Contributed photo Emily Norrbom secured a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds in the Chargers overtime victory over Peshtigo on Tuesday. The senior averages a team-high 11 points and five steals per game and is a key contributor to the team’s 5-0 start to the season.
Athlete: Emily Norrbom
Sport: Basketball
Position: Guard
School: Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School
Year: Senior
Emily Norrbom secured a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Chargers to a 43-38 victory in overtime over Peshtigo on Tuesday. The senior, who averages a team-high 11 points and 5 steals per game, is a key contributor to Witt-Birn’s 5-0 start to the season. Norrbom has tallied 21 steals, 13 assists and 14 forced turnovers over the five games. Norrbom was the youngest varsity starter on the team her sophomore year and has remained a starter since.
Q Where did your interest in playing basketball begin?
A My interest in basketball began when I was little. My twin sister, Paige, and I were very, very energetic children and we needed to burn off some energy so my parents decided to sign us up for basketball. We are very competitive with each other, but as we grew older we realized we needed to start to work as a team instead of against each other, which is definitely what anyone wants when watching a team sport.
Q What’s your favorite part about playing the game?
A I absolutely love to steal the ball. I feel like I didn’t give it my all if I don’t have at least four to five steals per game.
Q What do you think contributes to you being the top scorer and a leader on the team?
A I use my speed to get to the basket for the layup or to at least draw contact to shoot some free throws. As a team, we like to reverse the ball and pass it to the open girl. As far as being a leader, I try to keep everyone’s head up and I compliment them when they make an awesome play or made a basket.
Q What have you done in the offseason to establish yourself as a key contributor this year?
A I have been a three-sport athlete since sixth grade, competing in cross country, basketball and track, so I wouldn’t say that I have a true offseason. Our coaching staff put together a speed, strength and agilities program to keep us conditioned for running, and we weightlift to make us stronger.
Q What’s your goal for your final season, both personal and for the team?
A My personal goal is to finish as a strong and healthy player. As a team, we got together and came up with 10 goals for the season. Our top goal is to finish top three in the Central Wisconsin Conference-East.
Q What is your favorite memory of playing Witt-Birn basketball?
A My junior year during the semi-sectional game against Neillsville has to be my favorite memory. Fans from Wittenberg travel really well and always support us. The positive vibes from the crowd really got the whole team pumped and we played the game of our lives shooting lights out from the paint and also around the 3-point line.
Q Do you have any pregame rituals?
A I really don’t have any pregame rituals myself, but our team hangs out and eats together before games. In the locker room we all listen to music over a bluetooth speaker to get hyped.
Q What’s your favorite part of growing up in Wittenberg?
A Looking back at how I grew up, I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world. I loved being in the Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District and being involved in a small town. The community is so supportive of not only basketball, but of all sports at our school. Even just working at McDonald’s or when I’m at the grocery store, people will come in and say “Hey, nice game the other day,” and it makes me feel proud to be involved in sports.
Q What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?
A During my free time, I work at McDonald’s and I absolutely love it. I enjoy going to work because we all get along so well and we are basically a family. I love to hangout with my friends and go to the movies as well.
Q Do you have a favorite quote or verse?
A “I’m Lovin’ It!”