March 14, 2017March 14, 2017 by Linnea Wikander

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Kaila Stoltzfus

ScoreStream's Ones To Watch
#nextladylegend, #WomensHistoryMonth, BallisLife, basketball, Garden Spot, high school, Hoops, Kaila Stoltzfus, Lancaster Bible College, Next Lady Legend, scores, Women's History Month

We at ScoreStream are proud to reveal our next finalist, Kaila Stoltzfus, from Garden Spot High School in New Holland, PA. Stoltzfus has been playing basketball since the first grade, and she is so passionate about the sport that she also enjoys watching it and coaching in her free time. As a shooting guard for her high school team, she played an important leadership role in her senior season by inspiring her teammates with positivity on and off the court. When she’s not playing basketball, Stoltzfus likes to spend time on her family’s dairy farm where they house over 180 cows! In the fall of every year, she even competes in national shows across the country to show them off. Stoltzfus is excited to continue her academic and athletic career at Lancaster Bible College next year playing basketball. Just before tip-off, we were able to shoot some questions to Kaila about her high school basketball career!

SS: It’s GAME DAY! How do you get in the zone to prepare?

KS: Team meals! One of the best parts about game day is the team meal that we get to eat together. I’m extremely thankful for all the moms on our team that make delicious food for us to get fueled up for game-time.

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

KS: You definitely have to use your teammates. You cannot just go out onto the court and expect to score all the points on your own. To me, assists are just as important as points.

SS: What female athlete do you think is changing her sport and why?

KS: Mo’ne Davis is a woman who I believe is doing her best to change her sport. Along with basketball, baseball is my favorite sport. I love how she is able to go out and play baseball, which is primary a male sport, and excel like it is no big deal to her. She is truly an inspiration!

SS: What is the most memorable moment of your high school basketball career thus far?

KS: My senior night. Going into the game, everyone was asking me, “Are you ready?” I just played like it was any other game because I could not let my emotions get out of control. It was still emotional, leaving a court that you spent the past four years working hard on. However, it definitely motivated me and the other seniors to get the win that night. We were playing a team that we had previously lost to by 14 points, but we got revenge with a 36-28 win! The moment when the buzzer went off was by far the best moment in my high school career. After I came out of the locker room, I walked into the silent gym and took it all in one last time.

SS: What emoji best describes you and your teammates?

KS: A heart ❤️. My team has been through a lot on and off the court, but the moment we walk off, we leave together as best friends.

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

KS: I will be continuing my education and basketball career at Lancaster Bible College. I will be studying business, inspired by my aspiration to work in the healthcare administration some day!

You can keep up with Kaila on twitter @kailastoltzfus, and follow along with her collegiate basketball team Lancaster Bible College next 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 13, 2017March 15, 2017 by Bryan Cook

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Alexa Russo

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.

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 13, 2017 by Linnea Wikander

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Haley Brown

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 finalist interviews here and check out the action on twitter using #NextLadyLegend.

ScoreStream is honored to present the next finalist in our Next Lady Legends contest, Haley Brown from Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek, CA. Brown is a relentless attacking center-midfielder who led her team as captain to a DAL league title in her senior season with a 16-2-1 record, achieving 27 goals and 11 assists. She has collected both a North Coast Section championship and runner-up title, in addition to an all-league MVP honor during her successful high school career. She is best known for her unstoppable header goals, that allow her to jump above the rest and place the ball into the corner of the net on crucial set plays. Brown will be continuing her athletic and academic career at Cal State Fullerton next year, where she hopes to push herself and work hard to help the team win a Big West Championship. We were lucky enough to score a Q&A with this soccer superstar, check out what she has to say!

SS: How and when did you begin playing soccer ⚽️ ?

HB: I started playing recreational soccer in first grade. My mom signed me up so I could have something to do, and I absolutely fell in love with the game.

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

HB: Soccer has taught me to never make excuses. Yes, there are times when I don’t want to go running because I’m feeling lazy, but I know that the girls that I will be playing against are out there working their hardest even if they are feeling lazy too. In school, I might feel lazy when it comes to completing an assignment or studying for a test. Rather than making an excuse, I just do it so that when it comes time for the test, I don’t regret the lack of studying I did.

SS: As a female athlete, do you think there are any misconceptions about women’s sports?

HB: I don’t think people realize how intense and physical soccer games are. I think a lot of people believe that boys games are harder, but ultimately they are the same game. Boys who play sports might be larger and stronger, but girls soccer games are very physically and mentally demanding.

