She stands tall for No. 1 team

Sterling's Tanjae Lewis has played a big role as the center for The Inquirer's No. 1-ranked South Jersey girls' basketball team.

The 6-foot-1 senior has helped the Silver Knights to a 12-0 start. She was at her best in a 50-46 overtime win over No. 2 Rancocas Valley, with 12 points and 22 rebounds. She is averaging 10.0 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.

Lewis is a recruit of Goldey-Beacom College, where she hopes to major in criminal justice.

With a good sense of humor, Lewis helps keep the veteran team loose off the court and focused on it.

Question: The word is that you are somewhat of a prankster. Is there any truth to that?

Answer: "I am the ringleader of pranksters."

Q: What has made you interested in criminal justice?

A: "I just like helping people, and I like to argue. I figured I could tie both together."

Q: Why Goldey-Beacom?

A: "I really like the school and the atmosphere, the coaches and the players. It's a really good school and I think I will fit in."

Q: You didn't start playing basketball until you were 12. What got you into the sport?

A: "[Point guard] Monica Burch is my best friend and has been playing her entire life, and I always went to her games. She used to have a court in her backyard and one day they got me playing, and soon after I signed up to play basketball."

Q: Since you are still relatively new to the sport, it appears as if your better days are ahead for you.

A: "I've been told that many times."

Q: Your team has been No. 1 in The Inquirer since the preseason. What has that been like?

A: "It's a lot of pressure because expectations are extremely high, but I feel this is what our team has been waiting for. We worked hard the past three years to get where we are, and it's a great feeling, and we are willing to come out and defend No. 1."

Q: What is your favorite subject?

A: "Spanish. I love learning of the culture and language and recently I started my first day of Spanish 5."

Q: Spanish 5? Seems like you have a good grasp of the language.

A: "I feel very fluent in understanding Spanish, but haven't quite gotten the tongue to speak it."

Q: Any hobbies?

A: "I like to read and hang out with my friends, go shopping, go to the movies, and spend time with my sisters."

Q: Do you have a most memorable moment at Sterling?

A: "It's hard to pick one, but last year we had a number of sleepovers on the weekend, and the fact that we were together, having fun, and there wasn't the game pressure made it a great time. Any moment we spend together has to be memorable. We all like to have a good time together."