Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week: Gisselle Martin, Newman freshman basketball player

Name: Gisselle Martin

School: Newman Central Catholic

Sport: Basketball

Why she was selected: She led the Comets with 19 points and eight rebounds in a win over Hall on Jan. 9. The freshman has helped a young Newman team to a 16-7 record this season, often leading the team in scoring.

Newman junior forward Lucy Oetting said Martin elevates the team with her energy.

“When she’s pumped, we’re all pumped up,” Oetting said. “Gisselle stands out as a player with her hustle. When there is a loose ball she’s always on the ground diving for every ball.”

Newman sophomore guard Brooklyn Smith agreed.

“There is not a break for her as she continues to work to get better each and every day. She is an aggressive player on the court who will dive for balls and get the team hyped up when they need it,” Smith said. “She can always get us the needed plays when she tries her hardest and acts as a glue for the team.”

Sophomore guard Elaina Allen said Martin’s determination also stands out.

“Every practice and game she will work her butt off and get the job done because that is who she is,” Allen said. “She is the teammate that will always be there to pick you up, always be there to help on and off the court. A great leader who can make others around her better.”

Martin is the Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week in an online vote.

When did you first get into basketball and what or who helped you get into it?

Martin: I started playing when I was 3 years old and I’ve been playing ever since. My dad was the one that helped me get into basketball.

What is it like having your dad [Herb] as your high school coach?

Martin: It’s great.

What do you like about basketball? Has it taught you anything? Any specific strengths you feel you have? Anything specifically you have worked at improving this year?

Martin: What I like about basketball is the pace of the game and how it can get intense/loud during the games. It [has] taught me how to be a good player and to have patience during tough situations during games. I can get to the paint and give my shooters the ball when we need to score. I have worked at communicating in games and working on my handles.

The team won five of its last six games going into Thursday. How do you feel about this year’s team so far? Anything stand out?

Martin: I feel great about this team this year. There’s been great improvement with this team and I’m so proud of every single one of them. We all hype each other up before games and during games. Then we help each other out on the court and communicate with each other.

Any goals for you this season individually?

Martin: To get better at basketball.

Does the team have any goals this season? What does it hope to accomplish?

Martin: To get better every single day as a team.

Do you have a favorite athlete or sports team?

Martin: JuJu Watkins and the South Carolina Gamecocks

Any other hobbies, activities or sports you are involved in?

Martin: I like to take naps in my free time and watch movies.

Do you have a favorite quote or book?

Martin: Yes, I have few. “Leave the game better than you found it,” and ”When it comes time for you to leave. Leave a legend,” by Kobe Bryant. “Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses,” by Kobe Bryant.

Favorite restaurant or meal after a game?

Martin: My favorite restaurant is Chick-Fil-A or McDonald’s. [Favorite] meal after the game is a chicken Caesar wrap and fries with a crispy root beer from T’s Time Out.

Favorite TV show or movie?

Martin: Favorite TV show is Jessie and favorite movie is Finding Dory.

Favorite music artist or genre?

Martin: My favorite artist is either Sexyy Red or Glorilla. And rap.

Any favorite school subjects or teachers?

Martin: Andrew Olson and Chris Somers. Sociology and Theology.