HDN Athlete Profile: Paighton Gilman

Over the last four years senior Paighton Gilman has steadily grown into one of the elite athletes at Havre High School.

Gilman has dabbled in a variety of sports. She played softball her freshman and sophomore year, and has been a major factor in the Blue Pony basketball and volleyball programs all four years. Gilman is a three-year varsity letter winner for both volleyball and basketball, and was a huge part of the Ponies' basketball success at the state tournament a year ago. And to top it off, Gilman plans to participate in track this year as well.

This year as the basketball season progresses, Gilman continues to make a name for herself. So far this season Gilman is averaging over seven points per game and leads the team in rebounding with nearly five per game. Gilman also leads the team in blocks.

Here's five questions with HHS's center as her senior year of hoops continues.

HDN: What was your experience like playing in a state basketball tournament?

Gilman: "It is really exciting, especially if you have never been to one before. It can be a little nerve racking, but I don't think there is anything to be nervous about. It is just like another divisionals basically."

HDN: What about basketball makes you like the sport so much?

Gilman: "It's the competition. With the girl I am guarding I always try to beat her down the floor, outscore her or even get less fouls than her. It is such an emotional game and when you win a game by a last second shot it is just so exciting."

HDN: Do you want to play a sport at the college level, and if so, which sport?

Gilman: "I don't really know. I had never planned on playing a sport in college, but if I had to pick one I would probably pick volleyball because that is where my heart is at."

HDN: Basketball or volleyball? If you could play only one, which would it be?

Gilman: "People have been asking me that my entire high school career and I don't have an answer. I just don't know. I love to play volleyball more than basketball, but I like them equally. I would probably have to pick volleyball."

HDN: What sports oriented goals do you have for yourself and for your high school career?

Gilman: "It's my senior year, I just want to work hard and finish all the seasons strong. I don't want to regret anything and I just want to leave it all out there."