A sluggish start to the 2018-19 season hasn’t dampened the spirits of Mercer Island Islanders senior girls basketball player Angelina Barokas.

The Islanders, who currently possess an overall record of 0-11, are determined to right the ship as the season progresses.

“It has been an interesting journey. We are all working really hard and practices have been rigorous. We had a lot of expectations for this year and it’s not over yet. We are focusing on staying positive. It is not even half over yet,” Barokas said during an interview on Dec. 26. “We still want to go far. We are remaining pretty positive despite the outcomes (losses) so far.”

Barokas thoroughly enjoys being fully immersed in the Mercer Island community.

“I have played basketball in Mercer Island since I was in the third grade. I have always gone to the high school games. I still remember that Kris Brackmann (2013 Mercer Island High School graduate) was my favorite person. I always looked up to her. When I was a kid, I went to all the junior hoopsters events. I always thought those people (high school players) were amazing,” Barokas said. “For me to see people (youth players) look up to me now, that really warms my heart. We have a great community. I still talk to Anna Luce (2017 Mercer Island High School graduate). Having that tight-knit community is really something you don’t find in other places.”

Recently the Mercer Island Reporter had an opportunity to ask Barokas some questions about her life outside of the world of basketball.

Mercer Island Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Angelina Barokas: I watch a lot of movies with my family. I would probably say “Top Gun.” I really like 1980s movies.

MIR: What is your favorite restaurant on Mercer Island?

AB: Sushi Joa. I go there with my family.

MIR: What is your dream vacation spot?

AB: I’ve always wanted to go to Greece. I have never left the country (United States). That has always been something I wanted to do after high school.

MIR: Who was your idol growing up?

AB: It would be my dad. I have always looked up to him. He works really hard and is awesome. He has always worked really hard in his job and has always been able to keep having a really good social life with us but also being able to work at the same time and provide for us.

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

AB: I have always been told I text a lot. I think it’s around 200 per day. I talk to a lot of people. I like to talk to my teammates. It is the main way I communicate. I really don’t use social media very much.