From humble beginnings at a little rec center in Lithonia, Georgia, Michelle Ivey has moved on to bigger and better things.  Try making the 4SHOT Hoops All-Freshman Team and becoming one of the top upcoming sophomores in the state of Georgia on for the size.  I know, I know, if she’s on 4SHOT Sports then she’s got to be the truth.  That part, you already know.  But now, she takes you inside her Highlight Zone.

Most people said we couldn't do it. That made the win even better.

Klapp:  Introduce yourself. 

Michelle:  I'm Michelle Ivey, but that’s not what most people call me.  They call me Mitchell, Mitch, Shell, Ivey.  The list goes on and on… I go to Pace Academy and my classification is a rising sophomore. 

Klapp:  Who is that one person in your life that you know you wouldn’t be where you are without their support?  Why?

Michelle:  I would have to say my mom not just because she's my mom but because she played the game and she knows what she's talking about.

Klapp:  What is that one thing you constantly hear from your parents or coach that gets on your nerves but you know deep down you need to hear it?

Michelle:  The main thing that I here from my coach is that the team really needs me to step up next year...   "You're not frosh anymore".   My mom just reminds me to play with HEART.

Klapp:  So, what are you most looking forward to about the upcoming basketball season?

Michelle:  Mainly, I am looking forward to getting back together with my teammates and doing what I love to do which is play basketball. 

Klapp:  What part of your game are you working on the most during the off-season?

Michelle:  Oh most definitely my dribbling and ball handling.   My coach has put me on notice that she is kicking me out the post and moving me to a 3 position.

Klapp:  What type of workouts/drills are you doing to improve your game as a whole?

Michelle:  Weight lifting to get me stronger and “two ball dribbling drills".

Klapp:  What do you feel is the strongest part of your game?

Michelle:  My defense and snatchin' down rebounds.

Klapp:  What has been the most memorable moment of your high school career, thus far?

Michelle:  Winning the AA Regional Championship, this was the first in the school’s history.  Most people said we couldn't do it.  That made the win even better.

Klapp:  AAU career?

Michelle:  When I played for the Celtics, beating the Lady Panthers in the State Championship was awesome.  Before this season, the best we had achieved before was second place.

She get it from her momma...

Klapp:  What AAU team do you play for?

Michelle:  Now I play for the Georgia Hoop Stars.

Klapp:  What does it mean to be apart of your AAU squad?

Michelle:  It means a lot playing with a group of girls that travel together and get opportunities that most girls don’t. 

Klapp:  Who has been the toughest player you’ve had to face high school ball?

Michelle:  Hands down, I would have to say Holy Innocence’s Karlee Marx-Booth; she’s a rising junior and a solid player.

Klapp:  AAU ball?

Michelle:  That’s hard because all the girls that you see in AAU ball can play and you see new faces every year that will give you a run for your money.

Klapp:  What would be your perfect game?

Michelle:  Aww… well first off we have to win the game because if you play a good game and lose then something is missing.  A good game for me is hitting a double-double while playing solid defense.   If I won the game with a buzzer beater in double OT that would just be icing on the cake.

Klapp:  I know you have a couple years ahead of you, but what top five colleges are you checking out so far?

Michelle:  Vanderbilt, Duke, Purdue, UNC and Georgia Tech.

Klapp:  Who is Michelle on the court?

Michelle:  Honestly…I would have to say not very vocal but quick on offense and defense. I lead mostly by example and never give up.

Klapp:  Who is Michelle off the court?

Michelle:  If I’m around a group of people that I don’t know well, I can be very shy.  However, once you get to know me, it’s a different story. I can be goofy.   I love to dance and I’m really into my appearance.  If for some odd reason playing ball doesn’t work out, I want to model.

Klapp:  What TV show you know you have to Tivo if you’re not there to watch it?

Michelle:  America’s Next Top Model.  

Klapp:  What’s bumping in your CD player right now?

Michelle:  Something I can dance to…most likely a mixed tape because I can get real picky with my songs.

Klapp:  The Pool Palace, Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It, Walk It Out, Joccin’, or na’an one of ‘em?

Michelle:  I’d say all of ‘em, but if I have to choose, then it must be Pool Palace.

(she did the Pool Palace for ya boy and she did her thang)

Klapp:  If you could go on the road with any artist, who would it be?  Why?

Michelle:  Chris Brown.  He is oh so fine AND he can sing.

Klapp:  Would you want a future in the WNBA or on Wall Street?

Michelle:  WNBA

Klapp:  Better yet, if I said you could make a $20,000 a year in the WNBA or $5 million running your own business on Wall Street, which would you choose?

Michelle:  WNBA.  I would rather do something that I love.  While running your own business sounds like it is all gravy, it’s too much stress and I’m not trying to gray early.

Klapp:  If you had to use one word to describe your high school, what would it be?

Michelle:  It’s difficult to describe in one word.  There are a lot of academies out there, but Pace is “THE ACADEMY”.

A good game for me is hitting a double-double while playing solid defense.

Klapp:

Klapp:  High School?

Michelle:  Less work. 

Klapp:  Boys? 

Michelle:  No restrictions.

(Fellas don’t even think about it)

Klapp:  Ball?

Michelle:  More time to play.

Klapp:  Music?

Michelle:  No restrictions.

Klapp:  Friends?

Michelle:  More time to spend with friends.

Klapp:  The Black Community?

Michelle:  Less Violence. 

Klapp:  Michelle?

Michelle:  More time to play basketball and do all the other things I love to do.

Klapp:  Finally, what would you call your Highlight Zone?

Michelle:  Paradise.

Klapp:  Any shout outs?

Michelle:   Well, God, firstly.  My mom, Big Tee, my stepparents, and all the coaches who helped since I’ve been playing….Oh yeah, and I want to shout out Kut and Klapp!

Klapp:  Any last words?

Michelle:  Don’t sleep on 2-3….The best has yet to come!

It's patented...

 Michelle, you certainly have a bright future and it was truly a pleasure…..Hey Mama!

What's your "Highlight Zone"?