Q & A with Riverside Lady Rebel Amber Courtney By : Ryan Fletcher 1 . Going into your senior season , what do you believe you will need to improve on the most ? I need to be more physical with my game inside and more consistent with free throws . 2 . You improved a lot last season going from your sophomore to junior year . What changed ? In your opinion what improved about your game ? I just knew I needed to step up because of the competition on my team . I think I rebounded the ball a lot better as a junior than as a sophomore . 3 . You are considered one of the best inside players in your conference and also around NEA . What is it like having high expectations for yourself ? It feels good knowing that I ’ ve made a name for myself , and it ’ s always a challenge to work towards those expectations . 4 . What it has been like to play for Coach Tyler Timms ? Being coached by Coach Timms is a challenge . He always pushes myself , and my team to be the best we can be . 5 . You guys are pegged to win your conference , district , and region . It would be crazy to not think you could make it to the state finals . What do you all have to do to make it to Hot Springs and bring home the school ’ s first girls basketball state title ? We have to put our heads down and go to work just like everyone else . We have to take it one day at a time , and here soon , one game at a time . 6 . My understanding is that your dad played in the NBA . Tell us about him and what it is like knowing your dad played at the absolute highest level of basketball . Do you believe you got your ability from him and do you talk about the game with him much ? It is intimidating having a dad that went to the next level . He is a very intelligent man , especially when it comes to the game of basketball . I do believe that I got my ability from him . He has taught me a lot and continues to push me every day . He is my biggest supporter ! 7 . What are you plans after high school ? Might we see you play at the next level ? I haven ’ t fully decided on playing at the next level because it ’ s a big responsibility , however , I do plan on going to college and getting a degree in social work .
8 . Who is a player from your past that either you played with and looked up to or even a player that you watched as a younger kid that you wanted to be like . I looked up to Graceanne Puckett . She was a very talented player , and she was actually my mentor in a program we used to do .