Northwest Herald Athlete of the Week: Marian Central’s Finn Pivnicka

Name: Finn Pivnicka

School: Marian Central

Sport: Basketball

Why he was selected: Pivnicka, a 6-foot-4 senior wing, scored a career-high 40 points in a nonconference win against Schaumburg Christian on Dec. 17 to end a five-game losing streak for the Hurricanes. The next day, he dropped 36 in a nonconference win over Round Lake.

[ Marian Central slowly growing, learning to compete ]

For his performance, Pivnicka was selected as the Northwest Herald Athlete of the Week in an online vote. Woodstock North basketball player Addie Udelhofen, Crystal Lake Central wrestler Cayden Parks and Huntley bowler Noah Waters also were nominated.

Pivnicka answered a few questions from Northwest Herald sports editor Alex Kantecki.

You almost had back-to-back 40-point games. What do you feel was working well for you and your team to be able to put up that many points?

Pivnicka: Everything was falling both of those nights, and we really worked together as a team to turn defense into offense through transition points.

What is the craziest shot you’ve ever made?

Pivnicka: I don’t know that I can single out the craziest shot I’ve ever made, but I’ve had some pretty cool fast-break finishes around defenders.

Which professional athlete would you like to hang out with for a day?

Pivnicka: I know it’s not very original, but I am a huge LeBron fan, so I’d say I’d want to spend a day with LeBron James.

What would be your dream job?

Pivnicka: Not very realistic, but my dream job would be to become a professional golfer.

What is a food that you can’t stand to eat?

Pivnicka: I like to think of myself as not a very picky eater, but a food I’ve never liked is Brussels sprouts.

What is one of your biggest pet peeves?

Pivnicka: A big pet peeve of mine is when people interrupt or talk over another person.

What sports moment is so huge that you’ll always remember where you were when it happened?

Pivnicka: The 2016 World Series has been the most memorable sports moment for me.

What is the last really good book you’ve read?

Pivnicka: “A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson.

What are your goals for the rest of the season?

Pivnicka: As a team I’d love to continue to win games and beat our record from last year. Individually, I’m just looking to keep doing the best I can to help the team win games.