By Noah Krawchick

Three seniors and the head coach from the Maury girls basketball team sat down with reporter Noah Krawchick during practice on Tuesday.

Coach Julius Owens and seniors Arianna Owens, Myla Parker, and Camori Veal answered rapid-fire questions about the improved season and their basketball heroes while making some bold predictions.

Arianna Owens

NK: Who would you say you model your game after?

AO:That’s a good question.  Honestly probably the big one from UCLA. She left Texas A&M.  (We think she means Janiah Barker. -Ed.)

NK: How do you feel about the start to the season so far?

AO:We’re doing amazing honestly. From 9th to 10th grade being 2-20 to now being up there in the top 15, there’s a lot of hate, but we’re coming and we’re an amazing team. So I can’t do anything but be proud of my teammates.

NK: How do you feel you are prepared for the game tomorrow against Granby?

AO:I am extremely prepared. My mental is just focused on that game, aggression towards that game, and I just know I got to be a leader out there with my teammates and just lead on the court along with them and just secure a W and block out all the heat and remain humble as always.

Myla Parker

NK: Who do you model your game after?

MP: I’m not as tall as her, but I’d say Angel Reese; except I can shoot. She can’t really shoot the three, but I can shoot the three. I’m a diverse player. I can go in the post too.

NK: So is she your favorite player too?

MP: No I don’t really have a favorite women player. My favorite man player is Anthony Edwards.

NK: How do you feel about the strong start to the season?

MP: I feel really good about it actually. I feel like our team is really confident this year since we’re undefeated so far. I feel like as long as we progress this year, that’s the goal.

NK: And then how do you feel you are prepared for the game tomorrow against Granby?

MP: I feel prepared. We’ve been in the gym this week getting ready for the game. We take it one game at a time. This isn’t our top goal, but it’s definitely a goal of ours to beat them.

Camori Veal

NK:  Who do you think you model your game after?

CV: I can’t say a specific person I modeled my game after, but if I had to, the closest would be Flau’Jae Johnson.

NK: If you can’t really choose a specific player, what do you try to focus on when you work on your game?

CV: Moreso defense. I’m a defensive player.

NK: How do you feel about this start to the season?

CV: I feel like we’re doing very good so far. Last year we had a rocky start, but it was better than the previous season. So we’re progressing, and I like the change.

NK: How do you feel you’re prepared for the game tomorrow against Granby?

CV: I feel like tomorrow is a cakewalk. It’s nothing serious. They ain’t that much comp.

NK: Y’all are going to just walk right through?

CV: Walk right through them.

Head Coach Julius Owens

NK: Who would you say your favorite player is?

JO: Michael Jordan. There’s two. Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

NK: You like to watch greatness?

JO: Yeah. I coach Mamba Mentality.

NK: What would you say your defensive philosophy is?

JO: Get’em.

NK: What about your offensive philosophy?

JO: Offense, spread you out and attack the rim. Get downhill. Keep it simple.

NK: Who do you think is the most improved player on the team this year?

JO: All 13 of the young ladies I have. They all [practiced] during the summer, working hard, getting better. All of them.

NK: How do you feel you’re prepared for the game tomorrow?

JO: We’ve been prepared. We’ve been preparing since the summer. You stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.