Dual sport athlete thrives

Lacrosse star enjoys the intensity of the basketball court

By Shaun Scott • January 26, 2015 7:36 pm

Eastside Catholic Crusaders girls basketball player Ashley Blanton doesn’t shy away from challenges on the lacrosse field or the basketball court.

Blanton, who will play collegiate lacrosse for the NCAA Division-1 La Salle University in Philadelphia, carries her lacrosse mentality into the basketball gymnasium. The senior shooting guard enjoys leading by example with her exuberance and enthusiasm. Blanton has played competitive basketball since she was in the second grade.

“I feel like I’m one of the people on the team who likes to talk and pump people up. I’m always the one doing the team break from the huddle. I just like keeping people excited about the game,” Blanton said.

Blanton committed to La Salle University in 2013, but it hasn’t stopped her from being a vital piece of the Crusaders basketball program these past two seasons. La Salle University head coach Candace Taglianetti Bossell encouraged Blanton to continue her high school basketball career.

“Coach Candace told me to keep playing basketball because its great being part of a team. You learn a lot from that. Teamwork makes the dream work,” Blanton said.

Recently the Issaquah Reporter had an opportunity to ask Blanton a few questions about her life away from the basketball court.

Issaquah Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Ashley Blanton: It would have to be Remember the Titans or the School of Rock. I’m really into sports movies and School of Rock has been one of my favorite movies since I was a child.

IR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

AB: When people drive in the bike line. That really annoys me.

IR: How many text messages do you send per day?

AB: I probably send around 100 to 200. I like to text.

IR: What is your favorite restaurant in Sammamish?

AB: Qdoba. I love Mexican food. It is kind of like a healthier option somewhat, too.

IR: If you could pick one person to go to dinner with, who would it be?

AB: Martin Luther King Jr. I have done a lot of research about him.

IR: What is something unique about you that nobody would know?

AB: I used to have a slight obsession with Flamingos back in sixth grade. I had Flamingo lights and Flamingo stuffed animals.

IR: Who was your favorite sports team growing up?

AB: I would say definitely the Duke University men’s basketball team.