March 18, 2017 by Linnea Wikander

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Amber Robben

ScoreStream's Ones To Watch
#nextladylegend, #WomensHistoryMonth, Amber Robben, BallisLife, basketball, high school, Hoops, Next Lady Legend, scores, sports, Staples-Motley, Women's History Month

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 thrilled to present Amber Robben from Staples-Motley High School in Staples, MN as our #NextLadyLegend finalist! Robben is a senior captain on her high school basketball team who plays the essential role of point guard, and can be described as “unselfish and fast” out on the court. She has been playing basketball since the fourth grade, has fallen in love with the game, and never second guessed her decision to start playing. Part of what makes Robben a stand-out lady legend is her proven ability to overcome obstacles and take on challenges with resilience. Between 8th grade and her freshman year, Robben suffered a devastating ACL tear that she described as “one of the hardest things that’s ever happened to (her)”. Although it wasn’t easy, she was able to recover from this injury and come back even stronger to excel in her high school career. We scored a Q&A with Robben and got to learn more about her and her passion for basketball!

SS: Are there any female OR male athletes that you look up to for inspiration?

AR: One athlete I really look up to is my coach, Craig Wolhowe. He always knows what to say to me when I need direction physically or mentally, and he is the most kind-hearted person I know.

SS: It’s GAME DAY! What is your method for getting in the zone?

AR: On game days, I like to think about the little things we worked on in practice that week and how I’m going to apply them to the game. In the locker room before every game, my team and I carry on a tradition of chanting to get us pumped up. Lastly, I like to pray twice before heading out to the court!

SS: If you had to choose an emoji to describe you, what would it be?

AR: I would choose the smiling emoji 😄 because I’m always smiling. A big part of basketball is all about having fun and enjoying your time out on the court.

SS: When you’re not playing basketball what is your favorite activity?

AR: My favorite activity outside of basketball is definitely hanging out with my friends and family. It’s important to spend quality time with those closest to you.

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

AR: I’ve heard many negative things about girl’s sports that aren’t true. I hear that girls basketball is “boring to watch”, that we play at a slower pace, and that girl’s sports just aren’t fun. My team and I try to play the best basketball we can, and if anyone with these thoughts came out to watch us we would prove them wrong.

SS: What is your go to signature move out there on the court?

AR: My go to move is going behind the back or a step back shot 👌🏼.

You can follow Amber Robben on twitter @amber_robben31. Make sure to keep up with her basketball team and other sports at Staples-Motley High School 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 17, 2017March 17, 2017 by Linnea Wikander

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Alyssa Lester

We are excited to introduce you to our next finalist from the #NextLadyLegends campaign! We will continue to release all the 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 ecstatic to reveal our #NextLadyLegend finalist, multi-sport athlete Alyssa Lester from Bluefield High School in Bluefield, WV. Whether she’s powering goals in the back of the net out on the field, making a quick drive to the hoop out on the court, or studying for her exams, Lester executes everything she does with passion and resilience. As a junior on her school soccer team, she has already recorded a remarkable 103 goals and 67 assists. She has been awarded Coalfield Conference First Team-All league for three years in a row, and earned the All-State Award in 2016 all for soccer. Lester has also earned three state championships with her traveling soccer team, the East River Raptors, who she’s been playing for since she was eight years old. The stats don’t stop there! Lester also averages ten points, two steals, and four assists a game as a starter on her high school basketball team. She has been a sectional champion for basketball all three years of her high school career! We got to know Lester and learn about her secrets to success in the Q&A below.

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

AL: My dominant sport is soccer, which I have been playing since I was four years old. No one in my family has ever played soccer, so it was kind of a fluke that I started playing. My dad was a big basketball player back in his day, so of course he wanted me to play and I started at the age of five. Although I love both sports, soccer stole my heart because of the physicality and intensity of the game. Ever since I played in my first soccer game, I have never thought once about giving up the sport. I love basketball for the competitiveness as well. I am so glad I started out as a multi-sport athlete at a young age, because it has made me into the athlete and person who I am today.

SS: What is your favorite/most used app on your phone?

AL: I use the Pandora music app 🎧 the most because I love music and it relaxes me. It really helps me focus and get prepared on game day!

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

AL: I am known for being a team player. I love getting my team involved in tough games. My method of getting the ball in the back of the net is a give and go, which is a quick, two-pass combo to get around the defender! In basketball I am a shooting guard so I have to make moves to free myself open for a shot. I shoot mid-range jump shots and make quick drives to the hoop.

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

AL: Alex Morgan has made FIFA respect the women’s game of soccer. Her incredible love for the sport has opened the eyes of many to gender equality out on the field.

SS: You are a multi-sport athlete who scored 100 goals by your junior year on the soccer team and starts on the basketball team, while maintaining a 4.1 GPA. How do you balance everything?

