Archbishop Carroll guard Bella Sorrentino is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week

The junior guard is averaging 10 points, five rebounds and four steals for the Patriots this winter, and had a big game in Carroll’s recent come-from-behind win against Bonner Prendergast, pulling down 11 rebounds. Carroll head coach Tom Nerney said, “She is quick, can get off the ground, has a nice jump shot, and has really learned how to attack the rim.” Sorrentino also is a fine soccer player for the Patriots, receiving first team All-Main Line and All-Catholic League honors last fall.

Q: You had a big game against Bonner Prendergast Jan. 18 at Cabrini, with 11 rebounds. What was the key to your rebounding that game?

A: We like to score in transition, so I felt that my rebounding would help get our fast break going.

Q: Coach Nerney mentioned that you’ve really learned to attack the rim. What do you think has been the biggest key to your improvement in this area?

A: Having more confidence and working hard on my moves around the basket

Q: Who is your favorite basketball player, and why?

A: My favorite player would have to be Steph Curry. I like the way he plays, he is a very unselfish player but also a great scorer

Q: You wear No. 10. Does this number have any particular meaning to you – is there a reason you chose it?

A: Yes, I chose No. 10 because that was my brother Armand’s jersey number since we were young.

Q: You’re averaging four steals per game this season. What do you think has been the biggest key to your success in this area?

A: I feel like  I am playing good defense, anticipating the passes and trying to have quick hands around the ball

Q: What do you think is the strongest part of your game? What part of your game are you currently working on the most?

A: I feel the strongest part of my game is defending the best player on the opposing team. I am trying to be more consistent with my three point shot.

Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.

A: Before my games, I sit alone for a while listening to music and mentally preparing for the game

Q: What is your favorite basketball venue, and why?

A: My favorite venue would have to be playing at home in Carroll’s gym. Its a great atmosphere and I’m most comfortable there. Although I really enjoyed playing in the Nerney Fieldhouse at Cabrini.

Q: Who have been your biggest basketball mentors, and what was the most important thing each of them taught you?

A: I have had great coaches, Coach [Chuck] Creighton was my first high school coach. Coach Creighton taught me to be more confident and aggressive on the offensive end. My current coaches, Coach Nerney, Coach Reenie Shields and Erin Shields are amazing. They have been so instrumental in developing me into an all around basketball player. Lastly, Kevin Lonesome from Lower Merion, who has worked with me and believed in me since I was 10 years old.

Q: You’re also a fine soccer player. Would you like to play basketball, or soccer, or both, in college?

A: I love playing both basketball and soccer and I am still leaving all of my options open.

 

Fun Facts – Bella Sorrentino

Favorite book:  “One of my favorites is The Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch.”

Favorite TV show: Friday Night Lights, The Voice.

Favorite athlete: Alex Morgan.

Favorite pre-game pump-up song: My House, by Flo Rida.

Favorite team: New York Giants.

Favorite place to visit: “Syracuse, N.Y., where my cousins live.”

Favorite pre-game meal: Chicken Caesar Salad and fruit.

Favorite color: Purple.

Person I most admire: “This would have to be my dad! He is at almost every game and is my biggest fan. My dad always talks or texts me before and after every game I play whether it is basketball or soccer. My dad is always honest and tells me what I did well, then how I need to improve.”

Birth date: June 13, 1999 in Bryn Mawr.

Family members: Andrew (Dad), Linda (Mom), Armand (brother) and Kobe (dog).

(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)