year before. 

 In evaluating your own game, as you look back on this past season, what part of your games do you view as your strength?

I think one of my biggest strengths is my shooting. I had a shooting percentage of around 52%. I’m also a great motivator on and off of the court. I try to spread positivity and encourage others. Winning doesn’t just take good players, it takes a good team. 

In evaluating your own game, as you look back on this past season, what is something about your game that you hope to work on and become better at?

I want to improve my shooting, ball handling, and I want to drive the ball more. I also want to increase my speed and defense. 

This past season, what are some of your best memories?

Some of my favorite memories are the team dinners, pre game rituals, and lifting. I feel like we had fun wherever we went. Arleta was my pre game and weights partner and she always made me laugh. We pushed each other and we became close friends because of basketball.

What do you hope teammates would say about you?

I hope they would say I’m a hard worker, a good friend, and a leader on and off of the court. 

Do you have any words of encouragement for your teammates?

Some words of encouragement for my teammates would be don’t give up. I know this time is hard and I miss all of you very much, but it is our job to continue the tradition of being hard working basketball players. We need to show the future players that being part of this team is important and we can overcome anything with dedication and hard work. I wish you all the best and stay healthy!

During the stay at home, if you could have anyone in the world come shoot with you, who do you pick?

I would probably pick Stephen Curry to come shoot with me. His ball handling and shooting drills are crazy and I feel like he could offer me some great advice that would improve my game. 

Who wins your family horse championship?

I usually win the games of horse at my house. My brother did beat me once though with a crazy hook shot. But other than that I would consider myself the horse champion. 

If you could invite any three  people (living or dead) for dinner, who would you invite?

I would invite Kobe Bryant, Sabrina Ionesco, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to dinner with me. I would talk to Kobe about his legacy and hard work. I would ask Sabrina about her road to the WNBA and how great it feels to have finally made it to her dream. And finally I would ask Kareem for some words of wisdom about basketball. I would ask him about his dedication and how the game has changed compared to when he was in the league.