Kane County Chronicle Athlete of the Week: Reagan Sipla, St. Charles North, basketball, sophomore

Name: Reagan Sipla

School: St. Charles North

Sport: Basketball, sophomore

Why she was selected: Sipla, voted for the recognition by Kane County Chronicle readers, scored 14 points in a close loss to St. Charles East on Dec. 17.

Chronicle sports reporter Jacob Bartelson caught up with Sipla. Below is an edited transcript. The Athlete of the Week is sponsored by Don McCue Chevrolet in St. Charles.

Bartelson: What part of your game are you personally most proud of and why?

Sipla: I am personally most proud of my versatility because it allows me to help my team in a variety of ways. For example, I can shoot the three, post up on mismatches and attack the rim to finish or kick it out. Currently, I am working on my midrange game.

Bartelson: I know it’s been a frustrating few last games for the team overall, so how do you collectively turn it around, particularly in the fourth quarter?

Sipla: You are right. It has been a tough fourth quarter in several recent games. I think we collectively can turn it around by identifying how games are in close situations and staying disciplined in the fourth quarter so we can change the momentum in our favor. Being collected and disciplined on both ends can allow us to score more effectively and help us close out games.

Bartelson: Outside of basketball, is there a hobby or skill that not many know about you, but you really like to do?

Sipla: Being honest, I wouldn’t say there is a hobby or skill that I really like to do outside of basketball since I really do enjoy basketball anywhere, anytime or any place. However, in my free time outside of basketball, I really enjoy spending time hanging out with friends and teammates.

Bartelson: Favorite professional athlete?

Sipla: I really enjoy watching Candace Parker, but I would also say Steph Curry is one of my other favorite professional athletes. I think both have done an amazing job of mastering their craft and executing it. Kobe [Bryant] would also be another in addition to Steph because I think both have done a great job of promoting women’s basketball.