Conestoga’s Marisa Francione is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week (Jan. 9-15)
The 5-foot-7 junior guard is, according to Conestoga girls basketball head coach AJ Thompson,, “the motor that makes our team go.” As of Jan. 8, she is averaging 11 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 spg, 3 apg and 3 deflections per game, while shooting 50 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point territory for the Pioneers (8-3). She typically guards the other team’s best player and averages 26 minutes per game. A three-sport athlete at Conestoga (basketball, softball, soccer), Francione is a member of both the National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Conestoga.
Q: How do you view your leadership role on the team, on and off the court?
A: I lead by example. I train hard and push my teammates so we can be successful. During games, I set the pace for offense and defense. Off the court, I strive to include all team members in social activities and gatherings.
Q: What has been your favorite experience to date with the Conestoga girls’ basketball team?
A: We recently had a game against Upper Darby (Dec. 22) where everyone on the team scored. It was a great team effort. Seeing the team cheer for everyone was an amazing moment.
Q: Tell us a little about your start in basketball. Have you always been a guard?
A: I have been playing basketball since 2nd grade. I started playing in the Malvern League. Then, I played for ICBA and CYO basketball. Currently, I play for the Lady Runnin Rebels AAU team. In my younger years, I was the tallest on my teams and played center. I transitioned to guard in middle school.
Q: What do you think are the advantages of being a three-sport athlete, compared to specializing in just one sport in high school?
A: Staying in shape all year long, avoiding muscle overuse or injury, and making you a more well-rounded athlete. Also, it allows me to make a lot of friends.
Q: Who is your favorite basketball player and why?
A: Larry Bird is my favorite basketball player. I watch his highlights and game clips before every game. He is an all-around great player, which I strive to be.
Q: What is your favorite academic course at Conestoga? What do you think you might like to major in when you go to college? Is there a career path that particularly appeals to you at the present time?
A: I enjoy the science and math classes at Conestoga. I hope to major in kinesiology and someday become a trainer.
Q: What in your opinion is the biggest key(s) to playing good defense?
A: The key to playing good defense is communicating, anticipation, and ball pressure.
Q: What part of your game have you worked on the most recently?
A: I have worked on my 3-point shooting and ball handling.
Q: Who have been your top basketball mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?
A: My family are my mentors. Everyone played basketball growing up. They give me the best advice and feedback. They taught me simple but impactful moves on the court.
Fun facts – Marisa Francione
Favorite TV show: Cobra Kai.
Favorite movie: Spiderman No way Home.
Favorite athlete: Lionel Messi.
Favorite pre-game song: Just Wanna Rock by Lil Uzi Vert.
Favorite team: Philadelphia 76ers.
Favorite place to visit: Avalon, N.J.
Favorite pre-game meal: Pasta and garlic bread.
Person I admire most: “I admire my parents and grandparents because they are my role models.”
Family members: parents Rinaldo and Kari, younger sister Ashley.
(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)
