Athlete of the Week: Bianca Hall, The First Academy girls basketball

After leading the Royals to a district championship as an eighth-grader, Bianca Hall has taken another step as TFA’s leader on the court.


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The First Academy freshman girls basketball player Bianca Hall is following up on her great performance as a first-time starter last season — helping TFA win the district championship — with another solid showing as the team’s floor general. 

Hall’s ability to run the Royals’ offense, usually while being pressured by the opposing defense, and organize their defense is what stands out about the point guard. She’s also more than capable of getting her team a basket when needed. With the playoffs quickly approaching, expect Hall to be a big factor in the Royals’ game plan. 

The basics

Age: 14

Sport: Girls basketball

Grade: Freshman

School: The First Academy


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Q&A

What do you like the most about playing basketball?

I love the competitiveness of basketball. I love competing against other people and competing against myself to try and get the things I’m working on in practice to come to life on the court. I also love the game, because it’s so fast-paced and unique. There are so many decisions that have to be made, and it’s fun trying to master them.

What are your season goals — both for yourself and the team?

My goal for the team this season would be to make it as far as possible in the playoffs and use that momentum to propel our young team into the off-season for next year. A goal I have for myself to finish off the season would be to just get better at leading on the floor and being a coach on the floor.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from basketball?

There are going to be good times and bad times, easy times and hard times. But throughout all of it, keep going. Everyone is going to have a bad game, so don’t beat yourself up so much. Instead, see how you can grow from your mistakes.

Who is your favorite basketball player, and what do you like about their game?

I really like Paige Bueckers, because she is good all-around. She has all the fundamentals, the I.Q., the shooting, the ball-handling, and she can score at all three levels.

What is your favorite non-basketball hobby?

Being out in nature — whether it be at the beach, natural springs or camping.

What is your favorite subject in school? 

Math. It is very unique and different from the other subjects.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?

The Bible, a water filter and something to hunt with.

What is your favorite movie?

“Coach Carter,” because it has a great lesson in the movie and a great ending.

If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?

My dad, because he’s my best friend, and I just love spending time with him.

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?

I would go back to the time that Jesus was on Earth, because I would love to see Jesus and get to experience how he taught others.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?

If I could go back and tell my future self anything, I would tell myself not to get so caught up in getting something right immediately. It’s going to take time to master a skill. You can’t just practice it once and go in a game and be perfect at it. So, just be patient and let everything play out.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would you ask?

Is there anything that I wish I would have done that I didn’t do?

Favorite superhero?

My favorite superhero is Thor, because he is my dad’s favorite.

Favorite supervillain?

Venom, because while he has some bad parts, he has some good parts, too.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

If I could have any superpower, it would be to fly, because it would be so much fun.

If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?

The Bahamas, because I love the beach. Italy, because I just want to experience the uniqueness of it. Hawaii, again, because I love the beach.

If you could be an animal for a day, which would you be?

I would be an eagle for a day, because I think it would be awesome to fly!

What is your most controversial food take?

Waffles are better than pancakes.

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

Yes.


Sam Albuquerque is the Sports Editor for the Orange Observer. Please contact him with story ideas, results and statistics.

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Twitter: @SamBAlbuquerque

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author

Sam Albuquerque

A native of João Pessoa, Brazil, Sam Albuquerque moved in 1997 to Central Florida as a kid. After earning a communications degree in 2016 from the University of Central Florida, he started his career covering sports as a producer for a local radio station, ESPN 580 Orlando. He went on to earn a master’s degree in editorial journalism from Northwestern University, before moving to South Carolina to cover local sports for the USA Today Network’s Spartanburg Herald-Journal. When he’s not working, you can find him spending time with his lovely wife, Sarah, newborn son, Noah, and dog named Skulí.

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