March 19, 2017 by Bryan Cook

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Isabella Solis

ScoreStream's Ones To Watch
#nextladylegend, #WomensHistoryMonth, Arroyo Grande, high school, Isabella Solis, Next Lady Legend, scores, sports, water polo, Women's History Month

We are excited to introduce you to our last finalist from the #NextLadyLegends campaign! Remember, beginning the week of March 20th YOU will have your chance to vote for our NATIONAL WINNER! Read more about this campaign here, read ALL of our finalist interviews here and check out the action on twitter using #NextLadyLegend.

For our last Finalist of our #NextLadyLegends contest, ScoreStream wanted to showcase someone that had shown heart, determination, and an attitude of perseverance. As we scoured the nation, we found ourselves casting our attention in to the deep blue pool of the Arroyo Grande’s Water Polo team. There we found senior center, Isabella Solis. No more than a year ago, Solis was dealing with an injury and was forced to miss the playoffs her junior year. If any of you have dealt with an injury, it can be both frustrating and demoralizing. However, that wasn’t the mindset of Solis. She worked throughout the off-season to come back and was able to lead her team her senior season. With Solis’s help, Arroyo Grande’s Women’s team posted a 19-7 overall record and were able to win their 13th consecutive league title led by Solis scoring 50% of the goals in the league championship game. After their impressive season ScoreStream was able to catch up with her to ask her some questions we thought our viewers may have.

SS: How did you begin playing sports?

IS: I started out playing sports when I was very young, around 5-6, I played basketball all the way from kindergarten to eighth grade. But then my freshman year I was introduced to the sport of water polo. I have stuck with it ever since!

SS: If you were going to choose one emoji to describe yourself, what would it be and why?

IS: I would be the crying laughing face emoji 😂 because my team and I are always laughing!

SS: What female in your life is the most inspirational?

IS: My mom is the most inspirational female in my life because she is my number one fan and cheerleader! I know that life can be hard but her presence always motivates me to keep pushing through and always try your hardest!

SS: Do you have any pre-game rituals to get you pumped up for game day?

IS: I always try to stay relaxed before games and keep it loose! My goal is to play a calm and collected game, and I prepare accordingly hoping that everything runs smoothly!

SS: What players or coaches have most influenced you to be the player you are today?

IS: All the coaches that are involved in the Arroyo Grande Water polo team have played a part in influencing me as a player. I have to say Catherine Gritton, who is a volunteer coach for our team. She has truly encouraged me and helped me really develop as a person and as a water polo player. It has really been a blessing to be involved with the program and have her and our head Coach, Steven Allen, leading the way for us.

Want to follow high school and club sports in real-time? Download the ScoreStream app for free here: Itunes or Google Play

March 17, 2017 by Bryan Cook

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Taylor York

We are excited to introduce you to our next finalist from the #NextLadyLegends campaign! We will continue to release interviews for each finalist, and beginning the week of March 20th YOU will have your chance to vote for our NATIONAL WINNER! Read more about this campaign here, read ALL of our finalist interviews here and check out the action on twitter using #NextLadyLegend.

From the San Luis Obispo County, California, ScoreStream is proud to present to you our #NextLadyLegend finalist Taylor York. York is Arroyo Grande’s secret south paw’d weapon. She is a counter attack specialist that has an innate ability to simply “out-swim” the opposition. We were drawn to her through a video we found of her nailing a cross cage top corner bar in! After she helped her team post an incredible 7-0 league record we were able to catch up with her and ask her some aquatic questions we thought some of our viewers may have.

SS: How did you begin playing sports?

TY: I began playing sports in first grade when my parents signed me up for soccer. I was definitely competitive but I quickly found out that I am not much of a “land animal”, I have weak ankles and terrible balance. It wasn’t until my freshman year that I decided to walk onto the water polo team and I’ve been hooked ever since.

SS: What do you think of when you think of Women’s History Month?

