|
4SHOT Sports Street Talk - "Live in L.A." L.A. “Keeping It Real” with Kori Penland
Generally when you talk about girls hoops in Georgia, North Georgia is probably the last area of the state you talk about, unless your talking about Ashley Houts (Dade County H.S.’s McDonald’s All-American and UGA signee) or maybe the Dalton H.S. girls program. Well 4SHOT Hoops has found a baller in North Georgia that has beeped on our radar screen and is about to blow up. Her name is Kori Penland, a 5-8 sophomore PG from Gordon Lee High School. “L.A.” - Street Talk caught up with “KP” for a little one-on-one. Kori: “God has blessed me with my basketball ability and an awesome family. They support me through everything and will sacrifice anything to help me excel in basketball and life in general. They are at every game and tournament no matter where it is. Without their support, I don't know what I would do. My dad has probably been the biggest influence. He has coached me throughout my whole career, and I know I wouldn't be half the player I am without him.” L.A.: “What have been some of the most memorable moments in your career so far?
Kori: “I would most like to forget last year's state playoff game against Jefferson. We lost by 1 after losing our 13-point lead.” L.A.: “What is the strongest part of your game?” Kori: “The strongest part of my game is my fundamentals which I continue to work on daily. This year the strongest part of my game was the ability to create shots for myself and my teammates.” L.A.: “What do you think you need to work on this summer take your game to the next level?” Kori: “This summer I am going to focus on improving my defense and getting stronger. I am always trying to improve all the areas of my game. The mental aspect of the game is just important as everything else. I want to be a complete player. There is a lot left to learn, and there is always room for improvement.” L.A.: “What do you look forward to the most during AAU season?” Kori: “Improving my game, playing some of the best players in the nation, and traveling” L.A.: “How does summer ball (AAU) differ from the regular season?” Kori: “AAU is quicker and more competitive than the regular season. Teams are made up of stronger and quicker girls than most high school teams. The speed of the game is one of the main differences. Some passes that a player can get away with in regular season would be a turnover in AAU ball.” L.A.: “Most AAU Teams have players that play in their natural position unlike in high school where you usually play out of position. What is your natural position and do you get to play that position during the summer” Kori: “My natural position is point guard. When I was younger, I was shorter than most people my age. Now, I am taller than most guards. So, I can play the 1,2, or 3 position. In AAU I play either the 1 or 2 position. In regular season I just play the 1 position.” Kori: “Ashley Houts from Dade County High School is the toughest player I have had to guard. She is also hands down the best high school player I have ever seen.” L.A.: “Knowing that you can compete against the girls you read about from the bigger schools does it ever bother you that you play at a smaller school that doesn’t get much recognition? Kori: “Yes, I play a lot of the girls from larger schools in AAU ball, and I know I can compete with them. Unfortunately for me, north Georgia is known more for its softball than basketball. However, we try to schedule bigger schools and most of the teams in our region are from the Atlanta area.” L.A.: “Have you ever thought about attending a larger school, if so can you say which ones you thought about? Kori: “Last year I played with the Augusta Lady Sixers. Most of my teammates went to Hephzibah. I often wondered what it would be like to play high school ball together.” L.A.: “Tell me something about yourself that people wouldn’t know by just looking at you? Kori: “I love to read.” L.A.: “Do you have a nickname?” Kori: “Yeah, my friends call me "KP". L.A.: “Are you a Player or a BALLER, now at 4SHOT we think Players just go out on the court and play like every other player on the court. Now a BALLER can take over the game, not in a selfish way but they can dominate at “a whole nother’ level?” Kori: “I am a BALLER. I am a very competitive person. I hate to lose at anything. So, I will do whatever it takes for my team to win whether that means to score or create plays for my teammates. I just want to win.” L.A.: “If you could meet anyone in the world (past or present) who would it be and why? Kori: “J.J. Redick. He isn't the tallest, quickest, or most athletic guy on the court, but he has the best fundamentals of anyone in college basketball. He finds a way to score every night despite the defensive pressure. I love watching him play.” L.A.: “If you were not playing basketball what would you be doing now?”
L.A.: “What is your favorite TV Show and Movie?” L.A.: “What type of music do you like and do you have a favorite artist or group?” Kori: “I like rap, R/B, country, and rock. Just a little bit of everything. At the moment, my favorite artist is Kelly Clarkson. My all time favorite group is Destiny's Child.” L.A.: “What type of sneakers do you like to sport?” Kori: “Nike” L.A.: “What type of cloths do you like to wear?” Kori: “A good pair of jeans, comfortable shirt, and burkenstocks.“ L.A: “What’s your favorite food?” L.A.: “Who’s your favorite player(s)?”
L.A.: “What type of hobbies do you have?” L.A.: “Kori, thank you for your time, it has been my pleasure to be able to “Keep It Real” with you.” If you want to “Keep it Real" on Street Talk …holla at me This is Larry “L.A.” Williams …PEACE! © Copyright 2006 by 4SHOT Sports |
