Nguyen-Moore

Name: Zaelinh Nguyen-Moore

School: Altoona Area

Age: 17

Grade: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Athlete of the week achievement: Nguyen-Moore scored a game-high 23 points, including two free throws at the end of regulation and a key three-point play in overtime, to lift Altoona to a 59-54 win over Norwin in the first round of the PIAA Class 6A playoffs.

Season update: Nguyen-Moore is averaging 13.3 points per game. She’s also averaging 7.4 assists and 7.0 rebounds per contest. The Lady Lions will play in the second round of the PIAA tournament tonight in Mechanicsburg.

Coach Chris Fleegle’s quote: “Zae is the ultimate leader. You want a leader that talks the game but also backs it up on the court. Her performance during the Norwin game was a total effort. She rebounds, scores, and gets her teammates easy opportunities on the offensive end. She also draws the opposing teams best offensive player. Zae has a passion and such a high IQ for the game of basketball that lets her excel at such a high level. Her work ethic and also being the ultimate team player helps not only her but our team.”

Favorite teacher: STEM teachers

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite movie: “All the Bright Places”

Favorite food: Spaghetti

Favorite song: “My Girl” by Temptations

Outside interests: Hanging out with friends and family

Favorite professional team: Pittsburgh Steelers

Favorite college team: USC women’s basketball

Pro athlete most admired: Juju Watkins

Best athlete I ever competed against: The guards from Upper Dublin

Most influential person on my athletic career: My parents

Proudest athletic achievement: Winning districts all four years of high school

How I got my start in basketball: “A connected interest between me and my dad.”

Future goal: To make a positive difference in the world