Sports Spotlight - Windermere Observer: Sara Pedraza

Windermere High point guard Sara Pedraza has made an immediate impact for the Wolverines (8-9) in their inaugural season. The former standout for the team at SunRidge Middle is averaging 13 points per game to pair with her 3.5 assists per game. As the team’s floor general, she provides energy and direction for a talented team without any seniors.

What have some of the differences been moving from middle-school ball to varsity this season?

In high school, you have to incorporate the plays and the team — you have to facilitate more. It’s tougher competition. It’s so physical — I have so many bruises, I can’t even count now.

What’s your impression of how well the team has done this winter?

Pretty much, the games we have lost haven’t been because the other team is better than us. We pretty much lose games ourselves. We have the talent to beat every team. We just haven’t had the experience together, and we don’t have the chemistry yet — but we’re getting there.

What stands out about this team when it is hitting on all cylinders?

We move the ball around so well, and if we’re playing (well), we know where everyone is going to be. 

Which game are you most proud of for the team so far this season?

When we played West Orange, because West Orange is a really good team. We were missing one of our starters and we only lost by three. … Maybe next year we will get them.

What do you need to improve about your own game?

I need to be more aggressive. I need to rebound, be more aggressive, get more steals — do the dirty work instead of just scoring points.

Is there an NBA, WNBA or college basketball player whose game you admire?

I really like (Charlotte Hornets guard) Kemba Walker. His game is similar to mine, and most of my moves come off of his inspiration. I think he’s really good.

Who is your funniest teammate?

They’re all super funny, but I would either say Kristina (Abrahams) or Delaney (Loos). 

What do you like the most about being in high school?

I like a lot of it. I like how we have more freedom here than in middle school.

What’s your favorite subject?

My favorite subject is actually math — it just comes super easy to me.

Do you know what you’d like to study or do for a career?

I don’t know — there’s a lot of things like biomedical sciences or engineering. Something cool that’s not an office job.

If you could play a game of basketball in any gym or arena, where would you play?

It’s kind of weird, but I grew up in Arkansas, and there’s this little gym, it’s called All Star Arena. It’s right next to my school in Springdale. … That was just like my home to me.

What’s the nerdiest thing about you?

Most people assume I’m all sporty, but I enjoy “Star Wars” and all that stuff. … I really like Darth Vader, even though he’s a villain — he’s really cool.