Alivia Giles was voted Suffolk News-Herald Player of the Week after recording a career-high 29 points in a Nansemond-Suffolk Academy win over Hampton Roads Academy.

NSA junior Alivia Giles has recently come off of what could be considered her best high school game yet. Against HRA, Giles went for 29 points, which was a career high, to go along with 12 rebounds. To put her performance into perspective, HRA scored 31 points in total that game.

Giles knew she was in for a good game that night, because she had been more hyped up than usual before the game.

“I was feeling great before the game,” she said. “I was pumped up and getting into the game mood while we were warming up. My energy was there from the start, so I just felt confident coming into the game. Even my teammates noticed. I was just feeling really good.”

Giles had the hot hand, and her teammates knew it. There wasn’t much HRA could do to stop her. She shot 63 percent from the field, making 13 field goals. As a junior, Giles wanted to come in and find ways to step her game up a notch this season. Over the summer, she played AAU basketball. She used that time to improve on her ball handling, shooting, post moves and penetration. Her coaches were helpful in her development in preparation for this season. She was one of three starters who returned from last season, so she knew she was going to have to step up.

“There are no seniors at all on the team this year,” she said. “So, I knew I was going to have to step up this season. I am one of three captains, and we just do our best to encourage and lead our team to victory.”

Notching a career high of 29 points can be pretty satisfying, but Giles doesn’t want to be content. There is more in her game that she wants to improve. Last school year, NSA’s season ended in a state tournament loss to Steward School. Giles is using that post-game feeling as motivation to prepare for this season.

“The second that game ended, I was just motivated to put more work in,” she said. “I want to put everything I have on the floor to get back to that spot.”

Giles has goals of playing at the next level this season with her teammates. She knows she is going to give her all to help her team win a conference championship and then go on to win a state title. Defensively, she wants to improve and continue to be reliable for her team.

Giles and the Lady Saints will be back in action again in the New Year.