- March 24, 2025
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Paisley Binswanger is a junior point guard for the Sarasota girls basketball team (9-13). This season, Binswanger led the Sailors in scoring and rebounding, averaging 19.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. Binswanger reached the career 1,000-point mark on Dec. 17, during Sarasota's 64-41 loss to Port Charlotte High. The Sailors will lean on Binswanger when they square off with Riverview (19-4) in the semifinals of the Class 7A-District 12 tournament at Riverview Feb. 6.
When did you start playing basketball and why?
I started playing basketball seriously in 6th grade. I played soccer for a long time, but I think my parents got tired of sitting in the heat. My mom, Ali, played basketball at Florida State University. She’s my inspiration.
What’s the appeal?
I like the pacing of it. It moves faster than sports like softball or soccer. Plus all the little things — how the ball feels in my hands, what it’s like to shoot it, just everything about it.
What's your best skill on the court?
Probably my IQ. My ability to make the right reads and find my teammates in open space while also picking and choosing scoring opportunities for myself. I’ve been told by every coach I’ve had that I have a high basketball IQ. I think it comes from how much I care about the game.
Do you have a player that you like to emulate or model your game after?
I like watching Hailey Van Lith (Texas Christian University guard). She’s about my size, so seeing someone my height (5-foot-8) play at such a high level on that big of a stage is pretty cool.
What are you working on to improve?
This year I’ve especially focused on improving my ball handling when under pressure. Every team we’ve played so far has tried to take me out of the game—doubling me and face guarding—so I’ve had to focus on inserting myself back into the offense. There’s definitely a mental toughness aspect of it that I’ve had to work on as well.
What’s your favorite basketball memory?
Recently, it’s when I hit 1,000 points. I knew that going into the game I was 19 points away, so the goal was to get at least 19. I remember being frustrated because we were losing by a lot, but it still felt special, the way that all of my teammates had supported me through it. Not a lot of people get to experience that.
What went right for your team this season?
Our growth as a team. We’re young and inexperienced and there have been games where our shots don’t fall, but regardless of that we’ve still progressed collectively in the mental aspect of the game. How we play and our chemistry together has improved.
What’s your favorite food?
My dad cooks great ribs.
What’s your favorite movie or television show?
My favorite TV show is “The Office”. I’ve seen it all the way through five times. “How I Met Your Mother” is up there as well. I watch so many movies that it’s hard to pick. I like romantic comedies and any movie that makes me think. “Love and Basketball” is a good one. I recently re-watched “Notting Hill." “La La Land” is great.
Do you have a favorite school subject?
Probably math, which is kind of nerdy, but I like how there’s an answer for everything.
What are your hobbies?
I play music. I play piano, guitar and I sing in my church band. I started playing guitar in 6th grade when COVID-19 hit, just because my mom had one and it was something to learn.
What's the best advice that you've received?
“You can’t ride two horses with one butt.” My mom says it to me all the time and its true, sometimes you have to make decisions in life and set your priorities straight.
Finish this sentence. Paisley Binswanger is…
A follower of Christ. That’s the biggest part of my life. I don’t know where I’d be without my relationship with him.
