Leina Basques Adjusting Well To Life In Fast-paced City

Del.icio.us

Leina Basques practices with her teammates on the Pearl City courts. Photo by Byron Lee, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

When Leina Basques relocated with her family from Lanai to Oahu last summer, an adjustment period was inevitable. A year later, she’s still adjusting. Or perhaps it might be better to say that she’s adapting.

“Very different,” laughed Basques, comparing the two islands. “Lanai is so country and relaxing. There’s no malls whatsoever. There’s no stop-light whatsoever. It’s the city here. I can go to the mall anytime I want. More to do. It’s been a learning experience.”

If anything, basketball has helped Basques on the court and off in making the transition to Oahu. A two-year starter at Lanai, she won Pearl City’s Most Improved Player award last season as a junior and figures to be among the impact players next season. Not that she wasn’t apprehensive on her first day at the high school.

“I was nervous. I didn’t know what to expect, but I met the (basketball) girls, and it was instant ‘click,’” said Basques. “Our communication was good right away. We’re a close team.”

Basques and the team currently play in Pearl City’s summer league three nights a week. She took some time away from her schedule last week to sit down with West Oahu Islander.

What has made basketball your sport of choice? Living on Lanai my whole life, I never thought I would know so much about basketball as I do now, but I love the challenge! Ever since hana-bata days, when I was 6 years old - just playing with a basketball instead of that Barbie doll my mom bought for me. I was curious to see how the older kids played. I would go to the gym and watch them all by myself. Eventually, I had the feeling that I really wanted to push myself to get better on the court playing, like the older kids I’d watched. It was definitely a big motivation.

Who has the biggest impact on you in your life and why? My parents, because they support me and help out as much as they can. They drive me to practices and games and cheer for our team from the bleachers. Without their support, I don’t think I would be where I am today.

Who is your basketball mentor? Is there a player you look up to or whose game you have tried to emulate? Ihave a couple of mentors who have each helped me gain knowledge about basketball and who have helped me in every part of my game. I look up to Kobe Bryant because he’s a good player, and in the end, he always remembers he couldn’t have done it without his team.

Coach Mike Morton always has stressed a “defense-first"mentality as the coach. Do you see defense as one of the strengths again next season? The Pearl City girls basketball team is definitely working even harder than before, getting even better as each day goes by to make a much stronger defensive team.We won’t know until we get out there, but we’re hoping for the best.

Who on the roster will surprise people next season? All the girls have been working on their individual game, but who knows - any of the girls may just surprise people next season.

What is your favorite pre-game meal? Spam musubi and Gatorade!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Pursuing a career in early childhood education and just maybe even coaching youth basketball.