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The Alaina Dadzie Interview; Part II (Williamsport, PA)

 

Alaina Dadzie pictured with sister, Izzy (left) and All-State guard Lacey Kriebel (right)

WILLIAMSPORT, PA -- After much delay and numerous negotiations to get the superstar back, Alaina Dadzie has made a return to the RPN.

One of the premier bigs in the state of Pennsylvania, Dadzie took a huge jump in year two. In her sophomore season, the 6-foot-1 big averaged 18.4 points, 8 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 2 blocks per game to lead Loyalsock Township to a 27-4 record, PHAC Conference Championship and a PIAA 3A Final Four appearance. Playing one more time with sister, Izzy and the addition of transfer Lacey Kriebel, it helped motivate Dadzie's game. Especially putting the state on notice in the Lancers' state semifinals game going for a monstrous double-double of 27 points and 12 rebounds against the eventual state champion, Lancaster Catholic.

You can imagine how personal it's about to get in her third season.

The RPN caught up with the youngbull on her elite sophomore season, Izzy's last season and preparation heading into the third chapter.

Alaina Dadzie Interview

Welcome back to the Factory, Alaina. How’s everything been for you?

  • "My life’s been really chill. I had my sophomore season, which I improved greatly since first year. I think that I'm starting to become a great player as I'm beginning to understand the game. I just got out of track, and now am starting up the travel season soon, so it's very exciting times."

Since you came early to the RPN Factory, there have been a lot of changes within the network. What are some similarities, but changes that you have noticed with the brand?
  • "Some things I've noticed change wise is the amount of prospects that are within me. Who are well talented, and I feel we are a part of something great. As young athletes being able to have this opportunity, overall I think we have amazing talent in the RPN. I think it’ll continue to go with the underclassmen on the rise."


How was the academic year?
  • "Academically the school year went good. I kept a good high honor average for the school year and i enjoy seeing my friends as most do. I'm just glad it's over."


You took a major leap this year. Lead the Lancers to 27-4, a final four finish in 3A and multiple Player of the Year awards. How was your sophomore season? 
  • "Team wise, we took a giant leap from last year. We really came together, and trusted each other especially on our state run. I think that really helped get us far. Individually, I think I really improved this season on all types of things. Such as my mental toughness and physicality. I think I became a great player this season, and cannot wait to get better."


Extending that question, this was your last run with your sister. From growing up in the same household, probably fighting over the last bowl of cheerios, to being apart of a historical season, all good things must come to an end. How was this experience playing with your sister in all phases of your career so far? 
  • "Playing with her for her last year and having such a great season was almost the perfect ending we wanted. Always enjoy hanging out with her, whether that’s on or off the court, especially as a mentor. We bring out the best in each other and it shows on the court. I think she helped me grow not just as a basketball player, but as a person too. She taught me lessons throughout my life and I'm glad to have that. I'm just super proud of how far we came together. It was super cool to have my first two years with her. She definitely helped me tremendously."


We have known Thee Alaina Dadzie for a year, but who really is Alaina Dadzie? Who is the real you without the ball in your hands? 
  • "In all honesty, I’m a theatre nerd. I love watching musicals and plays, as well as acting. A lot of people don’t expect it from me cause of stereotypes with athletes, but it’s one of my favorite things. I also love art. I paint a lot and my room is full of my art work. It makes me happy when I do it because it’s a way to express myself without words."


Although, you have two years left of high school, you’re still at an early stage of your career. What kinds of things are you still doing to make yourself the best player you can be?
  • "Over the offseason, I play AAU, and try to workout whenever I can. I lift a couple days a week with our strength and conditioning coach, then whenever I don’t have AAU, I try and shoot. Also, do some conditioning type stuff with my high school coach. Am working especially with my left hand and doing guard drills to make me more versatile on the offensive end."


You're selection of sports teams has always been, quite, interesting to me *head scratcher*. Talk about your favorite teams to root for and how they came about? 
  • "For basketball, I’ve liked Golden State forever. I don’t really know why I think it’s because of the California vibe and the colors. For college, I like Penn State because I grew up around it and have had season tickets basically all my life. Soccer, though, has always been a big part of my life as it was my favorite sport for the longest time. I enjoy watching the Washington Spirit because they are close to me, and have my favorite players on their team."


What's the outlook heading into junior season?
  • "Going in to my junior season, I would like to become a better player. Better leader as well, but team wise I am looking forward to the underclassmen coming up. The returners who are going to fill in spots will have more chances to become the best they can be. Overall, I'm super excited with what the future holds for our team and I can't wait to see our team grow together as well as individually."


Thank you Alaina for the return. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation for people? Any last words?
  • "Thank you for letting me come back for another interview *laughs*. To anyone reading this, just know that you are the only one who can define who you become."

Media Coverage on Alaina Dadzie


2023-24 Pa. Sports Writers All-State Girls’ Basketball teams announced https://www.pottsmerc.com/2024/04/26/2023-24-pa-sports-writers-all-state-girls-basketball-teams-announced/


Twitter @AlainaDadzie

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Location: Williamsport, PA, USA