Little things are big for Marsh

Lauren Marsh isn't Oak Ridge's leader in scoring, rebounding or in assists. Marsh is more likely to be the leader in minutes played, best defender, hardest worker or charges taken. That's right, Marsh, a senior, does all the dirty work for the Trojans, all the little things that coaches love and most players don't like to do. Marsh is the consummate team player and does whatever is asked of her and does it well, and though she's not going to score many points, she's is one of the reasons the Trojans are 3-0 in league play and 13-7 overall this season. "Lauren is a team captain who leads by example," Oak Ridge coach Steve White said. "She does all the things that don't show up in the boxscore. She defends at the back of the press or zone and defends at the front of the press or zone. She can play against bigger post players or smaller guards. She rebounds. With Brooke (Williams) out, she's been our Swiss Army knife. She's got a great attitude and never gets tired." Folsom Telegraph: What are your hopes/plans after graduating high school? Lauren Marsh: My plans after high school are to likely attend the University of Utah and major in business. FT: Would you like to play basketball in college? LM: Although I love basketball, I am not playing in college; at least not at the collegiate level. I do, however, plan on playing intramural basketball in college. FT: Do sports run in your family? LM: My family is fairly athletic: two of my uncles received scholarships for cross country and baseball, both my grandparents played basketball, and my dad did track and cross country throughout high school. FT: How long have you been playing basketball and how did you get your start in it? LM: I have been playing basketball since the third grade. My dad got me interested in the sport and was my coach for the first couple years. FT: Have you ever been involved in any other sports? LM: I played soccer for years before I chose to pursue basketball. Additionally, I ran cross country from first to seventh grade and I also did volleyball and track for two years. FT: What do you enjoy about basketball? LM: When playing basketball I enjoy the teamwork and the friendships I have built while playing this sport. I also enjoy the excitement that comes from competition. While playing I enjoy the energy or excitement that comes from a good defensive stop or a basket and one. It becomes a very fun game once we overcome the panic and settle in. Succeeding as a team both offensively and defensively brings me enjoyment. FT: You are a senior and have played three-plus years on the varsity team. Last year, the team won a section championship, while this year is more of a rebuilding year. Can you describe what is fun or what you like about both seasons? LM: Both seasons have brought great memories that will last a while. This year, the team is much different than last year, but I like that in both seasons, we give it our all, no matter the skill level of the opposing team. The effort and energy the team brings is what makes it fun. Over the past two seasons we have come together as a family and this will help us grow for this season and the next to come for the younger ones. FT: How would you describe your role on the team? As Coach White said, your contributions to the team don't usually show up in the scorebook; it's all the little things that nobody else wants to do or nobody sees you do. Does that bother you or do you enjoy what you bring to the team? LM: My role on the team is more of a playmaker. I set up my teammates for opportunities to score and my defensive intensity leads to steals. Although I don't get credited for these stats in the scorebook, it doesn't bother me and I enjoy what I bring to the team. It doesn't bother me that no one see the little things I do as long as I know that I gave it my best effort and there was no more energy left in the tank. Some games shots won't fall and you can't control that, but you can always control the amount of energy you give and that is what I try to do. FT: What do you think you will remember most about playing basketball at Oak Ridge? LM: From my years of playing basketball at Oak Ridge I will remember winning the section championship most. Also our camps at Gonzaga and Oregon State over the summer have been very memorable. During preseason our trips to Fresno and San Diego helped us build team chemistry and many lasting memories that will stick with me forever. Over the years we have built a close family from these events and will continue to grow. FT: Do you have a favorite professional basketball player or team? Why that player? LM: My favorite basketball team is the Sacramento Kings. FT: What's your favorite subject in school? LM: My favorite subject in school is math. FT: Do you have a favorite genre of music or a favorite singer/group/rapper? LM: Lately my favorite genre of music has been country. FT: Favorite food? LM: My favorite food is sushi. FT: Do you have any pets? Tell us about them? LM: I have two cats, two dogs, two horses, and three goats. FT: Do you have any hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time? LM: After basketball season, while it's still cold out I like to go skiing. In my free time I like hanging out with friends, going on hikes, and spending days and sunsets at the lake. FT: What inspires you in sports? LM: In sports I am inspired by my teammates and coaches. They help push me to go harder and challenge me to be better. My teammates hold me accountable for my mistakes and they compete with me. Competition drives me to perform at my best. FT: Is there a particular job or profession you'd like to have some day? LM: I'm not sure what path I'll take after college, but expect that I will be able to use many of my experiences and lessons from basketball to apply to my career.