AL: I was taught growing up that school always comes first, so I take my work very seriously. I am definitely not the procrastinating type and I like to get my work done quickly yet efficiently. I work extremely hard both on the field/court and in the classroom. I love challenging myself and keeping myself occupied. I balance my school and sports by pushing myself, and I am always open to learning something new. I do my work while I am at school, but once it’s time for practice, I am focusing 100% on my sport. I have to separate school from sports to keep from overworking myself.

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

AL: Many people believe that women’s sports are less competitive than men’s sports, and I don’t think that is true at all. I have been playing sports my entire life and I’ve seen first-hand how competitive girls can get. It’s also assumed that women’s sports aren’t as tough as men’s. Women are as mentally and physically strong as any man. The only thing that separates us is our gender, not our sports 💪🏼.

You can keep up with Lester and her teams’ soccer and basketball success at Bluefield High School 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

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.

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 16, 2017 by Linnea Wikander

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Nicole Heffington

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.

Our next finalist we are thrilled to introduce to you is Nicole Heffington, a 5′ 10″ basketball stand-out from Mentor High School in Mentor, OH. Heffington has made a crucial impact on her high school team every since she stepped foot on campus, starting all four years of her high school career. In her senior season, she averaged an impressive 16 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks per game. She also passed the 1,000 career point mark, which she talks about as one of favorite basketball memories. Basketball has been a passion of hers ever since she started playing eleven years ago, and since then she has played for Mentor Rec, Mentor High School, travel ball teams, and Improv AAU. ScoreStream was lucky to catch up with Heffinton between baskets in the Q&A below!

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

NH: The most important lessons I have learned from basketball are how to work well with a team, how to communicate with others, and how to lead a group of people and get them to come together. These are all valuable skills that I can take off the court too!

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

NH: I picked the 😂 emoji because my team and I are always laughing when we are together on and off the court and especially in our group text message. It’s how we bond together and build team chemistry.

SS: Do you have a female OR male athlete that you look up to for inspiration?

NH: I’ve always looked up to Maya Moore, who is an American professional basketball player for the Minnesota Lynx, Team USA, and previously the UCONN Huskies. I’ve been watching her play since I was a young girl and always had posters of her hanging in my room.

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

NH: On game days, I always watch some film on the team that we are playing before heading out to the court so I know what to expect and how to mentally prepare myself. Good music is also a big part of my game day routine because it helps pump me up! 👊🏼

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

NH: My most memorable high school basketball moment was definitely scoring my 1,000th point! It was a feeling I will never forget and my team made it so special for me.

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

NH: It is my dream to continue playing basketball at a four year university. Off the court, I have big career goals as well, which include studying to become a neonatal nurse practitioner.

You can follow Nicole Heffington on twitter @heffington17. Make sure to keep up with her basketball team and other sports at Mentor High School 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 15, 2017 by Linnea Wikander

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Haley Thomas

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.

Haley Thomas of Bishop McCort High School, our latest #NextLadyLegend finalist pick, is nothing short of legendary in her hometown of Johnston, PA. Thomas is the epitome of ScoreStream’s feature to celebrate the accomplishments of female athletes by holding multiple school athletic records while maintaining a passion for her academics. In her senior season as captain and point guard of her high school basketball team, Thomas earned the title of all-time leading scorer at BMCHS in addition to all-time leading assists. The 5’10” stud recorded an impressive scoring average of 23.4 points per game in 25 games played this season. Thomas not only excels in basketball, but in track and field as well, where she is a part of her school’s 4×100 relay team that placed second in state last year and earned her another school record. When she’s not out there dominating the court and track, Thomas is thriving in the class room where she enjoys studying physics. We were lucky enough to shoot a quick Q&A over to Thomas to learn more about her athletics and academics!

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

HT: I will usually use my most recognized moved, the behind the back, to break away from the defender. Then I will drive into the paint hopefully getting a shot off or a little dish to one of my teammates!

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

HT: I picked the 😂 emoji because my team and I are always having a great time. That’s when we play our best, when we are loose. We always seem to be laughing with each other and our coaches.

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

HT: Kelsey Plum of Washington women’s basketball is definitely changing her sport. She is showing everyone how hard work really does pay off. She is so humble about all of her accomplishments, which is something I strive to be. She is truly an amazing role model and basketball player.

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

HT: My most memorable moment by far was becoming the all-time leading scorer at my school. My family and friends were all at the game which made it even more special!

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

HT: After I finish high school, I plan to continue my basketball career at Saint Francis University of Loretto where I plan to major in Environmental Engineering.

SS: Are there any misconceptions about women’s sports, and how are you and your teammates changing them?

HT: I think one misconception about women’s sports is that our games aren’t as exciting to watch as the men’s games are. My team and I try and play our best basketball every time we step out on the court. I think our games are very exciting to watch and play in.

You can follow Haley Thomas on twitter @haleyyy_thomas. Make sure to keep up with her collegiate basketball team Saint Francis University of Loretto 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 14, 2017March 14, 2017 by Linnea Wikander

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Kaila Stoltzfus

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 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 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.

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