Q: Now that you’ve had a little while to process it, what will you remember most about this season?
A: Probably just teammates and stuff like that. For being in the final four last year and having a tough loss, we came back and we had to push even harder. I know we didn’t get as far, but we really had a great bond and just overcame everything and kept pushing.
Q: You kind of took on a different role this season than in the past, particularly because you were more of a facilitator, and you had a lot of weapons surrounding you. Did you like that?
A: I’m always trying to incorporate my teammates [into the offense] in any way possible. I do not want to be known as a selfish player at all. I want to be able to help my teammates have [good] stats also.
Q: What kind of adjustments did you have to make this year with opponents going into each game knowing you’d be the girl to stop?
A: I guess you just have to recognize the situation and go off of what they’re giving you. If they’re face-guarding me, I have to find other ways to get open. Maybe get someone to set a screen for me, do a little change in direction.
Q: You were also really big on the glass. Is that something you’ve worked on — whether it’s boxing out, reading where the ball will fall — or is it just you wanting the ball more?
A: It’s really a lot of everything. You have to be aggressive to get the rebound. You have to box out, or you’re not gonna get it. Really you have to focus on every aspect to be able to perform.
Q: What was it like when you stepped off the court for the last time in your high school career?
A: Very emotional. It was just like a flash before my eyes. All four years were just gone. We were really excited for that game and hoping we would win, and I kind of was thinking we would go to the next round, but everything happens for a reason, and we fought really hard. I have no regrets about the season or anything like that.
Q: You came up just shy of 2,000 points. Is that disappointing, or are you of a glass half full person?
A: Well, I mean, yes, I would’ve loved to have gotten 2,000, but honestly, I tried my best. In some situations I probably could’ve taken mine, but I want to incorporate my teammates, and I want to be able to have everyone be successful. In everything, it’s not just about me. We did really well this year.
Q: What’s it like to be your school’s all-time leading scorer?
A: It’s pretty cool. I mean, like, I used to look at Anitra Thomas [Class of 2014, 1,355 career points], and I’d be like, ‘Wow, she’s the leading scorer. That’s so cool.’ Now, I look at myself and I don’t feel that cool. It just kind of happened.
Q: What are you most proud of in your career, both personally and as a member of a team?
A: Probably just getting the job done. Being able to set records at the school, and even as a team, we [made history] last year winning a region championship (they were the only team at Brookville to accomplish the feat). And we, as a team, went to the final four; we went the farthest ever. In my freshman year, I set a goal for myself to get 1,000 points and be the best I can be and keep working hard and get a scholarship, so I guess I’m most proud that I accomplished those things.
Q: What is your favorite memory in your career — a game or moment, for example?
A: Probably winning that region championship. That was something we were really working hard for that had never happened, ever. And the emotions right after the game were [incredible]; I even have a picture of Chelsie [Moran] jumping on my back. It was a great moment.
Q: What’s the biggest lesson you’ll take from coach Warner Dyke?
A: He’d always say to have fun and put your most effort into the game. He would always say he’s not just coaching us for the game, he’s coaching us for life. So [as with] all aspects of the game, he would want you to work just as hard in life.
Q: What’s your ultimate goal for basketball, and what are your other aspirations?
A: In basketball, definitely going in as a freshman, I want to be able start, but I’m gonna have to work hard to do that. We’ve got some great players up there [at Kent State], so I’m gonna have to work my butt off in the offseason and get stronger. And then academically, I want to be able to keep my straight A’s, because I want to be a physical therapist, so I have to be able to perform in the classroom.
Q: If you could play for any coach from any level, who would it be?
A: I honestly have no idea. Just going into this, my main goal was just to find a school that I felt comfortable with, because sometimes college coaches seem one way on TV but they’re totally in their program. So, really, when I got to Kent State, they welcomed me with opened arms. I just felt at home there.
Q: What’s your favorite food?
A: I like shrimp Alfredo, or chicken. But I also like pizza. Pizza’s really good.
Q: What’s your favorite movie?
A: I really like the movie “Coach Carter,” because it brings in basketball and life lessons.
Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
A: “One Tree Hill.”
Q: What advice would you give to other players or other high school kids?
A: I would say work hard in every aspect, in school and in sports. That’s what gets you to where you want to be, is when you keep working hard. Even when it’s not working out, you need to keep pushing through it.
Q: If you could do your high school career all over again, would you change anything?
A: Probably not. I worked hard from the beginning. I would [focus] on every moment and not think about, ‘Oh, we have another game next week,’ or anything like that.