TY: When I think of Women’s History Month I think of female empowerment. Sometimes I find myself taking for granted the struggles that Women through history have endured in order to give me the life I am able to live today. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to compete on a sports team or be able to be a leader with a voice. If it wasn’t for The Women’s Suffrage Movement and every woman who stood up, my life would be drastically different.

SS: What female in your life is the most inspirational?

TY: My mom is the most inspirational female in my life because she is a natural born leader. She has a gift of getting people to rally behind a certain cause to better the community or our future. Above all she cares about every single person and puts everyone else’s needs above her own.

SS: Any emoji that describes you and your teammates?

TY: If I had to pick one emoji to describe my my team it would be 😂. At times we can be incredibly serious but one of the things that set us apart from other teams is how close we are and our team dynamic. We really had an incredible ability to come together and have the best time with each other.

SS: It’s game day, what is your go to method for getting in the zone?

TY: My go to method for getting in the zone is to visualize myself making plays, that helps me really think about what I’m doing and prepare mentally for the game. It reminds me of what to do in certain situations to optimize scoring opportunities.

SS: What is your go to method when creating a scoring opportunity?

TY: My method for creating a good scoring opportunity is to gain a positional advantage and then out swim the opponent. Speed is my specialty, and that usually creates a good counter attack scoring opportunity.

You can keep up with York and Arroyo Grande on ScoreStream!

Want to follow high school and club sports in real-time? Download the ScoreStream app for free here: Itunes or Google Play

March 16, 2017 by Bryan Cook

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Nicole Heyn

On every team there needs to be a leader that carries the team in the right direction. In the case of The Maple Mountain Golden Eagles, we find ourself fixated on Nicole Heyn. Heyn is a Senior that consistently led her team and put them ahead of herself this season. She put up an impressive 12.8 points per game, with 5.1 rebounds, shot a staggering 81% on her free throws, as well as recorded 3.2 steals per game! All of that translated into scoring over 250 points this season, and achieving top 2 for every major category on the stat sheet as well! She was everything we envisioned in our #NextLadyLegend contest and ScoreStream was lucky to catch up with her! Venture below for our Q&A we were able to conduct with her.

SS: If you were going to choose one emoji to describe yourself, what would it be and why?

NH: Definitely 😂! When my team is not in a serious situation, I always try to be laughing, smiling, and maintaining high morale!

SS: Do you have any pre-game rituals to get you pumped up for game day?

NH: Not anything that specifically gets me pumped up…but I always braid my hair the same way before games.

SS: What woman do you think is changing her sport?

NH: I think Elena Delle Done is changing the sport of basketball. She is so multifaceted in the way she plays and I think the game is going to change because of her. I expect more skill and variety from women in the future.

SS: As a young female athlete, are there any female OR male athletes that inspire you and that you channel for strength and focus?

NH: On the women’s side, I would have to say Candace Parker. She’s had many ups and downs in her life yet she is always is playing better every year. She even finds a way to involve a lot of other things that aren’t basketball related. For a men’s athlete, I would say Damian Lillard. He lets his game show what he’s all about. He has always been an underdog but works soo hard to show who he truly is!

SS: What is your go to method when creating a scoring opportunity out on the court?

NH: Driving up the middle into the paint, preferably right handed, then spinning to finish left handed for the layup!

SS: How/when did you begin playing basketball?

NH: It all started when I was 6, I was signed up to play “Little-Hoopsters”, the kid league in my city. After that I was hooked!

Want to follow high school and club sports in real-time? Download the ScoreStream app for free here: Itunes or Google Play

March 15, 2017 by Bryan Cook

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Danielle Jenkins

When athletes play, they often claim they can’t hear the crowd cheering, booing, or attempting to distract them. Sports psychologist call it, “playing in the zone.” No one knows that silent zone better than goalies. Goalies have to play with the weight of the world on their shoulder and are often labeled as a God or a GOAT. They are instrumental in making key plays that more often than not, determine the fate of the game. Once such goalie is Arroyo Grande’s Danielle Jenkins. Jenkins was nominated as a #NextLadyLegend shortly after making an impressive 28 saves for her team in a win against the Temple City Rams. On top of that, she blocked an impressive 71.7% of the shots that were taken last season. As well as making saves on over 60% of her team’s man down (5 on 6) possessions. ScoreStream was able to catch up with her and ask her some questions we thought our viewers may have.

