Nevada Preps Girls Athlete of the Week: Desert Pines’ Trista Mabry
Trista Mabry said the Desert Pines girls basketball team is motivated this season after losing in the Class 4A state title game in February.
Now in 5A, the top classification, Mabry helped the Jaguars continue their perfect start entering Tuesday in their league opener last week.
Mabry scored 21 points and added nine rebounds, five assists, six steals and seven blocks in a 55-18 win over Palo Verde on Dec. 5 that gave the Jaguars a 6-0 record. She was named Nevada Preps Girls Athlete of the Week for her efforts.
“Because we played (Palo Verde) in the (4A state) semifinals last season, I already had a good idea of how they would play,” Mabry said. “I used that to my advantage because I knew I had the confidence to do what I needed to do and to win.”
Let’s get to know this week’s girls athlete of the week. (Note: Answers have been edited for clarity and length.)
Nevada Preps: Who is a basketball player you look up to and try to model your game after?
Mabry: I really like A’ja Wilson and how she’s able to make shots for herself but also help the team out. She’s also really good defensively.
NP: What’s your favorite memory in your basketball career?
Mabry: It’s being able to travel with my teammates. We all have a lot of fun when we go out of state together. This summer we went to Idaho, and we did a lot of traveling.
NP: Do you have any pregame rituals you follow?
Mabry: Before the game, at least two hours before, I start listening to music, doing yoga and getting up shots earlier so I can rest before it’s time to play. I tend to listen to R&B; it calms me down.
NP: If you weren’t playing basketball, what sport would you be playing?
Mabry: I really have a lot of fun playing flag football, so I would like to try it. I played it in middle school.
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