Posted: Jan 30, 2020
Sarah Cloninger is in her first full season on the varsity team. Her breakout junior season has her averaging almost a double-double with 9.2 ppg and 9.0 rebounds while recording four double-doubles. She has tallied a career-best 16 points twice this season among 10 double-digit scoring games. Sarah'sfun fact is she can juggle. She has a younger sister Amanda, and her cousin Ally played soccer for the Troubadours. She says, "It was really fun having her as a freshman here. It helped me settle in."
You have made big strides this year. How do you feel you are playing and getting better this season?
"It is super fun playing with my teammates. I am so happy to up my game from the JV level. I knew the transition was going to be hard. But I feel like I am finally able to step up to the challenge and be better than last year."
What do you think is the biggest area you have improved?
"I think my shooting has improved even though I do not shoot much in the games. I definitely did not have the confidence to take any shots whatsoever in my previous two years. I finally have the confidence to shoot every once in a while."
Rebounding has become a big part of your game. It has one of your big contributions (9.0 rpg and 11 double-digit games) this year. Is it something you focus on?
"As a freshmen, I could not really contribute on the offensive side of the game so I had to really focus on stepping up my defense and rebounding. I am really happy I can contribute to the team that way as well."
How did your call up to varsity for the playoffs help motivate you for this year?
"We got to experience the playoff atmosphere. It showed me how much faster the varsity level is and proved to be I had to work extremely hard to be where I am now. I am glad I got to see it as a sophomore."
What is your basketball story?
"I was a soccer player my whole life until eight grade year. My dad made me go out for the eighth grade basketball team and I sat the bench the whole year. I got in a couple times in the end. I was playing club soccer and my dad made me go out for freshman basketball. As it turns out, I was making exponential strides in basketball so I chose basketball."
Do you have a favorite basketball moment?
"Freshman year I scored a season high of 16 points. It was after I air balled two free throws. I got really mad and just played really well. It was a turning pointy and showed I could contribute to the offensive side of basketball, too."
What are your goals for the second half of the season?
"Definitely we want to try to keep winning and get the best seed in the playoffs we can. The goal is to beat Franklin at the end."
Why do you wear No. 21?
"My birthday is Oct. 21. I could not be 8 because it was illegal number. It was my second option."
If you could live in a book, TV show or movie, where would you live: Harry Potter,
What is your Greatest Achievement: Playing basketball because my grandpa Paul always wanted a grand child who played.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be: Shape Shift
If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future: Past.
What's the concert you want to see: Little Mix.
What teacher has inspired you the most: Ms. Harrity.
If you could trade places with one person, who would you trade with: Arianna Grande.
Favorite Holiday: Christmas.
Favorite Dinner: Steak.
Favorite Disney Character: Olaf.
Favorite Basketball Player: Brianna Stewart.
Hero: My Mom.
Bucket List: Bungee jumping in New Zealand.