SS: How did you begin playing sports?

DJ: I started playing sports when I was young. I have always been infatuated with water so naturally I have been drawn to aquatic activities. It doesn’t matter if its a pool, ocean, or a lake. All I cared about was being in it. You could say I am a fish at heart! I even have the birthmark to prove it.

SS: What is your go to approach on a penalty shot?

DJ: When a 5-meter penalty shot gets awarded, I immediately get “laser focused” and in “the zone”. All my attention is dedicated to the girl with the ball and the referee with the whistle.

SS: It’s game day, what is your go to method for getting in the zone?

DJ: During the day I go about my life as normal as possible. I do my best to not to think about the game or stress over it. When I get to the pool deck, I immediately get pumped by talking to my teammates, bantering back and forth, and just over all joking around.

SS: What comes to mind when you think of Women’s History Month?

DJ: I think about all the woman that are empowered through the recognition they receive during Woman’s History Month! Every year that it is acknowledged is a giant step into a more equal society between men and women.

SS: What lesson have you learned from playing that you carry along in every day life?

DJ: I first started playing water polo in 7th grade and I immediately thought it was a lot of fun and that continued into 8th grade. However, when I got to the end of my 8th grade year I wasn’t so sure I could make the high school team. I didn’t think I was good enough and weary about playing at the next level. My parents and coach convinced me into staying in it for one more year and we agreed that if I still didn’t like it, then I could quit. Despite my initial feelings, once I started playing in high school I realized how much I loved it. After that I learned that you should never give anything up without trying. It is impossible to know what you can accomplish if you don’t give it an honest try.

SS: Is there any emoji that describes you and your teammates?

DJ: I don’t think just one emoji could even come close to accurately describing my team or I. But a few might, those would most likely be..🙄😜😂

Make sure to keep up with Danielle Jenkins and Arroyo Grande on ScoreStream!

Want to follow high school and club sports in real-time? Download the ScoreStream app for free here: Itunes or Google Play

March 13, 2017March 15, 2017 by Bryan Cook

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Alexa Russo

In the past, the bulk of ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend finalists were signed, committed, and just about ready to leave for the college of their choice. However that isn’t the case for our next finalist. Only a sophomore at Tampa Catholic, Alexa Russo has already accumulated multiple Division I offers by regularly proving to be a unique athlete. In her freshman year, she posted an impressive .542 batting average with 3 home runs and was named the MVP of her class! As a Sophomore, she is currently batting .667 with 1 home run. We were recently able to speak to Alexa’s High School coach, Jackie Hirschfeld. She described Alexa as, “A natural born leader both on and off the field…that has been flawless this year.” After talking with her coach, we knew we had to catch up with Alexa and inquire with her about the pandemonium she is creating!

SS: How did you begin playing sports?

AR: I began playing baseball when I was about four years old. Around that time, my mom also enrolled me in a ballet class. After that class, I had to break the news to her that I wanted to be on the field and not in the studio. My father and uncle both played professional baseball, so naturally I grew up around the sport and was always surrounded by ball players. I played for my dad and uncle in the their travel-ball league until I was in the 7th grade. After that I made the switch to playing softball.

SS: When you think of Women’s History Month what comes to mind?

AR: I think of the all iconic women we know today. Each one of them fought for women’s rights during a time when the odds were definitely stacked against them. Because of the strides they made, women in today’s world have the opportunity to make a larger impact in society than ever before.

SS: Favorite professional female athlete?

AR: Jennie Finch! She is my favorite female athlete because she has worked extremely hard and is deserving for all of her accolades. I really look up to her because she knew how to control the game and she was the first women’s softball player that I watched compete.

SS: What lesson have you learned from playing that you carry along in every day life?

