“Hungry. I come into every game hungry for the win. Hungry for every loose ball. Hungry to get every put back. Hungry is a great word to describe my approach every time I step on the floor.”
Alexas’ motor is unreal. The relentless aggression and passion to win is on display every time she laces up. Alexa is a strong rebounder and versatile offensive player. She has a wide array of moves down low and can consistently hit the mid range shot. Her effort level makes her a matchup nightmare against many teams.
Recently we sat down with Alexa to talk about her experience at Cherokee, the impact her two sisters have on her game, her recruitment and more. - By Christian Mordi @thedribbledrop on Instagram and Twitter.
TheDribbleDrop: If you were to use one word to describe your playing style, what would it be and why?
Alexa Therien: Hungry. I come into every game hungry for the win. Hungry for every loose ball. Hungry to get every put back. Hungry is a great word to describe my approach every time I step on the floor.
TheDribbleDrop: You play at Cherokee High. Tell us about your experience there.
Alexa Therien: My experience has been awesome there over the past three years. I really lucked up. I came there as a freshman and I wondered where I would fit in. I ended up working my way up to a starting varsity spot. I love high school basketball.
TheDribbleDrop: You have two older sisters that play at the division one level. How impactful have they been on your development?
Alexa Therien: Isabella and Ava have impacted my career in very positive ways. They are always helping me build my skills orthere just to talk about the recruiting process. They are always at my games when they have a chance to support me on the sidelines. It’s been awesome to have people that are close to me playing at the same time I am at a high level.
TheDribbleDrop: Your dad, Chris Therien, played hockey in the NHL. What’s the best piece of advice you got from him in regards to playing competitive sports?
Alexa Therien: He always tells me that he doesn’t care how many points I score or how many rebounds I grab. All he cares about is the effort and heart I show on the floor every time out. He says the day you stop playing with heart and giving it your all is the day you will be done with it. That’s some of the best advice I ever got and it has taken me this far.
TheDribbleDrop: Cherokee is led by head coach Ron Powell. How has it been playing for him?
Alexa Therien: I couldn’t ask for a better coach. He is super patient with me. I have grown so much over the past couple of years and he has played a huge part in that. He does a great job of building us up.
TheDribbleDrop: Tell me one facet of your game you worked hard to improve on this off-season that you wanted to take to another level.
Alexa Therien: I really focused on becoming more patient on offense and expanding my game away from the rim. I love to play with my back to the basket but I know playing on the next level I will be more of a stretch four. This summer I worked on maximizing my touches.
TheDribbleDrop: You play aau for the Pennsylvania Comets. Why is that program an ideal space for you?
Alexa Therien: I started there my freshman year and the girls are so nice. I have so much fun and I learned so much. I couldn’t imagine playing anywhere else.
TheDribbleDrop: Tell me a moment when you saw a serious uptick in your recruitment?
Alexa Therien: My freshman year I got my first offer from Drexel. I was honored and that’s a great school. That really paved the way for me and it boosted my confidence a lot. It inspired me a lot to go even harder which opened the door for more offers.
TheDribbleDrop: Right now you are uncommitted. Tell me some things you are looking for in regards to a program.
Alexa Therien: I’m looking for a great staff who loves to win. I hate losing more than I love to win. I’m looking for a home that will allow me to grow and contribute on the floor my entire career.
Right now my top five are: Boston University, Depaul, Drexel, Quinnipiac and George Washington.
TheDribbleDrop: The season ended abruptly. Do you think your team had what it took to win a Group 4 Championship?
Alexa Therien: I really do. It really hurt to have it end this way. I watched a lot of film and I feel confident that we would’ve beaten Franklin. I think we had the potential to win Group 4, but this will push me even further for next year.
TheDribbleDrop: How do you gauge success?
Alexa Therien: Pushing myself to the limit. Working as hard as I possibly can. It hurts to fall short. My coach pushed us hard before the season started so we wouldn’t fall short again. I give it all I have everytime out.