Christy Novembre reaches 1000 Point Plateau in Basketball
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In 2007, Senior Christy Novembre (Cambridge) walked into Saint Clement High School nervous and anxious like any other student entering freshman year.  Novembre received her class schedule, bought textbooks, and walked the hallways unaware she would meet a very important person.  That person was her coach, and current Athletic Director, Shawn Thornton.  Mr. Thornton is also the Physical Education and Health teacher at Saint Clement School.  As Christy’s health teacher, Shawn couldn’t believe how she handled herself in the classroom but was more impressed with her skills on the basketball court.

Christy did not participate in a fall sport and barely spoke about playing basketball in the winter.  It was one day in gym class that changed her life completely.  “I remember I was conducting a gym class for the freshman, and I gave them the last ten minutes of free time.  Free time is characterized as a designated period to have a student(s) perform an activity freely up to them”, said Mr. Thorton. “When I saw Christy pick up a basketball and began dribbling and shooting, I was shocked to see a 14 year old have skills like that.  The kids then played a scrimmage game and Christy totally dominated not just the girls, but also the boys.  From that point on, I knew I could work with her come December,” said Mr. Thornton.  Since that moment in gym class, Novembre has made Catholic Central League all-star in each of her 3 years, averaged 12ppg her freshman year, 17ppg her sophomore year, and 22ppg last season, in which her sophomore and junior year won the scoring the title.  Last season, she reached the 1,000 point plateau as a junior, which is incredible mark.  The last player to reach this mark was Jen Sauer (Medford) in 2008, who is currently playing point guard for Dyouville College in Buffalo, NY. This season the Lady Anchors look to qualify for the State Tournament for the 6th consecutive season and potentially bid for the league title under Novembre’s direction.

“Christy has a great tendency to not only score and grab rebounds at a high level, but to also lead on and off the court,” states Thornton.  Christy has been a Captain since her sophomore season.  Her vocal presence and body language makes her an effective leader.  The other players look up to her and lean on her knowledge and experience.

Christy answered some questions, which relate to most of her success.
Who has inspired you the most? Michael Jordan.
What is your most memorable basketball moment? When I was put on Varsity.
What is your most memorable moment in a basketball game? Freshman year I had to start because one of the starters couldn’t play due to discipline. I scored 20 points.
How many points did you ever score in a game? Scored 41 points last season verse Marian at home.
How does it feel that this is your 4th season with a new point guard each year? It’s hard to have a different point guard every year, but I have confidence in our scheme and game plan for the offense.
How does it feel to lead the CCL (Catholic Central League) in scoring 2 consecutive seasons? It feels great and an honor.
What are your strength’s and weaknesses?
My strength’s include attacking the rim, grabbing rebounds, posting up, shooting jump shots, and a above average ball handler.
My biggest weakness is my right hand, being confident in it.
What are your expectations this season for and you and the team? My expectation for myself is to get MVP of the league and help my team win. My expectation for the team is high because I think we can win the league title and make states again.
How hard does your coach push you?
My coach pushes me really hard. If he didn’t, I wouldn’t be the player I am today, and I thank him for that.
What are your plans after high school?
I plan on attending college and playing college basketball.
What do you want to study in college? Business/Sports Management
What age did you begin playing basketball? 6
What is your favorite song/artist? All I do (remix) by DJ Khaled. Trey Songz is my favorite artist.
What is your favorite/least class in school? Favorite class is anatomy and Pre-Cal is my least.
What is your favorite food? Chinese.
What is your favorite hobby? To go out with friends and have a good time.
Who is your favorite athlete? Kobe Bryant.
Who is your favorite actor/actress? Actor is Denzel Washington and Actress is Halle Berry.
Who is your favorite teacher? Mr. Masci
What is your favorite sport’s team? LA LAKERS
What is your ultimate goal? To play in the WNBA.

~(from Saint Clement Parish School)