Julianna Dalton, a 6-foot-4 senior at Chaparral, deals with the question all the time.

She is continually asked if she plays basketball.

Dalton is one of the state's premier volleyball players and has never played competitive basketball.

“No, all my brothers do but I do not play basketball,” said Dalton. “My sisters played volleyball and I grew up watching it. I grew up in a gym. Both of them (sisters) were pretty good in high school. “

It's a Dalton family tradition to play volleyball.

Nichole Dalton, who played collegiately at Texas, was a standout on the 2010 and 2011 state championship Chaparral teams. Karlie Dalton, who played at Benedictine College, was on the 2010 team. Juliana's younger sister, Katie, is a sophomore this season on the Chap team. And cousin Emma Ammerman is also on the Chaparral team this season.

“They (sisters) won two championships here and they both went and played in college, so watching them was inspiring when I was young,” added Dalton, who helped Chaparral to a runner-up finish in last season's state tournament. “I just want to make the team this year as best as it can be."

Key stats

After 14 matches this season, Dalton had 119 kills, 21 service aces, a team-high 36 blocks, 91 digs and 14 assists.

COACH'S TAKE:

"This is her fourth year on varsity and she has contributed the past three years. The more she has done training in club, the more she has improved here. She is a leader emotionally on the court as well as physically."

Amanda West, Chaparral head girls volleyball coach

Q&A with Dalton

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Chiaka Ogbogu, She played at the University of Texas with my sister and is on the U.S. national team now. She played in the middle and I used to play in the middle and I can relate to her.

What is your favorite class in school and why?

I really like social media and business, I like the teacher a lot. That's kind of what I want to do in marketing.

What do you like to do away from sports and school?

I have a job. I work at a pizza place. I'm a busser. Pizza is not my favorite anymore.

What are your plans after high school?

I have committed to Washington State and I am thinking communications for a major and minoring in marketing.

Which is tougher — to block or get a kill at the net?

You get more kills than you do blocks, but blocking is probably the hardest skill. Blocking is easier because I am tall.

What is your favorite movie?

“The Notebook.” It's my mom's favorite movie. Whenever she watches it, I watch it. It's a sad love story.

What is your favorite song?

“One Man Band” by Old Dominion. I like country.

What is your favorite high school volleyball moment so far?

It was the state semifinal match last year (3-2 win over Cherokee Trail). Being down 0-2 and we came back to win.