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Player Keeps Family Tradition Going

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By JOHN CEBALLOS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 12, 2008

RUSKIN - During their first season of varsity competition, the Lennard High School girls basketball team has been progressing slowly but surely.

"We play in a tough league, and a lot of the players don't have a ton of experience, but they've absolutely come a long way," said Sandy Marshall, head coach. "The entire team has stepped up."

One of those players stepping up is freshman guard Naphtali Gilot.

"She's our fastest player, she always comes to practice and she's been a terrific utility player all year," said Marshall, whose team is off to a 0-11 start. "She's done whatever we've asked her to do."

Gilot, 14, who has been playing basketball since she was 6, said basketball is a bit of a family pastime.

"All five of my brothers got me into it, and all five of them still play," Gilot said. "I also have a little sister that's trying to learn how to play and another sister that isn't really into sports."

The Miami native moved to Ruskin less than a year ago and is looking to get involved with Lennard athletics beyond basketball. She plans to try out for the flag football team in spring.

"I guess you could say I'm just an all-around sports person," she said.

Gilot, who is also a member of the school's chorus, said it's sometimes difficult to balance school work with her athletic responsibilities.

"Sometimes it can get really demanding," said Gilot, whose favorite subject is math. "We'll have a practice that ends around 5, or a game and sometimes you only get a few hours to do all your work.

"It's gotten a little easier lately."

NAPHTALI GILOT

AGE: 14

SCHOOL: Lennard High School

SPORT: Basketball

POSITION: Guard

BEST SUBJECT: "I'm pretty good at math, but it's not my favorite."

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555 or jceballos@tampatrib.com.

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