AR: You need to work hard for anything you want in life. I always try to remember that I can do anything I set my mind to! Especially when the odds are against me, I just remember to keep fighting. You can always come back and win if you are down.

SS: It’s game day, what is your go to method for getting in the zone?

AR: I try to stay loose, have fun, and hang out with my teammates. Sometimes there can be a lot of pressure associated with playing sports. I just try to have fun and motivate my teammates in anyway I can.

SS: Is there any emoji that describes you and your teammates?

AR:

My teammates and I are always laughing and having a great time together. We do our best to stay lit and as a unit we make a lot of priceless memories both on and off the field!

You can follow Alexa on twitter @alexarusssoo and check out her softball highlights, games, scores, for the next few years on ScoreStream

Want to follow high school and club sports in real-time? Download the ScoreStream app for free here: Itunes or Google Play

March 10, 2017 by Bryan Cook

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Danielle Lung

We are elated to introduce you to our next finalist from the #NextLadyLegends campaign! We will continue to release interviews for each finalist every few days, so check back in! Beginning the week of March 20th YOU will have your chance to vote for our NATIONAL WINNER! Read more about this campaign here, read ALL of our finalist interviews here and check out the action on twitter using #NextLadyLegend.

Imagine yourself stepping up to the plate in the sweltering heat of California’s central valley. The air is dry as the sun bears down upon you. Your eyes struggle to focus on the pitcher as the heat transforms into waves that blur your vision. You coil up and prepare to swing as the pitcher begins her motion. All of a sudden, BAM, you hear a smack against the back of the catchers mitt. The umpire calls a STRIKE, then another, and in a short time you’re nothing more than another tick in Danielle Lung’s strikeout count. On any given day, this is the real life scenario for batters that face Lung in the pitchers circle. Last year she averaged 10 strikeouts a game and had a staggering 1.05 era. In between innings, ScoreStream was able to catch up with the Clovis high school star and ask her a few questions in our next #NextLadyLegend‘s Finalist’s Q&A.

SS: How did you begin playing sports?

DL: I began playing sports when I was about 5 years old. My mom enrolled me in an indoor soccer league and ever since then I have been infatuated with sports! I’ve played soccer, volleyball, basketball, track, and softball. Needless to say, I liked softball the most so I stuck with it.

SS: What do you think of when you think of Women’s History Month♀?

DL: When I think of women’s rights, I reflect on how much more women are allowed to do today compared to in the past. I also think about how women today are constantly accomplishing amazing things that people in the past never imagined we could do.

SS: What players or coaches have most influenced you to be the player you are today?

DL: Jeff Theisen! He is the coach that I would say has without a doubt influenced me to most! He was my soccer coach and asked me one day if I was interested in trying softball. I decided to give it a try and loved it! He also coached softball and became my coach shortly after. From there he was responsible for getting me into pitching.

SS: If you were going to choose one emoji to describe yourself/team, what would it be and why?

DL: I would have to choose 😼 because we are the cougars and we are intimidating, Rarrrr!!!

You can follow Danielle on twitter @DanielleLung and check out her softball highlights on hudl. Don’t forget to keep up with her games for Clovis High School, scores, and highlights this year on ScoreStream.

Want to follow high school and club sports in real-time? Download the ScoreStream app for free here: Itunes or Google Play

March 7, 2017March 8, 2017 by Bryan Cook

ScoreStream’s Next Lady Legend Finalist: Sarah Bates

We are excited to introduce you to our next finalist from the #NextLadyLegends campaign! We will continue to release interviews for each finalist, and beginning the week of March 20th YOU will have your chance to vote for our NATIONAL WINNER! Read more about this campaign here, and check out the action on twitter using #NextLadyLegend.

ScoreStream is proud to present one of California’s top athletes as a finalist in our Next Lady Legends contest. We believe Sarah Bates is the epitome of the term Next Lady Legend and was a clear choice as a finalist in our nationwide contest. Representing the Clovis West Golden Eagles, Bates is a Captain on arguably the best basketball team on the west coast and without a doubt a top ten team in the nation! She was named to the All-Tournament Team in The Nike tournament of champions in December, and just recorded her 1,000th point on Varsity! Just before Bates packed her bags and traveled to The University of California Santa Barbara, where she has committed to represent the Lady Gauchos Basketball team, ScoreStream was able to catch up with her and ask some questions our followers might have.

