Kristen Huntress

Kristen Huntress has taken her basketball game to a new level, and it is paying off big for the Lady Lakers.

The junior guard is the club’s leading scorer, and has shown the ability to hit clutch long-range shots, as well as beating defenders to the glass.

“Kristen has had an amazing start to our season. She plays extremely hard and is very coachable,” Lake Region head coach Paul True said. “She has developed into one of our league’s best scorers and she has worked hard to get herself to that point. I enjoy coaching Kristen and I am pleased to name her as LRGB’s Player of the Week.”

In recognition of her strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Kristen is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

The Huntress File

Athlete: Kristen Huntress

Year in school: Junior

Town: Harrison

Parents: Wheezer and Carolyn Huntress

Sports you play: Soccer, basketball and softball

School organizations: National Honor Society and Varsity club

School honors: Honors

Why did you choose to play basketball? I truly don’t even remember when I started playing basketball, it’s just always been a part of my life. When I was little, I spent many hours in the gym watching my sister play basketball, and I think that made me want to play.

What is the most difficult part of the game? Working to keep everyone positive and focused rather than giving up or panicking during tough situations (like falling behind in a game).

What do you enjoy the most about the sport? The competitive atmosphere that is a result of being part of such a successful program.

What do you feel you need to work on and why? I personally need to work on my jump shot. I have a good outside shot, but I know that if I rely on only that shot other teams will work to take that away from me.

Why is teamwork important? You’re not going to win big games or be successful overall if you don’t work together. Every single player and position is important; whether you’re on the floor or on the bench you have an impact on the game.

What is the biggest impact that your coaches have had on you? I’ve known Coach True since I was in second grade, and he’s encouraged me to be the best player I can be since then. His love of the game has rubbed off on me. He is so dedicated to the game that he is willing to help us all become the best players possible, whether it’s in-season or off-season.

How do you want people to view you as an athlete? I want people to view me a good competitor, but also as a nice person off the court or field.

Ten years from now, when you look back on your high school sports career, what do you think you will remember the most? I will definitely never forget winning the state championship for basketball my freshman year. Not a lot of athletes get to experience winning that type of game, and I’ll always remember the feeling when I realized that we’d actually won.