BY MURRAY GLEFFE
CORRESPONDENT
Name: Sydney Appleton
Parents: Keith and LeAnn Appleton
Activity: Basketball
Twitter: @seappleton
Sydney Appleton is a senior on the girls’ basketball team at West De Pere High School.
She states winning regionals and going to sectionals last year as a junior as her most memorable moments on the court.
She likes both rap and country music.
What is it like to be a senior leader on the basketball team at West De Pere High School? “I love it. It’s been a really fun year so far. I’ve really focused on making sure I lead by example and do all of the little things. We have a very young team, and only a few of us bring varsity experience, so I’ve tried my hardest to be consistent and set a good example.”
What is your most embarrassing moment ever in basketball? “During my first summer league game freshman year, I was at the line shooting free throws, and I air-balled both of them.”
What’s your favorite thing about playing for Coach Abaray? “He always pushes our entire team as hard as he can. He makes us perform at the highest level and is always finding ways to make everyone better. Coach is also very good at communicating with us. He’s always listening and makes our team feel like a family.”
If you could be somebody for a day, who would it be? “I would want to be LeBron James. He’s undeniably one of the best players ever, and it’d be awesome to be able to dunk on someone.”
Do you have a nickname or something a teammate calls you during a game? “Last year my teammates started calling me ‘Tyd.’ I have no idea why but it kind of stuck. Also, one of my teachers calls me ‘El Syd’ after some Spanish conqueror.”
What is one thing that other teammates or coaches don’t know about you? “I am obsessed with Harry Potter movies. I can quote almost every line.”
What is the best thing about this year’s 2018-19 basketball team so far? “Our morale. Our team saying is ‘All In,’ and everyone always gives their all whenever we step on the court. We are in it for each other and not ourselves. We have built a really positive environment, which is helping with our chemistry.”
What are your college aspirations? “I want to go to a big college like the University of Wisconsin or the University of Minnesota. My first choice is probably Madison.”
What would your dream job be once you graduate? “Chemical or biomedical engineer.”
What are your hobbies? “I like to travel, hang out with my friends, work out and listen to music.”
What is your favorite event ever attended? “The Packers versus the 49ers game this year. I got to see one of Aaron Rodgers’ comebacks in person.”
What is your favorite thing to do on your phone? “Go on Twitter. It always makes me laugh.”
What three words describe you? “Dedicated, organized, patient.”
What is your favorite trip ever taken? “When I went to Siesta Key, Florida, my freshman year with my family and friend. The beach was so nice, and we got to go parasailing on the gulf.”
What is your desired location (city and state) to go watch a basketball game? “Watching a basketball game at Cameron Indoor Stadium (Duke) in Durham, North Carolina, has always been on my bucket list.”
A blow-out win in front of a few fans or a five-overtime loss (not in the postseason) with the gym packed? “Definitely a five-overtime loss with the gym packed. Close games are the ones our team wants to play in to get better, and it is always more fun to have fans there.”
An assist or a steal? “Assist.”
A basket or a rebound? “Rebound. It’s all about doing the little things.”
Favorites
Food: Sushi
Subject: Chemistry or physics
Color: Blue
TV Show: “Criminal Minds”
Household item: Blanket
Athlete: Aaron Rodgers
Holiday: Thanksgiving
Season: Fall