SS: How did you begin playing sports?

SB: I began playing sports when I was in kindergarten. I played indoor soccer, basketball, and T-ball with the boys. My parents put me in dance for one year but I quickly informed them that I would rather be playing sports!

SS: What do you think of when you think of Women’s History Month?

SB: When I think of Women’s History Month, I think about proving to people that women can do ANYTHING men can do.Women’s History month is about showing what we are really made of! That includes being able to compete and show off all the things we’ve worked for and what we’ve accomplished! Even though some people try to put limits on what a women can do, I believe there is no such thing.

SS: What Woman in your life is the most inspirational?

SB: The most inspirational woman in my life is my mom. She has shown me how to be confident in myself. She has been there for me through everything I have gone through to get to this point in my career. Through her I was able to realize that being a confident woman is what make me strong and has abled me to reach my goals.

SS: What are your athletic and academic aspirations for after high school?

SB: Athletically, I want to make my mark at UC Santa Barbara! Personally, I believe that I can make the Freshman Big West team. As a team, I hope we can make the NCAA tournament! Academically, I plan on graduating with a degree in communications and journalism so I can achieve my dream of being an ESPN sports writer/broadcaster. If anyone knows me, they know that I definitely talk a lot and that I would be great at that job!

SS: What players or coaches have most influenced you to be the player you are today?

SB: One coach that has been influential to me is my head coach, Craig Campbell. He has helped me transform into the player I am today and I can’t imagine having any other coach. He has been there for me through everything and he is still helping me achieve my goals. With that said, I can’t name Coach Campbell without naming our assistant coaches, Howard and Stew! They have also been there for me through everything and continue to push me to be great. Also I have to give a shoutout to my trainer, John Eagan! He has pushed me to my limits and is helping me get ready for the college level.

💫BONUS💫: Any emoji that describes you and your teammates?

SB: An emoji that describes me and my teammates is We are ALWAYS laughing and doing stupid things.

You can follow Sarah on twitter @thesarahbates and check out her basketball highlights on hudl. Don’t forget to keep up with her games, scores, and highlights next year when she plays at UCSB on ScoreStream.

Want to follow high school and club sports in real-time? Download the ScoreStream app for free here: Itunes or Google Play

March 3, 2017March 7, 2017 by Bryan Cook

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Love’ Tovar

In honor of Women’s History Month, we created the #NextLadyLegends contest to bring attention to the incredible talents of our female athletes and highlight their accomplishments. Over the past month we conducted a nation wide search, allowing anyone to nominate any female High School athlete of their choice and we received TONS of nominations! Read more about this campaign here.

If you still want to nominate, you have until March 10th to nominate! Just post a photo or video of your nomination in ScoreStream using #NextLadyLegend.

Throughout the month of March, we will be releasing interviews with each finalist. Get to know each one and then place YOUR vote for our NATIONAL WINNER the week of March 20th. Keep checking the home screen on the ScoreStream app that week for how to vote for your winner and check out the action on twitter using #NextLadyLegend. Read about our first finalist below!

For our first finalist, ScoreStream is excited to introduce you to Love’ Tovar. Representing Del Valle High School out of El Paso Texas, Tovar is a 5’4 sophomore forward that was brought to our attention though her impressive ability to score long range goals. Additionally, it’s clear that Tovar’s on AND off the field qualities are what make her a great pick as a #NextLadyLegend finalist. Tovar is an active member in her community and hosts 2-3 day soccer summer youth camp for kids to help give back and promote the sport she loves. Despite her busy schedule, ScoreStream was able to snag her for the insightful Q&A below.

SS: How did you begin playing sports?

