South Q&A: Sygulla has things under control for Panthers

Kaiya Sygulla epitomizes a point guard for Lakeville North girls' basketball coach Andy Berkvam -- she distributes the ball and plays hard-nosed defense.

"Kaiya is our career assist leader (411), and knows that is her primary role," Berkvam said. "She is also our best on the ball defender."

The senior set the school's single-season assist mark with 157 a year ago. She has also scored nearly 900 points in her career.

"We ask her to do a lot in running our team," Berkvam said. "When she plays well, our team plays well."

Sygulla, who also plays softball, talked to the Star Tribune's Ron Haggstrom about entering her final season at Lakeville North.

Q Let's start away from the basketball court. You like watching movies. What is you favorite movie?

A I like action movies. I like Pirates of the Caribbean and the Bourne movies.

Q How about the worst one?

A I don't like stupid movies. Ones that are supposed to be funny, but aren't like Monty Python. I don't like scary movies, either.

Q In the classroom, you carry a 4.0 grade-point average and are in the top 30 in your class. Talk about the importance of academics?

A I take pride in my school work. It's never been super, super hard for me. I just don't like getting bad grades.

Q You also take a lot of pride in your defense on the basketball court. Who has been the toughest player for you to defend and why?

A Courtney Boylan of Chaska. (Boylan is now playing at Michigan). She can drive, she can make a 15-foot shot and she can hit the outside shot. She has a lot of good things going for her. And, she plays hard all the time, too.

Q Let's switch from individual to team. What squad do you take the most satisfaction in beating and why?

A Eastview. I didn't even have to think about that one. Our schools just seem to knock heads, and it's always a tough game.

Q What about Lakeville South? That school is in the same town.

A They would be second. It's not that bad of a rivalry, yet! I still have friends on that team.

Q Back to your school. What are your expectations for your team this season?

A I am so excited for this season. We only lost one girl from last year's team. I want to get back to state. I've been there every other year (eighth and 10th grade), and it's been a letdown when we haven't gotten there.

Q Your mentor has enjoyed plenty of success over his career. Talk a little bit about coach Berkvam?

A I have so much respect for him. I'm going to miss him. He has made such a difference in all the kids' lives on our team.

Q What would it mean for you to get to the state tournament with coach Berkvam and play in the Class 4A championship in your final season?

A That would top off my whole high school career. I think we can do it this year. That would be an awesome way to finish.