Courtside Chat

Monmouth County Voice Talks With One of the Area's Preeminent High School Basketball Players

BY SCOTT MEANEY

Since the WNBA’s inception, women’s basketball has become a national phenomenon. But for many women, the sport was always a strong part of growing up. Our high school teams are filled with some of the future’s brightest stars. To celebrate the thrill of this intense sport, we journeyed to Freehold High School. The school’s history of academic and athletic excellence has proven this school to be a beacon of the
community, providing a long-lasting link between students and former alumni.

Shannon Mayrose is a multitalented young lady who has become one of the Freehold basketball team’s top performers. As a Junior, this power-forward is raring to get back onto the court. This month, Monmouth County Voice sat down with her to discuss the upcoming season.

MCV: Thanks for speaking with us Shannon.
Shannon Mayrose: No problem!

MCV: So, how long have you been playing basketball?
SM: I’ve been playing since 7th grade. My best friend’s dad had a team and I started playing.

MCV: How do you like being power forward?
SM: It’s fun! I’m pretty tall, so they automatically put me there. You get to rough people up, and that’s a lot of fun. Plus, I’m working on my outside shot to become a threat from the outside, too. (laughs)

MCV: Did you practice a lot with the team during the off-season?
SM: Over summer we did a lot of agility and weight training. I don’t have much time because of soccer.

MCV: That’s right, you play for the school’s soccer team too. Which sport is your favorite?
SM: It depends. For me, I find whatever sport I’m playing at the time is my favorite. I realize how much I like basketball during basketball season. But then it’s the same with soccer.

MCV: How do you feel your team’s chances are this year?
SM: I think we’ll actually be pretty dangerous this year. We’ve got a lot of great sophomores moving up. The only player we’ll really be missing is my sister.

MCV: Describe some of the team’s strategies for the court. Is there a cerebral element to your game?
SM: One of the major things is that we have to play as a team. We always play with heart and work together.

MCV: Who were some of your early influences playing basketball?
SM: My mom and my sister. My sister, especially, since she just got a full scholarship to grad school. She’s someone I really look up to. I feel if she can do it, then I can do it too.

MCV: Where you looking?
SM: I’m keeping my options open right now. I’m not really set on where I want to go yet.

MCV: Is there any outside activity you do to really enhance your game?
SM: I play on the Freehold Tarheels basketball team. We practice a lot and that helps me at school. I also play on a club team for soccer, to make sure I’m always staying in shape.

MCV: Do you have any other interests?
SM: Besides basketball and soccer, I do track, high jump, and 100 hurdles too.

MCV: Outside of sports, what else do you do for fun?
SM: Hanging out with my friends and watch movies. Lion King is my favorite movie of all time. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved it.

Monmouth County Voice would like to wish Shannon a great season.
Good luck!