Q&A with 2021 Saniya Rivers of Carolina Flames.

 
 
Saniya Rivers 6’1 W (Eugene Ashley HS, NC 2021) led her screaming Eagles team to 25-5 record and help carry them to the NC State tournament quarter finals. After an impressive sophomore campaign at Lanney HS averaging 24 points 12 rebounds 4 assists. She followed that with 25 points, 11 rebounds and 6 steals 4 assists and 2 Blocks per game season. Oh yes, how can we forget mention back to back North Carolina Gatorade player of the year award. NYGHR got a chance to connect with the star prospect for a Q & A Session. 
 
How was your AAU experience playing with Coach?
 
My AAU experience playing with Coach Arne (Carolina Flames) was very much needed! I’ve been with this organization for years, but I started playing for him when I was a freshman. I was a freshman playing up, and he pushed me just like he pushed the upper classmen, if not harder. Playing for coach Arne has definitely given me a taste of what basketball at the next level will be like, all gas no brakes. He’s always wanted the best for me, and I’m truly grateful to have him as a coach.
 
 
How was your experience like playing basketball at Eugene Ashley H.S.?
 
 
My experience playing basketball at Ashley has been great so far! I played at Laney my freshman and sophomore year and transferred my Junior year due to displacement after Hurricane Florence. When I came into Ashley everyone talked down on the girls’ basketball team because in the past season, they went 11-15 overall. Personally, I wasn’t fazed at all because I saw the potential in the group of girls and believed in coach Gale! We finished the season 25-5 overall and went undefeated in our conference! “
 
 
What was your most memorable moment during the high school season?
 
 
My most memorable moment during the season was definitely beating my old school, back at Laney. The energy in the building was crazy, and everyone was there because it was their senior night. We were down two players, and our second-best player was in foul trouble. This game was the most memorable because I hit two clutch free throws, that no one expected me to hit after missing all game, to send us into overtime! We ended up winning by four, and I got called a “trader” the rest of the night, I loved it!
 
 
 
What is it like playing for your high school coach? 
 
 
Playing for Coach Gale is like playing with a best friend. We get along great both on and off the court, and she’s never broken a promise she’s made to me! Before the season even started, she told me “I’m going to make you one the best defensive players by the end of the season kid” I finished this season second in steals for my division(4A), averaging 6 steals a game, and 182 total! Coach Gale and I always come up with some type of game-plan together, and watch film after to see what we, as a team, can improve on, and what I can improve on personally. She’s the best High school coach I could ever ask for!
 
 
What do you think was the biggest growth in your game that led to you getting scholarship offers? Development or more exposure Etc.
 
I received my first offers from NC State and South Carolina when I was in 8th grade, after “Deep South.” I would definitely say that I received those offers because of my competitiveness and willingness to constantly get my teammates involved. As I continued to show growth in my game, along with those aspects, i continued to get attention from coaches!
 
What part of your game do you want to improve on?
 
 
One part of my game that I need to improve on, that should’ve been left behind in middle school, fortunately is more mental than physical. I need to improve on getting that “next play” mentality when I mess up. I tend to get in my head when a past play doesn’t go my way, and then stay in my head, which doesn’t make it any better. It actually causes a domino effect, one bad possession after another. So, moving forward, that’s definitely my main focus.
 
What schools are recruiting and who has offered you ?
 
I have been recruited and offered by many great programs, but I cut my list down to 12 this past August to (no particular order) : Tennessee, UNCW, South Carolina, Maryland, Florida State, North Carolina A&T, North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Notre Dame, Uconn, NC State, Duke, Indiana 
 
 
Did you take visits to college yet also how are the virtual tours compared to visits?
 
 
I’ve only been on unofficial visits throughout my recruitment process. Hearing/visualizing about a campus is one thing, but actually visiting and getting a feel for the campus environment is another! Physically visiting a campus gives you the opportunity to actually get a feel of whether or not you can see yourself at the university.
 
Who are some of the players NBA/ WNBA / NCAA you pattern you game after ?
 
 
I get called “baby KD” all of the time in my city because I’m long an athletic! In the WNBA my two favorite players are Diamond Deshields, and Chelsea Gray. Diamond is extremely athletic, and can make plays not only for herself, but for her teammates. This reminds me of the way I like to play the game. I love watching Chelsea play because when I watch her play, I feel like it’s me on the court. I always seem to know when she’s going to make that flashy pass or go straight to the basket. 
 
What are you looking for in A college?
 
When I’m looking for a college, I’m looking for a place that I can call home. I’m looking for a coach that I can run to with my problems if my parents aren’t available to get to me right away. Most importantly, I just want to play with a group of girls with the tenacity to win, and who never go into a game with even the least bit of doubt about the outcome of the game.