Head Coach Kathy Washington has turned out some outstanding players at North Atlanta H.S. and with current star Courtney Jackson headed off to Jacksonville University after this season another rising star has already emerged in the form of Janelle Grayson. I caught up with the 5-8 junior at the Atlanta Public School Christmas Tournament and got a chance to sit down with her and “Keep it Real”.

L.A.:  “Who have been some of the most influential people in your life so far”?

Janelle: “My parents, Walter and Beverly Grayson”.         

L.A.: “How long have you actually been playing basketball?”

Janelle: “Since the sixth grade. About six years”

L.A.:  “What have been some of the most memorable moments of your career so far?
Janelle: “Winning the Adidas Showtime National Championship last summer and scoring 29pts in the Peach State Hoops summer championship game.

L.A.:  “What has been one of the most disappointing moments or times so far in your career?

Janelle: “The Mays game this year when Nikkita Gartrell hit the game winning three pointer at the buzzer.”

L.A.:   “What do you think you need to do to get yourself ready for the next level of basketball?”

Janelle: “Keep getting into the gym to improve my game, getting stronger and better conditioned.”

L.A.: “You have been playing the PG position in high school and during AAU but you move around and shoot like you could play the 2 easily. What position would you like to play?”

Janelle: “A shooting guard or point guard”

L.A.: “What is the strongest part of your game?

Janelle: “My shooting.”

L.A.:  “What type of personal and or team goals have you set for this season?”
Janelle: “I want my team to make it to state. I want to improve my game and be a leader for my team this year and make the 4SHOT Sports All-Classification Team.”

L.A.:  “Who has been one of the toughest players you have had to guard?”
Janelle: “When I was a freshman at North Cobb High School, I had to guard Sue Yenser from Harrison HS. I think she plays at Clemson now.”

L.A.: “Tell me something about yourself that people wouldn’t know by just looking at you?
Janelle: “I have a fascination with airplanes.”

L.A.: “Do you have a nickname?”
Janelle: “Yeah, people call me Nelle.”

L.A.: “What AAU Team do you play for and how does summer ball (AAU) differ from high school ball?”

Janelle: “I play for the Georgia Hoopstars. Summer ball is different because there is a whole team full of ballers. High school you may have about two or three exceptional ball players and the pressure is on to perform at your best every game to make it competitive.”

L.A.:  “If you could meet anyone in the world who would it be and why?”
Janelle: “Dwayne Wade, because he’s fine and he can play.”

L.A.:  “I’m going to throw out some word comparisons and I want you to choose one, Nike, Reebok or Adidas?”
Janelle: “Nike”

 
L.A.:  “Escalade, Denali, Corvette, Mercedes or Ferrari?”
Janelle: “Escalade”

L.A:  “What’s your favorite food?”
Janelle: “Macaroni and Cheese”

L.A.:  “Who’s your favorite player (man or woman, college or pro)?”
Janelle: “Dwayne Wade”

L.A.:  “Who’s your favorite team?”

Janelle: “Miami Heat”

L.A.: “What’s your favorite TV Show and movie?”
Janelle: “Girlfriends and The Matrix.”

L.A.: ”What type of music do you listen to and who is your favorite performer?”
Janelle: “Rap and R&B. Lil’ Wayne”

L.A.: “What do you like to do when you are not playing basketball?

Janelle: “Shop.”

L.A.: “Janelle, thanks for taking the time for a little Street Talk and good luck!”
Janelle: “Thanks Larry, it’s tough keepin’ it real”.

If you want to “Keep it Real" on Street Talk …holla at me

This is Larry “L.A.” Williams …PEACE!