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Hall’s Ella Sterling got off to a strong start for her senior basketball season.
Sterling scored 17 points in a season-opening win over Stark County in the Princeton Holiday Tournament and followed with 22 points in a win over IVC as the Red Devils won their pool.
An injury limited her the rest of the tournament. Hall finished third in the tournament.
”Ella had a great start to her season and unfortunately had an injury that cost her a couple of games,“ Hall coach TJ Orlandi said. “In the two full games she played she was pretty close to 20 (points) and 10 (rebound) both games. I know it was killing her to sit but she was right there cheering her teammates on and being a great teammate and leader. We’re lucky to have her on our side and I think she’s going to have a great season.”
For her performance, Sterling was voted the NewsTribune Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Sullivan’s and Grasser’s Plumbing & Heating.
Sterling answered some questions from NewsTribune sports editor Kevin Chlum.
Besides Hall’s gym, where is your favorite place to play?
Sterling: My favorite place to play is the Ottawa High School gym because I played there in the summer with my teammates.
Who is the best player you’ve ever played against?
Sterling: The best player I have played against was the Morrison High School center (Camryn Veltrop) last year in regionals.
What is your best skill on the basketball court?
Sterling: My best skill on the basketball court is my defense.
What is the best food you ate at Thanksgiving?
Sterling: The best food I ate on Thanksgiving was the baked mac and cheese.
What is your favorite Christmas movie?
Sterling: My favorite Christmas movie is ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas.’
What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Sterling: My favorite holiday tradition is putting up the ornaments on our tree.
What is your most played song recently?
Sterling: My most played song is ‘Sticky’ by Tyler, the Creator.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Sterling: If I had a superpower, I would choose to fly because it would be cool.
What are your plans after high school?
Sterling: My plans after high school are to attend college and play a collegiate sport.
What are your thoughts on your individual performance in the Princeton tournament?
Sterling: I think my individual performance was good as a team member. We played well as a team during the tournament.