Whether she is lining up a jump shot or going for a kill, Scorpions freshman Emma Beattie is already making her presence felt on the hardwood.
This season, Beattie is averaging 14 points, nine rebounds and four steals per game — all team highs for the Scorpions.
Beattie’s season performance ranks second in the Grand Canyon region in points per game, trailing Scottsdale Preparatory’s Mandi Nemire at 18.2.
Scoring is not Beattie’s only forte as the forward also ranks second in the region in rebounding and third in steals.
Beattie spoke on her freshman varsity experience in both volleyball and basketball and her connection with her teammates
How has freshmen volleyballand basketball been for you?
Freshman year has really good for both sports. I am enjoying more of a challenge and it has been really fun with a new team. I am making new friends and we have been communicating with each other to improve as the season goes on. There have been ups and downs to playing two sports but I manage my time with homework and my family. I love playing multiple sports.
How has having the same teammates in middle school helped?
We communicate so much better because some of us have been together for so many years. If we have a problem, we can come to each other as friends and work out the situation. We never have to worry about nervousness
because we have that level of trust with one another.
How would you describe your connection with Stephanie Medel?
The connection between Stephanie and I is really good. We are such great friends so we laugh together quiet often. Both in volleyball and basketball, Stephanie and I get along well both on and off the court. We have our arguments every now and then but we are able to sort out our issues very quickly.
Where is your favorite spot on the court on offense?
I like receiving the ball from the high post so I can face up or pass.
How much do you think you have grown as a player?
During volleyball season, coach Barker and the rest of the coaches did a great job at helping me get up to speed. For basketball, Coach Sells has been tremendous.
What is your favorite class subject?
I do like history because I love learning about past events.
What have you enjoyed the most from basketball season?
I really enjoy the bus rides because we have so much fun on our trips. On our way back, we stop for dinner and we all eat and laugh together. If we are coming off of a loss, we try to just put it behind us and focus on the next day. We love to have fun.
Who is your favorite athlete?
My favorite athlete is Kaylie Jorgenson, a redshirt senior on the Northern Arizona University volleyball team. I have been to a couple of the NAU camps and she has helped me improve at outside hitter. I enjoy watching Kaylie because she dives for every ball, does not give up and pushes herself to the fullest extent in every game. Kaylie is just so fun to watch and I enjoy learning tips from her.
n What are your favorite shoes to play with?
I do like Lebron James’ shoes and the Soldier 12s are what I use during games. I prefer Lebron’s because they are high-top shoes and that gives me more ankle protection. I do not typically wear low-top shoes because my ankles are more vulnerable to injury.
The 2A playoffs begin on Friday, Feb. 15, at Prescott High School and conclude on Saturday, Feb. 23.
Sedona is currently ranked 31st in the state out of 48 teams.
