Exhausted from their early morning practice and from winning game last night, we sat down with our Junior Girls Basketball Team captains – Sabryne DiPaola and Victoria Lee. To get to know them and the rest of this year’s team a bit better, we decided to ask them a few questions!

What does it mean to you to be team captain?

“It means taking on a really big role in leadership, you know, taking on all the new grade 9s, showing them all the plays, being there for them. Them having someone to talk to if they’re confused.”

“Not just for basketball too. We’re also role models for them for school life. We’re like a familiar face for them, so in the hall if they need help, we can help them.”

Do you have any rituals that you must perform before playing a game? 

“We do a cheer. We usually do the same warmups everyday, but it’s nothing that brings us good luck.”

What moment this season were you most proud of as a team? 

“Probably yesterday. We were down by 11 in the first quarter, and then in the rest of the game we just turned it on and we won by 8.”

What are the most challenging parts of basketball for you? Why? 

“Definitely getting up in the morning for early practice.” 

Was there anyone who inspired you to get into the sport? 

“My friends dad ran a basketball organization, so when I was 4 years old, he asked my mom to put me into house league and then I went into rep into grade 4 and I played ever since.” 

“I started playing during school, I’ve never played outside.”

“She’s really good still.”

Do you wish to pursue basketball after high school?

“I plan to continue it for all of high school and we’ll see what university brings us.” 

What would you say to someone who wants to join the basketball team next year?

“I would encourage them to! A lot of people in our grade tried out in grade 9 and they had so much fun. It’s a great sport, a great way to build teamwork and it’s a great experience overall.”

“It’s also a great way to stay active especially since most people don’t take gym.” 

Good luck to our junior girls basketball team as they embark on this new season. Let’s go Titans!

By: Emma Florentino