Suburban Life Athlete of the Week: Allia von Schlegell, Nazareth, basketball, senior

Name: Allia von Schlegell

School: Nazareth, senior

Sport: Basketball

Why she was selected: Von Schlegell was named the MVP as Nazareth won the Sandburg Holiday Classic. She scored 17 points in a win over Sandburg, 26 in a win over Lincoln-Way East, 14 in a win over Yorkville and 10 in a win over Glenbard East.

She was voted the Athlete of the Week in an online vote. Here is her Q&A with Sports Editor Joshua Welge.

Winning that tournament – what did it mean to the team and how did you feel about how the team played?

Von Schlegell: Winning the Christmas tournament for us was important to regain confidence and help shift our focus to development after our loss to Benet a few weeks prior. I think our team came in fresh and ready to compete again and it showed up clearly throughout the three days we played the tournament.

How has the season gone otherwise?

Von Schlegell: The season has had its ups and downs for us just because of the youth and experience on the team, but it has been a significant growth process for everyone adapting in their new roles. We’ve toughened up and come out strong considering how many seniors we lost.

For those who haven’t seen you play, what do you feel you bring to the court?

Von Schlegell: I think I encourage a lot of communication on the court and bring a fast-paced playing style that allows me to highlight my teammates' strengths. Playing with Naz and having so much on and off the court chemistry with the team allows me to flourish in my point guard role by knowing each person I am playing with so well.

Given the youth on the team [she is the only senior] do you girls feel a little underestimated? How good can this team be?

Von Schlegell: Regardless of the loss of players, our team can be very dangerous. However, it is a matter of if and when we achieve the potential we have. We have already grown so much since the start of the season and I am excited to see where our talent can take us.

How did you decide to commit to Valparaiso?

Von Schlegell: I decided on Valparaiso because of how welcoming my experience was with the coaches and team along with their playing style that I feel fits mine to a tee.