Pre-Game:
Pre-game meal: Chipotle
Pre-game hype song: My Eyes by Travis Scott
Position: Shooting Guard
Favorite Athlete: Stephen Curry
Post-Game:
TRL: When did you start playing basketball, and why did you start playing?
TN: I started playing basketball in second grade because I was always inspired by watching my older brother playing; it was a fun way to stay active.
TRL: Have you played any other sports? If so, why did you choose to stick with basketball?
TN: Yes, I’ve played other sports, and I was part of the state-winning cross-country team during my freshman year. It was a tough decision to step away from cross-country because I was so committed to it, but I realized I needed to focus on basketball if I wanted to take my game to the next level. Basketball has always been my passion, and I knew I had to dedicate myself fully to it, especially since it demands a lot of time and focus to improve. Although leaving cross-country was hard, I’m confident it was the right choice for me to pursue basketball and see how far I can go in it.
TRL: What position do you play and what do you believe is your biggest strength on the court?
TN: I play shooting guard. My biggest strength on the court is my ability to shoot 3-pointers. I’ve worked hard on my shooting range and accuracy, and I’m confident in my ability to space the floor and knock down long-range shots when my team needs them.
TRL: Have you ever played for any teams outside of school? If so, what teams?
TN: Yes, I played AAU for a while now, but the most recent team I have played for was Team United.
TRL: How did you feel about the team’s performance in the last tournament?
TN: I felt positive about the team’s performance in the last tournament. While we did lose some matches, we showed a lot of resilience and improvement throughout the event. Every setback became a valuable learning experience, helping us refine our strategies and grow stronger as a team. It was a great opportunity to identify areas for growth, and I’m confident we’ll return even better next time.
TRL: How did it feel to score the buzzer beater last game?
TN: Scoring the buzzer-beater last game felt amazing! It was a mix of excitement and relief, especially with the moment’s pressure. I have been in this position before but last time I missed it so it was amazing that I finally made one, and to have it come through when the team needed it most was surreal. The crowd’s reaction and my teammates’ energy made it even more special. It’s a moment I’ll remember for a long time!
TRL: Who do you look up to most in life?
TN: I look up to my twin sister, Peyton the most in life. She has always been a source of support and inspiration, showing me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and staying true to my values. Her dedication and positive attitude push me to be the best version of myself, both on and off the court.
TRL: What is your motivation in sports?
TN: My motivation in sports comes from the drive to constantly improve and push my limits. I love the challenge of competing and the feeling of progress, whether it’s refining a skill or overcoming obstacles. I’m also motivated by the opportunity to be part of a team, work together toward a common goal, and represent something bigger than myself.
TRL: What are your plans for basketball in the future?
TN: My goal is to play basketball at the college level, where I can continue to improve and contribute to the team. I’m focused on getting better each day and hope to take my game to the next level, whether that’s in college or professionally.
TRL: How do you feel about the rest of the season?
TN: I am really excited to get to the most important part of the season and go as far as we can go. I am really nervous to see how it plays out since we haven’t gotten past the first round in years, but I am still really excited to see all of our hard work pay off. It will definitely be hard to finally say goodbye to all the seniors though.
