By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent
Name: Imani Ninham
School: West De Pere
Sport: Girls’ basketball
Parents: Fawn Billie; Timothy
Twitter: @ImaniNinham_33
Imani Ninham, a senior on the West De Pere girls’ basketball team, recently completed her season for the 17-9 Phantoms, who lost a Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Division 2 regional final game to Fox Valley Lutheran.
Imani averaged 11 points and 2 rebounds per game.
She said a favorite childhood memory was when the boys and girls got together at recess to play pick-up games.
During her time in uniform, Ninham said she enjoyed playing defense.
Off the court, she describes herself as goofy and athletic.
How gratifying was it to be on varsity your whole career?
“Since middle school was done, my goal was to play varsity. I knew hard work had to be attained. By competing at a high level with Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), it was worth the time and effort I put in.”
If you could do something every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
“Go shopping.”
Talk about competing in the Bay Conference and the impact you made after your injury as a junior.
“Each game mattered. After my injury, I wanted to show a setback made me better and stronger with the dedication I put in behind the scenes.”
What was a basketball weakness?
“My quickness on the floor – whether it was on offense or defense.”
Would you rather whitewater raft or ride a speedboat?
“I’ve experienced both. I would whitewater raft again – it’s wild and fun.”
What’s the best thing you did during Homecoming Week?
“I joined in on the noise parade our school puts on in front of the community. It was fun to get crazy with my friends. We got to be as loud as we wanted and didn’t get in trouble. We won.”
Dr. Pepper or Coca-Cola?
“Coca-Cola. McDonald’s Coke is top tier. I don’t know what they put in it, but it’s the best.”
If you could invent something, what would it be?
“If you could take a picture of an object and then be able to google it. I’ve thought about this before because there are times I don’t know what it is. Maybe by letting someone else see it, they’d be able to identify it.”
What’s one thing other teammates or coaches didn’t know about you?
“I currently own about 24 pairs of shoes.”
What are you most grateful for?
“My family and friends. They’ve always been in my corner and have made an impact on who I am today.”
What are your college aspirations?
“To play basketball and major in exercise science.”
Talk about your heritage.
“I’m Native American and from the Oneida and Navajo Nation. I have family here on the Oneida Reservation and family members who live on the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico.”
What’s your favorite TV app or program?
“I mostly watch Netflix or Hulu.”
Best game you’ve played since your freshman year at West De Pere?
“My sophomore year when we played Ashwaubenon. I scored a career-high 27 points.”
What’s your dream job?
“To own a basketball training facility and help other players with their game and nutrition.”
What’s your favorite thing to do on a trip?
“Take pictures of myself and make TikToks. I then use those pictures for Instagram.”
Who’s your favorite professional player?
“Kobe Bryant.”
What dreams do you have for the world of tomorrow?
“To be humble, appreciate the small things in life and enjoy each moment by making others laugh.”
A blocked shot or a steal?
“A steal because I can get in the open court and move in transition.”