Norman North's Emma Base – Driven Athlete of the Month Presented by Landers Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Norman

By Derrick Smith

Emma Base is a senior at Norman North High School. She is a member of the Lady Timberwolves basketball team, playing the post/center position.

Base says that this season has gone really well for the number four ranked Lady Timberwolves.

“This season started very well for us,” she said. “We are excited about the season so far. We started 6-0 and know that we will continue this momentum throughout the season.”

Throughout her years playing basketball, Base says that she has been blessed with some great coaches who have formed her into the player she is.

“I have been fortunate to have awesome coaches since I started playing basketball,” she said. “One of the most influential coaches I have had was Wes Moore. He was my freshman coach and he pushed me to a whole different level. He made me play out of my comfort zone and pushed me every day to be my best.”

Base considers herself to be a behind the scenes player on the basketball court. She wants to help the team, even if what she’s doing does not appear in the box score.

“Being a team player, is what I am all about,” she said. “I pride myself on doing all of the little things that don’t show up on the stat book. Setting a hard pick, diving for a loose ball, or fighting for a rebound are my favorite parts of the game. As a senior and a leader on the team, I focus on always setting the tone on the defensive end of the court – play aggressive, play smart, and keep the other team from scoring.”

In order to be successful as a student-athlete, Base says that there are many things that you have to be able to do. “You need to love the game you are playing and have a strong work ethic on and off the court,” she said.

“Being a student-athlete is very difficult at times, and requires the ability to balance all the things going on in your life. I have worked hard to balance my school work, basketball, and extra-curricular activities to make sure I succeed and give my best effort in all of them. I’ve been blessed to have a great family, teammates, and coaches that are encouraging and supportive and push me to be my best every day.”

Basketball is a team game. You win or lose as a team, and the journey through a game can feel like a roller coaster sometimes. For Base and her teammates, a game earlier this season proved just that.

“One of the highlight moments of my basketball career was just a few weeks ago when we beat Jenks in the Bishop Kelley Tournament,” she said. “I can honestly say that was one of the most fun games of basketball I have ever played in. Our team started off rough and dug ourselves a pretty big hole, but then we turned up the heat. As we continued playing, we gained momentum to take the lead and adrenaline was going through everyone’s body and emotions were hectic. We ended up beating Jenks by 18 points. I think it really proved to me and my teammates that if we keep a positive attitude and play as a team that we are capable of beating any almost any team.”

Base has had many teachers that have impacted her life, but there is one that sticks out in her mind.

“Ms. Testa was my Algebra II teacher during my sophomore year,” she said. “She was also one of the assistant basketball coaches at the time.  She was the mother figure of the team and also an inspirational teacher who cared about all of her students.”

Off the basketball court, Emma is involved with a variety of groups, including SPUD (Students Performing Unselfish Deeds) and National Honor Society. She says that sometimes it is tough to be a part of other groups during basketball season, but she has a way to make it work.

“Although it is very difficult to participate in activities along with basketball, I find a balance and manage my time to have enough time for all of it.”

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