Conestoga’s Marisa Francione is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week

The sophomore point guard led the Pioneers in scoring as a freshman (12 ppg) and averaged 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 deflections per contest, receiving All-Central League honors. She’s off to a fine start this winter, tallying 14 points and 6 steals against Reading, scoring 20 points in three quarters vs. Lower Merion and scoring the winning basket with 1.5 seconds left in triple overtime against Haverford. Francione is a three-sport athlete at Conestoga (soccer, basketball and softball). Conestoga head coach AJ Thompson said, “Marisa is a very quiet person but she’s a fantastic teammate, super competitive and extremely coachable. She’s the type of player every coach wants to have on their team.”

 

Q: What aspect of your game do you feel you improved the most in the off-season?

 

A: I think my confidence and shooting has improved the most during the off-season. I have worked hard to increase my shooting range and sharpen my form. Another year older, with more experience, has helped me become more confident on the court. 

 

Q: How do you see your leadership role on the court as a point guard?

 

A: The point guards are team leaders on the court, so I run the plays and set the pace for the game. I point out where to go if someone is in the wrong position and try to be a positive voice for our team. 

 

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

 

A: Paige Bueckers, because she has all the abilities that I strive to have. 

 

Q: What do you think is the strongest aspect of your game? What part of your game are you working on the most at the present time?

 

A: The strongest part of my game is passing and setting my teammates up. I am always working on finishing around the rim and dribbling.

 

Q: Tell us a little about your start in competitive basketball.

 

A: I started playing basketball in the Malvern league in 2nd grade, and the Paoli Wildcats in 4th grade, and worked my way to travel ball and the Inter-County Basketball Association. Four years ago I transitioned to AAU, and have played for the Lady Runnin’ Rebels for the past four years.

 

Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 5 for Conestoga basketball – why did you pick that number?

 

A: Growing up, I have always worn No. 5. It’s my lucky number. 

 

Q: What is your favorite academic course at Conestoga? What do you think you’d like to major in at college? Is there a career field that particularly interests you at the present time?

 

A: I like math and science classes at Conestoga. I think I want to major in business.

 

Fun facts – Marisa Francione

Favorite TV show: Gilmore Girls.

Favorite movie: Spider-Man No Way Home.

Favorite athlete: Kobe Bryant.

Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Industry Baby.

Favorite team: Philadelphia 76ers.

Favorite place to visit: Avalon, N.J.

Pre-game preparation: “I like to have a big meal the night before and hydrate. Also, I dribble and shoot before the actual team warmup.”

Favorite pre-game meal: Pasta.

Person I most admire, and why: “I admire my parents and grandparents because they’re 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.)