LT: I started playing sports at the age of 7, running track & field. That lead to me playing soccer at the age of 9. When I started playing, I didn’t know anything about the sport, but that quickly became the activity that I now love.

SS: What women have most influenced you to be the player and person You are today?

LT: There are two women who have influenced me for quite a while. One is Carli Lloyd the professional soccer player that represents the United States Women’s Soccer team. She is not only a kind-hearted, humble person, but an amazing athlete who plays with heart, dedication, and endless love for the game. The second woman that has influenced me is Malala. Malala is an activist for female education and the youngest ever Nobel Prize winner. She has inspired me to stand up for women’s rights, as well as for what I believed in, no matter the danger that is in front of me.

SS: It’s game day – what is your go to method for gettinghyped up?

LT: As I am getting ready for a game I like to take a minute for myself to reflect and think about my grandfather. He recently passed away and pregame I try to imagine what he would want me to do in the game and focus on the tenacity that he would want me to play with. Once I feel as if I am focused I enjoy listening to music. One of my go-to songs is, “Hall of Fame” by The Script. It motivates me to always play my game no matter what the situation.

Fun Fact:

LT: I always wear pink pre-wrap as a headband for games! I hope that someday I can hopefully be as great as Alex Morgan, who wears the same head piece for every game. 🎀

SS: Your incredible free kick goals drew us to want to show you off more, what’s your strategy going into a free kick?

LT: My strategy going into free kick goals is fairly simple. I always keep one eye on the spot that I want the soccer ball to hit in the net. I also draw an invisible cross on the ball before I kick it. I know that whether it goes in or not, I remember that I took that shot for the man above.

SS: Do you see yourself continuing to be active after high school?

LT: Sports can lead to many things in life. Personally, I have always seen myself playing soccer and maintaining an active lifestyle after high school. I know that deep down inside of me that if I focus, I have the potential to get anywhere I want. I believe that ultimately the road to success is never easy, but like everything in life, it just takes time, hard work, dedication, and the heart to accomplish your dreams and make them into a reality.

If you enjoyed reading this make sure to keep up with Love and her the high school scores at Del Valle on ScoreStream this year! You can follow her @LoveTovar7 on Twitter.

Want to follow high school and club sports in real-time? Download the ScoreStream app for free here: Itunes or Google Play

February 16, 2017 by Bryan Cook

ScoreStream’s Players to Watch-Gavin Wale

In every football game, the offense is inevitably going to find itself in a tough position. Usually that is somewhere along the lines of 4th down and out of field goal range. In this situation, coaches call their special teams over and prepare the punt unit for the next play. Statistically speaking, your average professional football team will punt the ball 3-7 times per game. In Division 1 College football that number could be anywhere from 4-9 punts per game and up to 10+ times for some of the more offensively challenged high school teams. In these situations, you want to have a guy that can boot the skin off the ball. This is where Gavin Wale comes in. Gavin is one of the top ranked punters in the entire Country! He has been ranked as high as the #1 prospect for the class of 2019. Before his last kick hit the ground, ScoreStream was able to reach out to Gavin for a short Q&A.

SS: How did you begin playing sports?

GW: I began playing soccer when I was three. It was there that I realized I had quite the leg and knack for kicking. Since then, I’ve tried just about every sport in the book and ended up kicking footballs.

SS: If you weren’t playing football, what would be your go to sport/activity?

GW: If I wasn’t playing football, I would definitely still be playing soccer. I always dreamed of playing in a World Cup.

SS: Suppose the other team calls a time-out before a field goal attempt, how do you keep your cool?

GW: I think of every kick as a competition against the other team’s kicker. It helps make the situation seem much smaller than it actually is, regardless of the pressure.

SS: It’s game day, what is your go to method for getting in the zone?

GW: Throughout the day, I try to take a few moments to close my eyes and visualize myself doing everything I can to help the team win. Before the game, I listen to music to keep myself focused…”In The Air Tonight” by Phil Collins is a classic for me.

🏈 Check out Gavin’s youtube account here to see some of his kicking highlights 🏈

SS: What lessons have you learned from playing that you carry along in every day life?

