Abby- Keeps Competing

 Abby is coming off a great year with the Frosh-Soph team. From her freshmen to her sophomore year, she really improved her range and became a strong three point threat. Her outside shooting often would break games wide open for the Frosh-Soph team.

While she is a good shooter, her greatest strength has been her competitiveness. She is ready to compete, whether in games or in practice. She has always played the game hard, and never backed down from competition. As a result, she always goes hard. Her competitiveness drives her to work hard in practice, and has resulted in continual improvement.

Playing the game of basketball is the fun part. Working on individual skills is the grind. It is tough not getting to play in open gyms and pickup games, but it is also an opportunity for players to work on their individual skills. Since Abby is never one to back down from a challenge, I anticipate she will attack the present situation. I am anxious to see how much Abby’s shot improves as she works on it this spring and summer!

Here are some thoughts from Abby:

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

I usually wake up around 9:00, then I eat breakfast while I start my classes. After that I do a strength workout then go outside and shoot and do other drills. 

What do you miss most about school?

I miss my friends and just being able to see other people a lot. I also really miss getting to go to open gyms and playing with my teammates. 

What have your eLearning classes been like?

They’ve been tough, especially pre-calc. My teachers are all providing lots of help and material though, so I’ve been able to do pretty well. 

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

My favorite meal has definitely been steak and potatoes. My dad makes the best steak. 

When did you start playing basketball?

I started playing when I was really young. My dad was mine and my brother’s coach, so he got a ball in our hands as soon as he could. 

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

I absolutely loved Junior Streaks. It was the only opportunity I got to play with a lot of my friends and future teammates since I went to Costa. 

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 view my shot and my defense as two strengths for me. I think I was able to make some big plays and I was counted on to hit some big shots last season. 

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 think I need to continue getting better at my shot and finishing. I also really want to work on my court vision. I think court vision is one of the most important aspects of the game and seeing openings in the defense and seeing my teammates when they’re open is something I really want to become good at. 

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

Coach Rux’s post game selfies were one of my favorite parts of the season. I also really loved just playing with all of my friends and the great teamwork we had. 

What do you hope teammates would say about you?

I hope they would say I’m a good leader and a kind, positive person. 

Do you have any words of encouragement for your teammates?

Everyone on the team has so much potential, so I would tell them to keep working hard now so it can really pay off during the season. 

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 Markus Howard. He has one of the best jump shots I’ve seen and I really look up to the type of person and player he is. I think he’d really be able to help me on having a quick release, getting off tonight shots, and finishing good on drives. 

Who wins your family horse championship?

Sadly, Justin usually wins. But our games have gotten a lot closer and I’ve definitely been winning more than I used to. 

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

That’s a really tough question. I would definitely invite Kobe Bryant because he’s such an inspiration and was an amazing player. I also would probably invite Michael Jordan because I’ve looked up to him ever since I was really young, and I love how he played his heart out every game. The last person I’d invite would either be my dad or my brother, because I know how much they both look up to Kobe and Jordan and I’d want them to be at the supper to meet them.