Prep star: Karla Moriel

● The lowdown: One of the many things that makes Moriel special is her upbeat and energetic personality. Moriel starts at power forward for the Titans. She has been averaging 10.3 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. Moriel also excels in the classroom. Her GPA stands at 3.3.

● A change in culture: Moriel has lived in Tucson for 2 1/2 years; she was born and raised in Chihuahua, Mexico. She found herself in a completely different setting when she enrolled at Palo Verde, but said she has learned to break down the language and cultural barriers. "I lost a lot of confidence (in basketball) because I didn't speak English," Moriel said.

● Total team gal: Moriel said that team unity has been one of the factors for success this season. She said that the team resembles a small family that hangs out regularly. "If I didn't have good teammates like them," Moriel said, "I wouldn't be giving my best."

● Favorite movie: "Love and Basketball"

● What is better, making a game-winning three-point shot or blocking a shot to win the game? "I would like to block the shot, just to make sure the ball doesn't have a chance of going in," she said. "But what I would really like is to block the shot and make a pass to one of my teammates. Then, they can take a shot for the win."

● Favorite subject: Moriel said she enjoys a course called Spanish for Native Speakers because she likes to learn about Spanish history and read different works of Spanish literature.

● Summer memories: Moriel, a political buff, met Congressman Jim Kolbe at a leadership conference over the summer. Kolbe addressed poverty and famine issues in Africa and struggling countries, and talked about immigration issues. "It was great because after the interview, he sent me an autographed picture," Moriel said.

● For mom: Moriel said her mother is her biggest inspiration. Her mom overcame gallbladder cancer, and continues to battle epilepsy and diabetes. "Basketball is her life. Her getting to see me play is my motivation," she said. "I don't know what she'd do without me playing basketball."

● Gotta love the socks: Moriel and the Titans all wear one blue sock and one yellow sock for games. Moriel said the team decided on this style after shopping around during the Nike Invitational. "And we like to be unique," she said.

● Aspirations after high school: Moriel said she has more college mail than she can handle, but would like to play basketball at the next level. She would like to attend a Division II or III school for basketball, but also has been bouncing around the idea of going to the UA or NAU. She would like to major in either communications or journalism, and has been thinking about advertising.

● Coach-speak: "Every coach needs a player like Karla. She is a great team player and always brings out the best of the team. She is always giving her best and I look forward to what the future holds." — Palo Verde coach Erick Brock