GW: Between kicking and football, I have learned that nothing will ever be given to you. Everything in life is earned and there is NEVER an excuse to not be the hardest working guy out on the field, or in life.

SS:Do you practice your tackling during practice?

GW: Sometimes I try and jump in during drills, but usually I’m off perfecting things with my long snapper.

If you enjoyed reading this make sure to keep up with Gavin and the high school scores at Coronado High School on ScoreStream this year! You can follow him @gavin_wale on Twitter.

Want to follow high school and club sports in real-time? Download the ScoreStream app for free here: Itunes or Google Play

February 1, 2017 by Bryan Cook

ScoreStream’s Players to Watch – Les Thomas

To celebrate National Signing Day, ScoreStream has decided to highlight one of our undecided seniors, Les Thomas. Representing Heritage Hall High School in OKC, Thomas is a 6’4, 170 lb. shooting guard/small forward. In his 4 years at Heritage, Thomas has established an undeniable connection between his long locks of hair and his long distance shot. ScoreStream was recently able to catch up with him and ask him some questions we thought our fans may be interested in.

SS: When did you first start playing basketball?

LT: I began playing basketball when I was about 6, but I didn’t take it seriously until my cousin from Hawaii moved in with my family. I really looked up to him and watching him play and watch basketball had a huge influence on me. It didn’t take long before I fell in love with the game, and from there on, I made it my dream to play at the highest level and have loved every moment of it since.

SS: What players or coaches have most influenced you to be the player you are today?

LT: Kobe Bryant! He is one of my role models because he wasn’t one of the most athletic players, but his crazy work ethic ultimately made him great. I try to model my work ethic primarily from him because I view myself as someone similar to him. I also look up to Klay Thompson. Mainly because of the way he plays and approaches the game. He doesn’t say too much on the court, but you can tell he always means business. He also doesn’t show a lot of emotion, but he clearly maintains a firm will to win.

SS: That sick crossover drew us to want and show you off to more fans. Is the crossover your favorite move? What is your go to method when creating a scoring opportunity?

LT: Thanks, yes, the crossover is one of my favorite moves except I usually opt for an in-and-out crossover. When I go 1-on-1, I like to use the jab series, then depending on how the defense is playing me it will expose the opening from the defender. I also like the crossover then step-back move because my shot is high which makes it difficult to block. Worst case, if they collapse on me, I’ll find the open man.

SS: It’s game day, what is your go to method for getting hyped up?

LT: My go to method fro getting hype on game-day is immediately fuel up. First thing, right after school, I go to NewLife and get get oatmeal cookie smoothie with sweet tart tea with a liftoff (like a energy drink), then I go to school and chill in the locker room with my teammates. To focus my head, I read my bible (3 chapters) and say a prayer before the game. Come game time, I get ready by playing loud music, which gets me hyped for the game. I put up some warm up shots, then I’m ready and prepared to play!

SS: What lesson have you learned from playing that you carry along in every day life?

LT: I learned that you have work for everything in life, and that nothing is given to you. You either give 110% of you effort towards your goal, or don’t do it at all. This way of thinking has taught me how to be mentally tough. I believe you should never give up because you don’t know how close you are to reaching your goals until you keep working and persevere.

SS: Playoffs are coming up quickly. Any goals for this season and moving forward?

LT: I have many goals for my team and secondly for myself. As a team, my #1 goal is to win the state-championship. My next goal is to play in the all-state game and have enough offers so that I will have the luxury to be able to choose what school I will attend for college. Personally a goal that I have set for myself is to not have any mental lapses. Being a senior, and the leader of my team, I have no choice but to be a great example on both on and off the court.

**🎉Bonus 🎉**

SS: Any school records that you have your eyes set on?

LT: I want to break the shooting records for 3’s👌 at my school. I’ve tied our school record for 9 3-pointers in a game twice so far, but I’m confident I’ll break it this season.

If you want more of Les, you can check out his Twitter @LesThomas2017 or his youtube.

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