Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Sasha Coffee, Rocky Boy Girls Basketball

Growing up in Rocky Boy, playing basketball has been part of Sasha Coffee’s life for about as long as she could remember and now, as a junior in high school, when she plays basketball, she plays for the Rocky Boy Morning Stars.

Playing for the Morning Stars was one of her dreams, and last year, Coffee was able to participate in what was a dream season for the Rocky Boy girls, who not only won the District 1B championship but also the Northern B title before advancing to the Class B state tournament.

“It really meant a lot,” Coffee said. “It was a lot of fun. That team just really felt together and felt whole. We were like a family and I think that is what helped us get there.”

While the Morning Stars didn’t win any games at the state tournament, getting there was still an important achievement. However, after graduating some key players from last year’s team, the Stars are going to have their work cut out for them if they want to climb back to the top in their district and the Northern B Division.

So far, things have been a bit of a struggle for the Morning Stars, who have a losing record so far this season as they battle youth and inexperience. However, Coffee said, the key is staying positive as the team tries to grow together with more than a month still to go before the postseason.

“It has been frustrating at times,” Coffee said. “But we only have a couple of players that got to play varsity and have that experience, so it has been a bit of a learning process. But the key is just staying positive and working together.”

The main focus for Coffee has always been basketball, however, she has played other sports, too, during her high school career in Rocky Boy and the other varsity sport she has experience in is volleyball.

But right now, Coffee is focused on hoops and what she can do to help the Morning Stars win as many games as they can before the 1B District tournament gets underway Feb. 14. Recently, the Stars took a trip to Havre to take on the Blue Ponies and the Havre Daily News caught up with Coffee for five questions.

HDN: What is your favorite thing about playing basketball?

Coffee: “I just like the feel and the adrenaline and the drive that you get to play.”

HDN: How have you tried to take on more of a leadership role this season?

Coffee: “I just try to do what I can to try and help everybody. I just try not to get frustrated and keep positive with everyone.”

HDN: What does it mean for you to be able to represent your school in basketball?

Coffee: “Basketball is really important around here. It keeps kids out of trouble and keeps them in line and it’s just great to play and feel like you are part of a family.”

HDN: Are you a fan of basketball, if so what teams?

Coffee: “I like college basketball. I have been a fan of North Carolina men’s basketball and the UConn women. I like North Carolina because of my family, I have always been a fan.”

HDN: What are your goals for the rest of the season?

Coffee: “I just want to keep working hard and just try to keep getting better as a player and try to make this season the best that we can.”