Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Simon Moschin, Highland Park basketball

Simon Moschin is a senior guard for the Giants. He is averaging 19.8 points per game, 4.5 rebounds, 3 steals a game for 16-8 Highland Park.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

We go shoot around after school every day. I always come home after and my mom makes me pasta with chicken. Then I go back to school, keep it loose, talk with all the guys on the team.

2. What do you hope to do next year?

I’m still working it out with my coach. I’d like to pursue playing basketball in college, whether that’s a high-academic Division III that’s a good fit, or walk on to a Division I. But I’m really letting it all play out, taking it slow.

3. Who is your favorite athlete?

My favorite basketball player has always been Russell Westbrook (NBA PG—Denver Nuggets), because of all of his effort, his shot making and creating shots. If you watch Russell Westbrook, he plays with such intensity, like every moment means so much to him.

4. When did you know that basketball was your thing?

For sure from a young age. My dad inspired it. I loved the game, played growing up and into high school. We always had it on the TV around the house. Everything he gave me from a young age was basketball, jerseys, posters in my room.

5. What has been your sports highlight so far?

I would say this: My sophomore year I was on varsity; it wasn’t our best year. We didn’t play very well and went into a game against Lake Forest Academy and had won only four games. We were 4-20. I had a good year, but was really transitioning from a role player to taking a bigger role. We went to Lake Forest Academy and I played really well. It was a special moment for me. I had lot of family there, and it was a transition, like this is what the next two years are going to be. It’s the most fun I’ve had playing a basketball game. I have fun with every game, but that was the moment that changed how I viewed it.

6. If you could play another sport, what would it be?

I always say if I could do it all again I would play football and play quarterback. Or I’d love to be an incredible golfer, which takes lot of skill. One of those two.

7. What is your favorite thing to do off the court?

Just being with my friends, spending time with buddies, watching sports, playing sports, playing Xbox whatever it is. And always time with family.

8. If you are in Walgreens a couple bucks, what are you buying?

My favorite candy is Sno Caps and, it doesn’t pair well but, I love root beer.

9. What is something people don’t know about you?

I used to love it and I haven’t done it as much lately, but I enjoy fishing. I think it’s a great time for reflection. I think it’s a fun sport. I’m a really chill guy off the court and it’s something I enjoy and something I will pick up later in life.

10. How do you feel about where your team is right now?

I think we’re in a great place. We are a senior-heavy group — 12 or 13 seniors. We’ve been waiting for this moment. This is our season. One of our goals is to win 20 games. We want to compete for a regional championship. I just want to try to get better as a team every day.

High school basketball is special time and I play with a special group of guys. I want to live in the moment. … I’m having a great year and playing really well. I’m making each game count playing with my teammates and coaches, who I’ve been really appreciative of for the past three years.

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