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

HB: I can usually score header goals off of free-kicks and crosses because of my height. I like scoring off crosses, but I can also score once in a while off long shots outside the 18 yard box. I like to assist goals too by sending good through balls to fast forwards who can finish them in the net!

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

HB: I would describe myself as the red hot chili pepper emoji because my hair is red and I’m fiery and spicy like a pepper!

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

HB: I think Carli Lloyd from the US Women’s National Team is changing her sport, because she is a strong woman who has earned respect for her ability to excel in the game of soccer. When she makes big time plays in big time moments, people aren’t focusing on the fact that she is a woman, but are in awe of her incredible athletic talents as an individual.

You can follow Haley on twitter @haleybrown123. Don’t forget to keep up with her games, scores, and highlights when she plays soccer at Cal State Fullerton next 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 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 8, 2017 by Linnea Wikander

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Andra Espinoza-Hunter

We are excited to introduce you to our next finalist from our #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 thrilled to introduce to you our next #NextLadyLegend finalist, Andra Espinoza-Hunter. She is a 17 year-old stand out from Ossining High School in Ossining, New York, finishing up her senior year before she heads to the University of Connecticut to continue her basketball career. Espinoza-Hunter just led her team to their seventh consecutive Class AA sectional championship, recording the honor of tournament MVP. Having played varsity basketball since seventh grade, Espinoza-Hunter has won an impressive four state championships, and is currently the second highest scorer in the nation. In her senior season of 21 games played thus far, she has scored a whopping 805 points, averaging 38.3 points per game, with 86 3-pointers on the season. Espinoza-Hunter took a quick break from winning championships to chat with ScoreStream in the Q&A below.

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

AEH: Basketball has taught me that being successful requires a lot of work. You cannot expect anything to be handed to you because there is always going to be someone striving to take the spot you’re in.

SS: What emoji best describes you and your teammates and why?

AEH: I chose the 😈 emoji. It seems like it’s ready and willing to take on ANY challenge, just like my team and me!

SS: It’s GAME DAY – how do you get in the zone to prepare?

AEH: I prepare for game days by eating a 20 piece chicken nugget meal with extra sweet and sour sauce. Exactly an hour before tip-off, I sip on a sugar-free Red Bull. Lastly, I always make sure to say a quick prayer before heading out to the court.

SS: What female athlete do you think is changing her sport?

AEH: I would have to say that Ronda Rousey is a female who is changing her sport. She is competing in a brutal sport that is mainly dominated by men, however, she has successfully emerged as one of the biggest MMA stars.

SS: What is the most memorable moment of your high school basketball career thus far?

AEH: My most memorable moment of high school basketball would definitely be from 8th grade when I won my first State Championship. The feeling I received from that moment is something I know I’ll never be able to forget.

SS: What are you most looking forward to about continuing your academics and athletics at the University of Connecticut, which has the top NCAA women’s basketball program in the country?

AEH: I am looking forward to playing with some of the best players in the country at UConn, in addition to being coached by one of the best coaching staffs in the country! I am really looking forward to being a part of this amazing and successful program.

If you enjoyed reading this make sure to keep up with Andra and her the high school scores at Ossining on ScoreStream this year! You can follow her @DraHunter2 on Twitter.

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

March 8, 2017March 20, 2017 by Michele Maley

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist Interviews

Nominations have been pouring in and finalists are being picked. We will post an interview with each finalist and you will have your chance to vote for a national winner the week of March 20th. Check back daily for more interviews!

Interview with Andra Espinoza-Hunter, Ossining High School

Interview with Sarah Bates, Clovis West High School

Interview with Love’ Tovar, Del Valle High School

Interview with Danielle Lung, Clovis High School

Interview with Haley Brown, Las Lomas High School

Interview with Alexa Russo, Tampa Catholic

Interview with Kaila Stoltzfus, Garden Spot High School

Interview with Haley Thomas, Bishop McCort High School

Interview with Danielle Jenkins, Arroyo Grande High School

Interview with Nicole Heffington, Mentor High School

Interview with Nicole Heyn, The Maple Mountain Golden Eagles

Interview with Alyssa Lester, Bluefield High School

Interview with Taylor York, Arroyo Grande High School

Interview with Amber Robben, Staples-Motley High School

Interview with Caitlyn Cota, Bishop Alemany High School

Interview with Isabella Solis, Arroyo Grande High School

Click here to read more about the #NextLadyLegends contest and why we are doing this in honor of Women’s History Month!

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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