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FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com MARCH 20, 2014 • The Courier SUN 51 BY LIAM LA GUERRE sports PLAYER OF THE YEAR SPORTS STAR  CHRIST THE KING’S STANDOUT PLAYER Photo courtesy Christ the King High School Sierra Calhoun, center, earned the Gatorade New York Girls Basketball Player of the Year award. BY LIAM LA GUERRE lguerre@queenscourier.com @liamlaguerre Christ the King High School girls basketball senior guard Sierra Calhoun received yet another honor before going to college. The Duke University bound high school basketball star earned the 2013-14 Gatorade New York Girls Basketball Player of the Year award on March 13. Calhoun is the seventh player from Christ the King to be given the honor, which has recognized athletes for their abilities on the court, academic achievements and character demonstrated outside of sports since 1985. Calhoun led the Royals to a 21-4 record, averaging 24 points, 9.3 rebounds and four steals per game. Although the Royals were strong, Christ the King lost to Nazareth High School in a CHSAA semifinal. A First Team All-American selection by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association, Calhoun was also chosen to play in the prestigious McDonald’s High School All-American Game and is a two-time First Team All-State honoree. Calhoun volunteers to assist local special needs students at an elementary school and coaches youth basketball players. With the honor, Calhoun is now a candidate for the Gatorade National Player of the Year award, which will be announced later this month. STAR of the WEEK THE COURIER/Photo by Liam La Guerre Robyn Francis is a junior on the Francis Lewis girls basketball and outdoor track teams, while maintaining a high scholastic average. STAR of the WEEK ROBYN FRANCIS THE QUEENS COURIER PRESENTS ‘SPORTS STAR OF THE WEEK’ Name: Robyn Francis School: Francis Lewis Grade: Junior Sport: Basketball Position: Guard Robyn Francis is a junior guard on the Francis Lewis High School girls basketball team. Francis averaged 8.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists this season for the Lady Patriots, and contributed to the team’s recent PSAL Division AA city championship title. Francis is also part of the school’s outdoor track team. In her spare time, Francis volunteers to mentor young basketball players around ages 7 – 10 in a local league. She oversees practices and helps with drills. Off the court and track, Francis maintains a 92 average, and has applied to be a member of Arista, the National Honor Society. Her favorite subject is math and she wants to study accounting in college. Although she is not completely sure yet where she will continue her education, St. John’s University in Jamaica is at the top of her list. Francis is also hoping to join the women’s basketball team at St. John’s. Why is it important to do well both academically and athletically? “It’s hard, but it’s also worth it. If I can get a half basketball scholarship and a half academic scholarship, that would be great. I want to go to college for free, and I want to focus on my education.” Why do you believe you want to major in accounting? “Because I’m good in math, and I want to do math as a career. Accounting involves math, and it’s a good paying job.” Why do you like teaching young children to play basketball? “Since I have a great talent in basketball, I want to share that with others. Also, when I stop playing, I want to see the younger generation playing at a higher level of basketball than me.” Why would St. John’s University be a good fit for you? “I think St. John’s is convenient because it’s close to home, it has accounting and I like how the girls basketball team plays.”


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