CRESTVIEW — Although a junior, Tiara Payne is the Crestview High School girls basketball team's most seasoned veteran.
Attrition and defections have left the Bulldogs without any seniors — putting greater pressure on Payne, a post player.
She’s the only one that started from last year,” Crestview Coach Kathy Combest said. “Everyone else that plays with her either came off the bench or were junior varsity players last year.”
Combest said the strength of Payne’s game is playing inside the lane where she can use her athleticism and moves to score.
We now catch up with Tiara Payne.
How old were you when you started playing basketball?
I was about 13.
What's the best part of basketball?
Being with my teammates.
What's the worst part of basketball?
Losing.
What are your expectations this season?
Just to get better and to work on fundamentals and do everything right.
If you had to pick a different sport to play, what would it be?
I wouldn’t have another one. I love basketball. But if I had to choose, it would probably be volleyball because it’s fun.
What is your favorite basketball experience?
Going to the Elite Eight (in 2014).
What are your hobbies outside basketball?
I like to do hair.
What's your dream career?
I actually want to go into the military.
Do you want to play college basketball?
If I played college basketball, I’d probably go to Alabama because it’s close to home.
What is your favorite movie?
“Love and Basketball.”
Who is your favorite singer?
Beyonce
If you could be a cartoon character, who would you be?
SpongeBob, because he’s really funny.
If you could go back and live in any other period in history, which one would you choose?
I’d live 20 years back just to see how it was.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 13 things you didn't know about Crestview High's Tiara Payne