Emma Candy, like most teenagers, turns to music when she needs to relax.

With one minor difference − Candy is playing the music rather than listening.

The Conwell-Egan senior taught herself to play the guitar four years ago. Now, when she isn’t playing basketball, Candy is can be found strumming her favorite tunes from Metallica, Stone Temple Pilots or Alice in Chains.

“I’ve always liked older music, and I decided to try playing the guitar,” Candy said. “It really helps me calm down when I’m stressed. I spend most of my free time in the offseason working on it.”

If you’re hoping to catch an Emma Candy concert, you’re unfortunately out of luck, as she is still too nervous to play in front of people.

For now, Candy’s shows are limited to a VIP audience of her family and her golden retriever.

But you can catch a vintage Emma Candy performance on the basketball court.

Bringing over a decade of experience to the Catholic League

Nerves are not an issue when Candy takes the court, as the forward/center has been playing since she was just 4 years old.

“I was always the tallest kid from kindergarten through middle school,” said Candy, who is 5-foot-10. “Now though, I’m often one of the smaller players at my position.”

Playing in the Philadelphia Catholic League means playing against some of the top teams in the state, and teams with numerous Division I commits. While that’s led to some discouragement for Candy and her teammates in the past, she came into this season with a different mindset.

“As a captain, I try to keep everyone happy and relaxed,” Candy said. “We play tough teams, but I don’t want to let that get us down. I want everyone to have fun while doing the best we can, especially with this being my senior year.”

The Eagles have started the season 3-0, which includes wins at the She’s Got Game Showcase and against a tough Villa Joseph Marie team.

Candy has been essential to the team’s great start, though you need to go beyond the box score to truly appreciate her contributions.

“Our recent small sample of success overshadows the impact that Emma has on the outcomes,” Conwell-Egan coach Chris Brennan said. “Emma does a lot for us that doesn’t hit the box score. (She) sacrifices points and her body for the betterment of the team … a major part of our success is due to her toughness and competitive fire.”

Candy doesn’t mind giving up the chance for personal glory; in fact, she prefers it.

“I like getting points for my teammates more than for myself,” Candy said. “I like to do the dirty work, whether that’s going for the tough rebounds or setting picks.”

Candy prides herself on her tenacious defense, and if she has a personal goal for this season, it’s to increase her rebounds. She alternates playing forward and center with 6-0 junior Lily Milewski. “We have great communication and work well together switching things up on the court,” Candy said.

In the classroom, Candy has especially enjoyed studying sports medicine, which is a newer class offered by Conwell-Egan.

“I think about things I learned in class during every game,” said Candy, who has been dealing with a back injury for the past year.

After graduation, Candy plans to begin working for her grandfather's electrical business. For now though, she is focused on enjoying the rest of her senior year.

“I’m looking forward to just playing with everyone for one last year,” said Candy. "I want to enjoy every moment, win or lose."

There’s one person in particular that Candy can’t wait to play with this year.

“Mya Aizen and I have been best friends for years, and I’m really excited for her to come back,” Candy said.

Aizen played five games last season before tearing her ACL for the second time. After a strenuous rehab, Aizen is on pace to make her return soon.

“It’s been hard to see her go through all that,” said Candy. “She’s such a great athlete but a better person.”

Despite her newfound sports medicine knowledge, Candy hasn’t been giving her friend any rehab tips, saying “She knows way more than I do after going through two years of rehab. She could probably run my physical therapy at this point.”

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This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Girls High School Basketball: Emma Candy helping Conwell-Egan in PCL