695HOOPS WHERE IT'S ALWAYS ALL ABOUT THE GIRLS
Qalea Ismail
Patterson Mill guard Qalea Ismail has decided to attend Princeton. She had a spectacular performance while leading her team to the Class 2A title last winter. She talked about the state title run and they decision to go Ivy League with 695Hoops over the summer.
695: How old were you when you started playing ball?
Qalea:5 years old.
695: How did you get started?
Qalea: When I was little I saw a video of my mom playing basketball in college and since then I wanted to play. I started playing in a co-ed league in Indiana.
695: Where did you grow up?
I was born in Minnesota and I have lived in New Orleans, Indianapolis, Baltimore, Florida, and have been in Bel Air for the past 7 years.
695: Have you played any other sports?
Qalea: I've played lacrosse, volleyball, and I run track.
695: Which AAU teams have you played for?
Qalea: Maryland Elite and the Lady Terps.
695: What position are you most comfortable playing?
Qalea: Guard.
695: What do you want to add to your game?
Qalea: I want to improve my ball handling and make my outside shot even more consistent.
695: Talk about last year's run to the championship...
Qalea: The beginning of the season was a little tough with trying to get everyone on the same page, but once everyone fully accepted their roles we never looked back. I think that after the second time we played Aberdeen and beat them in conference play everyone started to realize how good we were and the potential that we had for the remainder of the season. In the post season we won the regional championship for the third consecutive year against Queen Anne's, which was expected. Next we moved on to the state semi-final game. Everyone was extremely focused and motivated for this game, especially because we had lost at this stage the past two years. Despite Walkersville's incredible fan base, we were finally able to overcome and advance to the championship game. This game against Calvert was a physical battle till the end. It was a very low-scoring game, but we were able to pull out with a 33-30 victory. I couldn't be more proud of how our team progressed throughout the season and I look forward to making it back to the championship this season!
695: Talk about the recruiting process and how you chose Princeton..
Qalea: I am very blessed to have been recruited by many great schools. During the process I was able to connect with so many amazing people. I ended up choosing Princeton because I really like the coaches and players and the close-knit family environment there. When I went on my overnight visit, I really felt at home. I was also drawn in by the academic opportunities I will have, while also being pushed and competing at a high level on the court.
695: Tell me about a funny basketball road trip....
Qalea: Freshman year, my high school team and I were on our way to the regional championship game in Kent Island. We had to make a stop for everyone to use the restroom at a grocery store. Once we got into the store, the whole team was running around the store looking for the bathrooms, which ended up being all the way in the basement. This stop caused us to be late because we ran into traffic. Luckily they delayed the game for us....and we won, so we had a really fun ride home too.
695: What else do you do besides play ball?
Qalea: I hang out with my friends and family.
695: What artists do you listen to before a game?
Qalea: Beyoncé/
695: What are your goals for your senior season at Patterson Mill?
Qalea: My goals are to go undefeated in our conference, win regionals for the fourth year in a row, and bring home a second state championship!
