Freshman Dyzhanay "Da Da" Burton is gaining a repuation as one of the best young point guards to hit the area in a while. The 5'3" floor general handles herself pretty well off the court as well, and I found this out for myself during our chat. We talked about how she chose City for high school and how she spends her time off the court.



695: How old were you when you started playing ball?

Dada: I was eight when I started playing basketball with 9 and under boys at Chick Webb.

695: What neighborhood did you grow up in?

Dada: I grew up in Somerset Extensions. Which is where I live now

695: Who is your favorite player?

Dada: My favorite player is Steve Nash because he is an incredible point guard. Another reason is because he plays basketball and soccer like me.

695: How did you decide on City for your high school?

Dada: I decided to go to City because I fell in love with the atmosphere there, it's academically balanced. Also, it keeps you balanced in general, such as education and extracurricular activities. Most of all, it prepares you to go to college.

695: What AAU teams have you played for?

Dada: I only played with one AAU team my whole life but we changed our name a lot but it is currently named Baltimore Finest. I didn't move to other teams because I felt personally connected to each and everyone one on my team because I have been playing with them for long and I couldn't break that loyalty.

695: Tell me a funny AAU road trip story ....

Dada: I remember when me and Deja Caroll(Digital Harbor) were in the hotel room and we started blasting music and we started dancing. Then the whole team wound up in our hotel room including our mothers and we had a dance battle. The funniest thing about his particular moment was both of our mothers dancing.

695: Do you play any other sports besides basketball?

Dada:  I start as left forward or right back on the City College varsity soccer team.

695: What do you have on your Ipod?

Dada: The main artist I have on my ipod is Monica, Aaliyah, Trey Songz and Chris Brown because all of these artist can speed up or dial back their music when ever they feel like it.

695: Can you dance? I mean can you really cut a rug or just a two-step?

Dada: Yes I can dance. Anytime someone sees me they see me dancing, laughing or playing basketball.

695: How are your grades so far?

Dada: My grades are excellent. I mean how can you survive at City without good grades?

695: What's your favorite subject?

Dada: My favorite subjects are Biology and Algebra II.

695: What do you need to work on as far as your game?

Dada: I know I have to work on my mental mind set. Like my father said " if your mental mind set is undefeated as one you are physically and emotionally unstoppable." And I think it takes a lot of time and maturity to develop this mind set.

695: Thanks for the interview and good luck this season.

Dada: Thank you.