The Collector Store

Athletes of the Week: Anthony Hople and Isabelle Delarue

Freshman dribbles the ball down the court in a home game for the varsity girls basketball team; Junior forward Anthony Hople takes possession of the ball outside the arc in a varsity boys basketball game in the Howell North gym.

Credit to Wil Skaggs

Freshman dribbles the ball down the court in a home game for the varsity girls basketball team; Junior forward Anthony Hople takes possession of the ball outside the arc in a varsity boys basketball game in the Howell North gym.

By J Pae

Anthony Hople

Q: How has this season gone for your team?

A: We started off pretty bad but I think now we know how to play with chemistry and learning our roles.

Q: How has this season gone for you individually?

A: I learned that it’s a lot more than just scoring, there’s more to contribute than just to score.

Q: What made you decide to play basketball rather than something else?

A: When I was young I played a lot different sports, but basketball stood out the most for me.

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges in being an athlete in high school?

A: It’s very time consuming with practices and games and extra practices you need.

Q: Can you give us a look into what a week looks like for a student-athlete?

A: So basically, I wake up, eat a good breakfast, try my best in school and go to practice and get better and prepare.

Q: What are you most proud of in your high school sporting career?

A: My progress definitely, as well as my mindset and physical ability.

Q: What is one of your favorite things you’ve done in your high school sporting career?

A: It was my Freshman year I was on JV, we were playing against a team and went to 3rd overtime and later won the game.

Q: Is there a certain athlete you try to model your game after? If so, why?

A: Klay Thompson. He’s a great shot creator, knows how to get open, and knows what he needs to do in certain situations.

Q: How has playing on the high school team affected your relationship with your teammates?

A: It definitely grew, I didn’t know them at first, but now we have chemistry and play with each other more.

Q: You usually get the chance to play in front of sold-out (or close to it) crowds. How important is this to you, and what kind of effect does it have on your game?

A: Doesn’t really effect, my old coach made me try to block out the fans which makes me focus more.

Q: How does playing basketball on the high school level compare to other levels that you’ve played on?

A: Its a lot more intense, the crowds are bigger, a lot more competition.

 

Isabelle Delarue

Q: What kind of role has basketball play in your life?

A: Basketball has played a huge role in my life, it’s kinda more of a stress reliever and it pretty much keeps me in shape.

Q: With only a few games left this season, how do you hope to finish strong?

A: I hope to do well in districts and make the championships, that would be big for us. Just something where we can finish strong.

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges in being an athlete in high school?

A: Schoolwork is a huge component, be able to stay up top of classes, and getting sleep.

Q: What do you enjoy most in playing this sport?

A: I love playing with my sister because we are like the same type of player and I just love being around my teammates and coaches.

Q: Can you give us a look into what a week looks like for a student-athlete?

A: Very little sleep, going to school all day, then practice, and coming home late every time.

Q: Is there a certain athlete you try to model your game after? If so, why?

A: I like to model Napheesa Collier, her playing style is just something that interests me.

Q: How would you describe the culture of your team?

A: We are always happy and always pushing each other to do our best.

Q: How has playing on the high school team affected your relationship with your teammates?

A: I’ve met a lot of new people, being a freshman you don’t really know many people but it is great to have the upperclassman that looks out for me.

Q: What is the best game you think you and your team has played this season?

A: I would say when we played Timberland, we pushed until the very end and gave it our all.

Q: What is a goal for you for the rest of the season?

A: My goal for the rest of the season is to keep my average for scoring 10 points.

Q: On the varsity team you’ve gotten the chance to play with your sister Gabby night in and night out. Can you go into detail on what this is like?

A: It definitely brought us closer although we argue with each other a lot, but having someone who pushes me to do my best, it really helps.

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced, as a freshman, playing on the varsity team against what are usually older opponents?

A: I would say my size, I’m not as big as some of the older girls and I typically get picked on when I play because they’ll know I’m a freshman

Q: You and your team are coming down to the final month of the season. What do you hope to try to accomplish in the final month?

A: I hope to accomplish to finish with more wins then loses than our beginning of the season.