Athlete Profile: Mariah Fish

The Menominee Indian High School girls basketball team is hoping to turn in a strong season led by a few senior players. Mariah Fish is one of those seniors and leads the team in scoring through seven games.

Fish had scored in double figures in all but one of those seven games. She scored over 20 points against Oconto, Oneida Nation, Pacelli and Manawa and had a 19-point game against Iola-Scandinavia.

Fish is also the team’s leader in rebounds and assists per game

Q: When did your interest in basketball begin?

A: This question is always a funny one for me. I had no idea about basketball until I was in second grade when my mom (Shari Kakwitch) signed me up for this event called shoot, dribble, run at Shawano Hillcrest. I told her I didn’t even know how to play, but I ended up taking first at it and was a natural. I’ve loved it ever since.

Q: What is your favorite part about the basketball season?

A: My favorite part of basketball season has to be the playoff games. I feel that’s when everyone is in the “do or die” mindset and giving it their all. That’s when I think games are the best to play in and watch because of the intensity.

Q: What has the game of basketball taught you over the years?

A: For me it has to be leadership and grit. Nearly every year I’ve played, I felt the need to lead my team in positive ways and take control of the games.

Q: Talk about the work you’ve put in to become the basketball player you are today.

A: For most of my beginning years with basketball, I only ever went to open gyms and just shot around on outdoor hoops. But it was in eighth grade when I really took it serious. I trained every day that summer with Aaron Waukau and Norman Kakwitch. Ever since then I have been working in the offseason to prepare myself for the upcoming season.

Q: Do you have any individual goals you hope to accomplish this winter season, and how do you plan on achieving those?

A: I have one big goal I’ve been hoping to achieve since eighth, and that is to get my 1,000 points and hopefully first or second team (all-conference). I am close to getting my 1,000. So far I have been letting the game come to me, but my ways of achieving this is by attacking the hoop and taking my open shots when they’re present.

Q: Being several games into the season, what are some aspects of the game that your team wants to improve in?

A: We have been trying to improve on our offensive end. Our defense has been pretty good this year, but we are trying to improve with our offense.

Q: As a senior, how do you try to lead the rest of your team?

A: Me personally, I like to encourage them no matter what they do. If they make a mistake, I try to keep them up and help them better it. If they make a good play, I congratulate and let them know how good they’re doing. But also, I try to be a role model to them, especially my younger guards.

Q: Before a game starts, do you or the team have any routines or rituals you go through?

A: We don’t have any special routines, but we do a lot of joking in the locker room to help bring positive attitudes and getting each other ready for the games.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of competing on the Menominee Indian girls basketball team?

A: My favorite memory was when we beat Iola at home last season. It happened in crunch time, when Kaysha Wilber pulled off a buzzer beater. I just remember boxing out at the free throw line and getting the board, I looked up the court and saw her way on the other end wide open, so I threw the ball down as hard as I could to her because there was only 5 seconds left, and she made it.

Q: Favorite movie, TV show, and musical artist?

A: Movie — “Walk the Line.” TV show — “Survivor.” Musical artist — Rod Wave.

Q: Name one thing about yourself that not many people know.

A: Not many people know this, but I am one of the four students in my senior class to be the first from Menominee and Shawano NWTC to graduate high school with an associate degree.

Q: What are some things you hope to accomplish after graduating high school?

A: I obviously want to continue my education and pursue basketball. But my main goal is to achieve my bachelor’s in business within the 2-3 year span since I’ll already have my associates. I really want to come back at work for my tribe and be a new leader here.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Mariah Fish

Sport: Girls basketball

Position: Point guard, shooting guard

School: Menominee Indian High School

Year: Senior