Published: November 27, 2009 12:24 am      

Logan star forward Jasmine Penny loves basketball

Area opposing coaches might be counting down the days until Jasmine Penny graduates.

The 6-foot-1 forward has been lighting up area scoreboards for four years now at Logansport, and she’s set high goals for her senior season this year.

Her goals include making the Indiana All-Star team and being in contention for Miss Basketball, as well as leading Logansport to a championship season, so area coaches probably better beware that she’s not content with her averages this season of 18.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game.

“I’d rather average higher, but it’s just how the games are going,” Penny said. “It’s OK. I’ve still got a long way to go till the end of the season.”

The Berries are coming off their first loss of the season Saturday night in a loss to North Central Conference rival Kokomo, 36-34. They’re 2-1 and 0-1 in the NCC entering next week’s Cass County Tournament.

“We just had a tough loss, but that’s OK. We’re getting better,” Penny said. “We need to keep our turnovers down — and rebound.”

Penny also averages 3.7 steals, 2.3 assists and 2.0 blocks per game this season.

“She’s playing better than she did last year, there’s no question about that,” Logan coach Jerry Hoover said. “She’s playing harder. She hasn’t started shooting yet but hey, anybody that’s watched her for four years knows that she’s going to be shooting. She shoots well, so we’re not worried about that.”

But area opposing coaches might be.

The following is a question-and-answer session with Penny.

Q. Of the sports that you play, which is your favorite? Why?

A. Basketball, because it’s what I love doing! I really enjoy being on the court. I’m just simply in love with the game.

Q. Do you have any family members who played sports?

A. Yes, my mom [Ernestine] and dad [Antonio] both played basketball.

Q. What kind of person would your teammates say you are?

A. They would probably say that I’m very fun to be around, a great leader and very funny. To be honest, they all love me!

Q. Who do you try to emulate in your life?

A. I try to emulate my mom, because she has taught my siblings and me so much. She’s been a good teacher to us kids. One thing she always told us is “the harder you work, the more you can accomplish.”

Q. What experiences have you had in sports have made you the athlete that you are today?

A. Having the opportunity to play with and against some great athletes around Indiana. I am also very thankful for the coaches that have helped me throughout my career.

Q. What is something that not everyone knows about you?

A. I love watching SpongeBob and Zebra Cakes are my favorite!

Q. What is your favorite memory of playing sports at your school?

A. When I was a freshman we won the sectional against Kokomo. I also enjoyed all my teammates that I’ve played with. I will miss them all after I graduate.

Q. What’s your favorite music, movie, TV show, etc.?

A. Musical artist: Lil Wayne. Movie: Love & Basketball. TV show: SpongeBob SquarePants. Book: A Child Called “It.” Video game: The Sims. Athlete: LeBron James.

Q. What are your future plans after high school?

A. After high school I am going to DePaul University to play basketball in the Big East. I’m undecided on my major.

Next week an outstanding athlete from Pioneer will be featured.