The 5-11 Denk, a rising senior, helped the Lakeville North girls' basketball team to a fourth-place finish in the Class 4A state tournament, averaging 10.6 point as a forward. Denk is playing this summer for the Minnesota Stars AAU program, and looks to get the Panthers back to the state tournament next season. Here's a closer look at Denk:
What got you into basketball? My dad played basketball growing up, and my grandpa was a high school basketball coach in Iowa. He also coached in North Dakota.
What do you like about basketball? I like the competition. It's a good way to relieve stress for me. It's kind of an escape from reality.
Do you have any pregame rituals? Before every game, I take a 37-minute nap, then a I usually eat a turkey sandwich.
Why 37 minutes? When I was a freshman, one of the seniors told me that was the perfect amount of time for a nap. I've just done that ever since.
What type of music do you listen to before games? Usually, pump-up music like rap; no artists in particular, really.
When you're not playing basketball … I'm probably sleeping. Longer than 37 minutes, though.
What one word would your teammates use to describe you? Loud. I like to yell a lot in basketball and be a vocal leader on the court.
