Recently, two HHS girls varsity basketball players, Nia Hollie and Ashley Bates, seniors, have been nominated for the Minnesota Miss Basketball title. The award is given to the player who is chosen as the best high school female basketball players in the state of Minnesota.

How does it feel being nominated as Minnesota’s Miss Basketball?

Ashley Bates: I feel like all my hard work has finally paid off. 

Nia Hollie: It’s an honor to nominated Ms. Basketball. Hopefully us in the championship and hopefully winning [the championship] could [help] me win.

Who has inspired you and shaped you as a player?

AB: I definitely look up to the seniors who graduated last year and a lot of my family members. I feel like they really pushed me to a point because I never thought I would be nominated for this [award]. They really helped me believe in myself.

NH: My parents obviously, my coaches, a couple teammates that I look up to. Ashley Bates and K’Aezha Wubben they kind of always have this positive attitude about them during the game.

Why did you choose to play for Hampton University?

AB: I felt a really homey feeling when I visited. Also I have a really good relationship with the coach. The school [itself] is also really good academically and I love that it’s a [Historically Black College and University].

Why did you choose to play for Michigan State?

NH: The way that they play fits me a lot better. They kind of play like Hopkins basketball and they emphasized that a lot. They have a family feeling to them and I knew that I would be homesick if I went anywhere else.

Any ideas on what you want to study in college?

AB: I’m planning to major in Biology.

NH: I’m looking into something like sports psychology or therapy.

Do you see challenges in transitioning from high school basketball to Division I (D1) basketball?

AB: I don’t see any challenges because the way [Coach Brian] Cosgriff works is a D1 feel. He really pushes us during practice and in games.

NH: Absolutely. You have to get up around 6 am in the morning for workouts. It becomes a job for you in college so hopefully I am ready to take that on.

Do you ever feel the need to hold back while playing because of your difference in skill level?

AB: I keep the same competitive feel because I know the game is always going to get harder. I need to start preparing myself for the next level now so I’m ready to play when I get [to college].

NH: As a player I used to and my dad’s always emphasized that a lot. For me this year I did not [lower my skills] and the team plays at a higher level and so if you keep it at a high level it just becomes muscle memory.

As a female athlete, do you ever feel the presence of sexism in basketball?

AB: Definitely. Yes, the boys may be more exciting because they jump higher and dunk more, but I feel like we should be getting the same support because we’re accomplishing the same goals. At the end of the day, though, we’re [playing] and winning for [the team].

NH: Absolutely. When you look at how the student section was for Tuesday’s game versus every game during the boy’s season, I don’t know if you’d call it saddening, but frustrating to not get the same support if we have just as many if not more state titles than the boys. I mean the guys come for support but it’s not just about having the students there but it’s more so the school spirit and the support not just to get out of school.

Any advice for young female basketball players?

AB: Go for it. Play your game and do not limit yourself to what politics or supporters might say. Work as hard as you can and you’ll do great.

NH: Continue to work hard and don’t let what other people say about you affect you. It’s about what you want to do in life and keeping a positive mindset.

Any hopes for playing basketball in the future?

AB: After college ball I would love to play overseas if I can.

NH: Yeah, if it comes and stays or it goes I just hope my life takes me down a positive and successful path.