I need to be honest. Antonia Kisler is not having a good year at Sandburg. Antonia is having a GREAT year at Sandburg. She has started the last 20 games, shooting 41% from the field, 84% from the line, averages 15.3points, averages 9.3 rebounds, and she has 10 double-doubles on the season.
Since January 1, she has scored in double figures every game. She is averaging 19.9 points per game, and has double-doubles in 5 of last 8 games.
From my perspective, it is so exciting to see a player like Antonia succeed in college. Her work ethic is elite, and her unselfishness is what every coach dreams of having on their team. So Antonia’s success is not an accident.
I reached out to Antonia and to Coach Kellen Fernetti to talk to them about Antonia’s season and future.
Massey- As her high school coach, I thought she would be a good player on the college level because of her work ethic, athleticism, and skills. Coach, a lot of people think a HS player needs to be a big scorer to draw college attention. It was obvious to me that Antonia was a player you had really targeted to recruit. What did you see in Antonia that made you think she would be successful in college?
Cocach Fernetti- One of the things I noticed about Antonia was a summer league night at Galesburg when a game didn't happen because a team didn't have enough players that day. During that time slot, Antonia got the Shooting Gun out and got in shots in between games. That showed the dedication necessary to be the player she is. From there, we did all we could do in recruiting for Antonia to be a Charger.
Massey- High school players are used to having their off-season organized with camps and summer league, so when they go off to college it is up to you to do the work. Antonia, it was obvious this summer that you were putting in the work. What motivated you to get after it.?
Antonia- I knew there was going to be competition within the team for spots, and because it was college there were people coming from across the country. Knowing those girls were coming from out of state, made me realize that I had to work even harder. I wanted to make sure that I was good enough to start and play minutes. My goal was to be more of a versatile player, so I could fill any spot.
Massey- There are obvious difference between college and high school basketball. The court is 94 feet instead of 84 feet which requires more athleticism. The players go from the oldest to the youngest. Coach, what is the biggest adjustment that a HS player has to make to be successful in college?
Coach Fernetti- College Basketball is a long season and you must take care of your body and mind to be ready for it. At our level we can start workouts when all the players move in in August. Our season officially starts with practice in October, but we get a number of hours we can work with the team before that. At the NJCAA level we can scrimmage 4 times in October, and we get 30 games in the regular season, then it's postseason time end of February. It's the longest season of basketball many of these players will play. Keeping confidence is also highly important. At this level, the majority of the teams we play have rosters full of all-conference, all-state type players. There will be ups and downs for a freshman, but you can never lose your confidence.
Massey- Antonia, what do you find different playing college vs high basketball?
Antonia- The pace is definitely a little faster. There is a lot of back and forth, and the quarters are longer too. The guards are a little faster and quicker, and the forwards are taller.
Massey- Coach, for people who saw Antonia play in HS and have not seen her play at Sandburg, how has she grown in as a player?
Coach Fernetti- Antonia has really expanded her driving ability and handling the basketball. She's even played some point guard for us at times this season! Antonia has been a tough match up for teams because she's a tremendous athlete, and can score at the rim, post up, midrange and the 3. She also has been impressive with her passing. We're able to run some isolation plays for her to score or create for teammates.
Massey- Antonia, how has your game changed from where it was in high school?
Antonia- I have changed a lot offensively, I would say. I still shoot like I did my senior year, but I drive a lot more, bring the ball up sometimes, and do a lot of midrange shots. Defensively, I can play on both guards and forwards.
Massey- Coach, What does the future hold for Antonia?
Coach Fernetti- The future for Antonia is unlimited. She is everything you want in a program. A tremendous person, student, teammate and player. 1st to the gym last to leave type player. She's all about the team. And, she can really play multiple positions on the basketball floor. Wing and forward. And she has a motor that is always at a high level competes and plays hard. A four year school is going to get a gem with Antonia!
Massey- Now with the court decision, you can play at Sandburg two years and then could play four years at a four-year school. What do you see in the short-term and long-term future?
Antonia- I hope to have another great season at Carl Sandburg for my sophomore year and really keep working on my game. Following that I am unsure of where I will go, but I am looking into playing at a four-year after here.
Massey- Coach, how good has Antonia been?
Coach Fernetti- The last 10 games for Antonia has been a tremendous string of games. We had an injury to our team and she has stepped up big time. What's been so impressive with her has been many of these games she's been close to getting a triple double, which is a hard thing to do in college ball or any level. It took us some time to get some key set plays going this year, and the success we've had with a few is for Antonia. She has a great feel for the game and plays so hard. I couldn't be more proud of the year she's had and she's going to put the work in to be even better next season
Massey- Antonia, what advice would you have for a high school player, who wants to play in college?
Antonia- My advice is to work hard every day, even when you don’t want to. It will all pay off in the long run. Also, have a competitive drive to make yourself and your teammates better. And be a great team player. There are different roles you have to play on every team, so do what you can with it and just enjoy playing the sport you love!
Massey- As a coach, you always like to see hard workers rewarded. Galesburg basketball has had many hard workers, but none worked any harder than Antonia.
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