Riley- She's Got Passion

 Today I have a conversation with Riley. Riley has started as a sophomore and as a junior on the varsity. While playing the point guard position, she has led the Streaks in scoring the past two years. As junior, she shot 50% from the field and 35% from threes.

It would be easy to say Riley is a “natural.” And while she has many physical gifts- she is has worked very hard to become a great player. Riley is “into it” as far as basketball. She is anxious to play, and eager to work on her game. In the spring and in fall she went to Jordan Delp’s Pure Sweat workouts. She watches and learns from Hudl and from watching games on TV. She is a student of the game. She has invested a lot to get her game to a high level. 

The great thing about Riley is that while she has been very successful on the varsity level as a sophomore and as a junior, she hasn’t let up. She is committed to basketball and anxious to elevate her game. This spring after about a week of “stay at home,” I got a text message from Riley. Her message, ”Can you give me things to work on.”

It is tough times, what has your average day looked like? What kind of things have you done?

I wake up early in the morning so I can try to get all my homework done. Then later on in the day I start doing my basketball workouts/routines. 

I bet you would never had said it, but what do you miss about school?

I miss seeing my friends and just being able to have fun and have a conversation with them. 

What are examples of the kinds of things you are being asked to do in your eLearning?

We are being asked to attend meetings. Also make sure our homework is turned in by the due date.

When you were younger, was there a Streaks player you admired?

Lexi Daniels because she sets good examples for others and makes good choices. She can also shoot the three.

As you look back on this past season, what about your individual game do you feel pride in what you were able to do?

I feel pride in being able to beat the press that teams put on me. Also that I was able to handle the pressure throughout the game. 

Any game in particular that stands out for you in this past year?

The game that stands out to me the most was the Moline game. I say that because when we played them at home I fouled out and we ended up losing. Then next time we versed them and we won and I had my highest scoring game(37).

As you look back on this past season, what is one thing about your game that you hope to be able to change or improve on? If you can, be specific. 

I want to improve on creating my shots more. Either with a move or off the dribble. Also being more confident to shoot more throughout the game instead of passing up a open shot. 

When people watch you play, what do you hope they would say about you?

That I am a hard worker and that I hustle on every play and give it my all.

During the stay at home, can you describe your best basketball workout?

I do my jumping workout to increase my vertical jump. Then do stuff with dumbbells and a dribbling routine. Then get 250-300 shots up. I do this 6 out of the 7 days of the week.

Last fall you had an opportunity to go to Jordan Delp's Pure Sweat for basketball training. How did those workouts help you?

The Jordan Delp workouts helped me by finishing at the rim consistently. Also with different kinds of footwork I could use. 

If you could get one person (famous or not famous) to come to your house and shoot basketball with you- who would you pick to shoot with? Why?

I would pick Stephen Curry because I have always liked how he plays. He could teach me all of his different moves he uses. Also all of his dribbling mechanics he works on. 

You and Kelsi Legge have a relationship like sisters. How did Kelsi help you when you played together?

Kelsi helped me by just feeling more comfortable while I was with them. She helped me with whatever I needed help with and she always made it fun (we always picked on each other). 

If you could say anything about basketball to your teammates, what you like to tell them?

I would tell them to keep working hard so we can have a fun and successful season next year. 

How can you and your teammates be better leaders?

By setting good examples for the team and keep pushing them to be the best. 

What do you hope to be able to do after high school? In terms of both basketball and what you study?

I want to continue to play basketball and study sports management or education.

Last question- if you could pick three people (living or dead) to come to supper, who would you choose?

I would choose Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Lebron James. I would choose them because they all could teach me something valuable I could add to my game.