Mililani Basketball Standout Ready For Big Senior Year
Mililani’s Summer Bolibol can’t help but see the coming basketball season as an opportunity for her and her teammates to settle unfinished business. Now a senior, she can feel her eligibility clock ticking away.
“It’s kind of heartbreaking to know it is my last year,” admitted the four-year varsity player, “but there’s so much to look forward to. We’ve come so close in the past in both the OIA and the (Division I) state tournament. It makes us want to work harder. We don’t expect anything less this year. High expectations are a positive. They keep us motivated.”
Mililani went 15-2 overall last season, finishing second and third in the OIA and at states, respectively. The Trojans continued their winning ways this summer, going undefeated at 11-0 in the Pearl City League.
Averaging 5.2 points per game in 2013-14, Bolibol is one of two returning starters from last season; the other is post player Shantel Appleby.
Bolibol recently took some time away from the basketball court to visit with MidWeek‘s Central Oahu Islander.
What is your earliest sports-related memory? When I first started playing basketball in third grade. I had played soccer, but I didn’t enjoy it. My friend introduced me to basketball. I remember I had no idea what I was doing out there, and I committed more than five fouls, but they kept letting me play. It was a hilarious moment.
Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My brother Chad (an HPU baseball standout). He’s always been around to help me and motivate me. I follow in his footsteps.
What area of your game did you focus on this summer? Almost all of it. Last year, I took little steps forward, but I want to contribute more this year instead of just being out there. I have to help Shantel out. Hopefully, I can expand my inside game and my outside game — anything to help the team.
Who on Mililani’s roster is ready for a break-out year? That’s a hard question because there are so many young players coming up who have great potential. One who has been under the radar is Jamie Yuki. I think Shantel also will surprise people this year. She’s looked awesome out there (in summer league).
What Internet site do you frequent the most? Lately, I’d say YouTube. I spend a lot of time watching videos of basketball players from the past. I’m trying to upgrade my game and learn more.
What is your least favorite household chore? Taking out the trash.
What movie could you watch over and over? My two all-time favorite movies are Coach Carter and Love & Basketball.
Who are three of your favorite musical artists? Anuhea, Kimie and Wiz Khalifa.
When you have free time, how do you like to spend it? I’ve been working out a lot recently, but when I do have free time, I like to hang out with friends and family and do relaxing things -— like going to the beach.
You’re stuck on Kaho’olawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? Trail mix. I could live off of that for the rest of my life.
If you could have your pick, what celebrity would you most like to meet? (Pro football player) Giavanni Ruffin. He’s an inspiring figure who I look up to and who a lot of other people look up to. He worked really hard to get to the NFL. jackster.1969@yahoo.com
