Athlete Spotlight: James Wood girls' basketball player Brooklynn Medina

James Wood High School 17-year-old senior

Sport: Girls’ basketball. Position: Guard

Parent: Kayla Taylor

Hometown: Martinsburg, W. Va., moved to Winchester this year.

What do you love about basketball?: I like the opportunity it gives me. I could potentially go to the WNBA or even to school and play in college. It gives me an outlet.

Most memorable moment in basketball: During AAU [for the Winchester Rising Stars], we played in a tournament in Baltimore. Every game was just great. I had like 25-plus [points] every game. It was just a really great tournament and we won.

Most embarrassing moment in basketball: When we were playing Liberty, we were pressing them and almost had the 10-second count. I think someone deflected the ball and it hit like right on my feet. So, I tripped on the ball, face-planted and slid across the court.

Most difficult moment in basketball: I had broken my nose in our last AAU tournament and I didn’t get to finish the tournament out. It kind of messed me up mentally because I was kind of playing scared because I really didn’t want to get hit in the face again.

Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: My mom, I just wouldn’t be where I am today without her support; Kobe Bryant, because he’s one of the greatest basketball players and I adore his mentality; Lil Baby, because he’s my favorite rapper.

Who is your biggest athletic influence?: [James Wood] Coach [Sanford] Silver. I played for him for the Rising Stars and I feel like ever since he’s pushed me to be my best, even when I have games where I don’t do the greatest and I continue to lose my confidence. I feel like I wouldn’t be the athlete I am today without him.

Favorite teacher: Mr. H [Paul Hvozdovic]. He’s my business management teacher. He just makes the class interesting and he’s a sports fan and asks me how the games go.

Favorite athlete: Stephen Curry

Favorite sports team: Kansas City Chiefs

Favorite movie: “Grown Ups”

Favorite TV show: “Stranger Things”

Favorite song: “Turned Your Back” by Gunna

Favorite food: Macaroni and cheese

Worst thing you’ve eaten: Wasabi

Plans after high school: I’m committed to play at Garrett College [a community college in McHenry, Md.]. I hope to keep growing as an athlete, get the college experience under my belt and hopefully from there go to a four-year university. I’d like to major in sports management. I took a class and it just seemed like something I would really be interested in. It wouldn’t get boring to me just because I’m so into sports.

— Compiled by Walt Moody