Nevada Preps Girls Athlete of the Week: Desert Oasis’ Akemi Higa

The sophomore is playing like one of the top QBs in the state again this year.

Higa threw for 384 yards and five touchdowns in a 41-20 win at Moapa Valley on Jan 2. She added four touchdown passes and two rushing scores in a 48-6 win over Basic on Jan. 4. She was named Nevada Preps Girls Athlete of the Week for her efforts.

“It helps to have a really good relationship with each other, and I think that really helped us,” Higa said.

Let’s get to know this week’s girls athlete of the week. (Note: Answers have been edited for clarity and length.)

Nevada Preps: What’s it like being on the same team as your twin sister (wide receiver/defensive back Akiko)?

Higa: That’s really special. It’s something not everyone can experience. We don’t have a normal bond because we’ve been practicing our whole life. We have that connection that makes us click, and I can’t imagine not playing with her.

NP: Do you listen to any music before a game?

Higa: I don’t listen to music. I can’t listen to music because my mind will only focus on the music and not anything around. But if other people were playing music, I would listen to it.

NP: Do you have any pregame rituals?

Higa: I don’t really have any. I think of (every game) as the same thing I’ve always done. I’m comfortable around my position and in what I’m doing, and I don’t try to stress too much about the team we’re playing.

NP: What’s been your favorite memory of playing flag football thus far?

Higa: My favorite memory was probably winning state last season. Getting a gold medal with Team USA (with the 15-under team at the Junior International Cup) was big, but we had a bigger reason to win (the state title). We wanted it for our team, especially since we did it for (late teammate) Ashari (Hughes).

Contact Alex Wright at awright@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AlexWright1028 on X.