Q&A 2022 With JEnnah Isai (AZ)

With some players it only takes a few trips  up and down the court to identify the “IT” factor.  This was no more evident than in January of 2017 when we saw Arizona resident Jennah Isai at NJ Sparks New Year’s Resolution. The middle schooler had rare mix of size, a versatile skill set, a high level of relentlessness that immediate grabs one’s attention and of course the “IT” factor. 

 

A few years later, after a very impressive freshman year at Valley Vista High School (AZ). Isai was one of 32 players to receive an invite to the USA basketball U16 trials in Colorado Springs, CO last May. Although Isai was unable to participate in the highly competitive USA Basketball trials due to suffering a torn anterior crucitate ligament (ACL) injury she focused on physically getting ready for the 2019/2020 high school season.  In addition, the “layoff” allowed her to  mentally prepare for overcoming such a devastating injury and as the team’s captain provide her teammates with the necessary fortitude to pursuit a state championship banner. 

 

Recently, NYGHR got a chance to catch up with the rising junior and newly crowned state champion to discuss her balancing, school work, part time job, and of course workouts for travel ball and the upcoming high school season.

When did you fall in love with this game?
 
I can’t remember not loving the game.  As the game got more competitive, I loved it more.  I like to challenge myself and basketball is the perfect fit for that.  
 
 
  When is you realize hey, I’m really good at this basketball thing?
 
I grew up playing with the boys.  I think the first time I realized I could drive in on them and score, I realized I was pretty good.  I also got to attend some camps with great talent in middle school like Blue Star 30 and the EGB All-American Games.  In these evants I realized that I could compete with girls all across the country. Playing on the Nike  EYBL circuit also helped me see that I could compete at the highest levels.
 
How was your AAU experience playing with Coach? 
 

 In AAU I play for Cal Sparks.  I love club ball.  There is a lot of chemistry on the team.  The coaching staff is amazing, especially Coach Elbert.  He truly cares about relationships and my well-being in the long run. 
 
How was your experience like playing basketball at Valley Vista high school?
 
Valley Vista is a good place to play. The school really values girl’s basketball. The games are well attended and that creates a great atmosphere. The girls on the team the year prior to my freshman year set the stage by winning the state championship. 
 
 
 What was your most memorable moment during the high school season?
 
The most memorable moment had to be winning State this year.  The year before we got knocked out in the semis, so it was a goal to go, all the way and we did!
 
 
What is it like playing for your high school coach Matakas ? 
 
I am blessed because not only do I have a great club coach I also have an amazing high school coach in Rachel Matakas.  I have known her for a long time.  She is very intense, but fun at the same time, a good balance. She always pushes us. 
 
 
 
What do you think was the biggest growth in your game that led to you getting scholarship offers? 
 
I think the reason I have gotten offers is my sense of competitiveness. I play to win.  I drive into the basket, but also can shoot and facilitate.  
 
 
What part of your game do you want to improve on? And what have you been doing to improve.
 
The part of my game I would like to continue to improve on is my shot.  Being home gave me a good opportunity for this. We actually bought a hoop for the front yard and I worked on my shot.  Now that I am back in the gym, I continue to do so with Matakas and my dad.
 
 
 
What schools are recruiting and who has offered you?
 
 
 I currently have offers from University of Arizona, University of Michigan, Princeton, University of Florida, Texas, Texas Tech, BYU, University of Las Vegas, St. Johns, Penn State, Cal State Fullerton.
 

Did you take visits to college yet also how are the virtual tours compared to visits?
 
I haven’t taken visits, yet I hope to this year.
 

Who are some of the players NBA/ WNBA / NCAA you pattern you game after?
 
Some players I pattern my game after include: Kawahi Leonard, Russel Westbrook, Sabrina Ionescu and of course Michael Jordan.
 
 
 
What are you looking for in A college?
 
As far as colleges go I am looking for a college where the relationships are good with both the girls and the coaches.  I want to play for a coach that will make me better as I eventually want to play in the WNBA.  I also want to learn how to be a good coach myself, as another thing I aspire to do is be a D1 Coach one day. 
 
 
How have you been preparing for hoops during the pandemic?
 
During the pandemic the gyms were closed so we bought a hoop for the yard.  I worked on my shot and played one on one with my brother.  I also worked on my ball handling using videos and with my dad.  Finally, I worked on speed and agility with my trainer.
 
 
Jennah Isai 
5’11 
Valley Vista HS (AZ)
Cal Stars AAU  
@jennahisai (twitter)