Westmoreland high school athletes of the week: Week ending Dec. 8, 2024

By: Paul Schofield
Saturday, December 7, 2024 | 6:01 PM

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The Westmoreland County Athletes of the Week is presented by Smail Kia. Look for the tags and look for the savings at Smail Kia in Greensburg.

Maggie Maiers

School: Latrobe

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Basketball

Claim to fame: Maiers had 37 points and 17 rebounds in the Wildcats’ first two games of the season at the North Allegheny tournament. She had 18 points and nine rebounds in a 53-30 victory over Johnstown, then tallied 19 points and eight rebounds in a 71-57 loss to perennial power Blackhawk. Maiers added 16 points in a 64-61 win over the host team in the Plum tournament.

What have you seen from your team so far?

I’ve seen that we have a lot of talent throughout the whole team and have more people wanting to step up into the roles that need filled.

Did you expect to have a greater role as a scorer?

I did expect to have a greater role as a scorer since Elle Snyder was the main scorer last year and always led the team in points, so once she graduated I just knew this year I had to step up and take responsibility.

Did you also start last year?

I started the last two games of the season against Penn-Trafford and the playoff game against Armstrong.

Do you consider yourself a guard or forward?

A forward.

Why do you wear No. 30?

I wear the number 30 since last year someone had number 44, so 30 was my second option. But 44 is my family number and both my mom and aunt had that number in high school and college, so I’m just deciding to stick with 30 though the rest of high school.

Were you one of the players who jumped into the pool last year? What was that like?

I was one of the players who jumped in the pool … It was definitely one of the best memories from last year after we just had a great win and just secured our spot into playoffs.

What has coach Mackenzie Livingston brought to the program?

Coach Livingston has brought incredible energy, a new perspective, and a strong focus on teamwork. Her determination to develop both individual skills and team dynamics has made a significant impact on our performance. She has great discipline and accountability while there is also a very positive and supportive environment, which has helped us grow as individuals and as a team.

What do you think of the new gym floor at Latrobe?

The new gym floor we got is amazing, and the new lighting now makes the gym look so much bigger and nicer than before.

You’re a 4.0 student. What is the key to balancing academics and sports?

Time management is definitely the biggest thing in managing a 4.0, and setting priorities while sticking to a schedule.

What did you do with the team MVP belt? Did you get to take it home?

When I got the MVP belt I wore it for the rest of the day, and, yes, I took it home and showed my family.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Drinking pickle juice right out of the jar.

What is your happiest childhood memory?

My happiest childhood memory would be going to the beach with my whole family and all my friends for the summer.

Connor Crossey

School: Franklin Regional

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Claim to fame: Crossey, a 6-foot-1 guard, is the lone starter from the PIAA and WPIAL Class 5A championship team, and in the first three games of the season, he has led the Panthers to two victories and has been the leading scorer in every game. Panthers coach Jesse Reed expects Crossey to be the leader of the team this season. He scored 15 of his team-high 18 points in the fourth quarter in a win against Seneca Valley and hit the winning shot in the victory against Quaker Valley and finished with 16 points. He scored 20 in a loss against Greensburg Central Catholic on Friday.

What was last year’s season like?

It was very special. No one thought we could make that type of run, and we proved people wrong. Beating Moon in the state playoffs was huge after losing to them in the WPIAL finals. That was a get back game. Everyone pulled together. I learned a lot playing with those seniors.

What is your most memorable moment in basketball?

When I scored 14 points at Mt. Lebanon to defeat Shaler in the WPIAL semifinals, and when I scored 14 points to help defeat Latrobe.

What did the two wins in the Mike Rettger Memorial show you about this year’s team?

It shows the resilience we have. We struck to it, and we grinded out two victories. We must learn from our mistakes. Both games were sloppy.

What are the teams’ goals this season?

We want to win the section, make the playoffs and make another run in the playoffs. Last year’s season was a lot of fun.

What does Coach Reed expect from you?

To be a vocal leader and to lead by example and help the younger players.

What teammates do you expect to have big seasons this year?

Jonah Johnston is a great rebounder and scorer. I like how Webber Rankin and Jack Spagnola are both aggressive and intense and Anthony Mitchell’s ability to control the game as a point guard.

How old were you when you first started to play basketball, and what do you remember?

I was in second grade, and I was awful. I really did not like it, but my dad (Dan) did not want me to play football or baseball. He played football at Penn Hills and Juniata College. I just did not want to be there. It was not until sixth or seventh grade that I started to like it. I started to train, and I got better.

Do you have a favorite NBA player or team?

No. I do not like the NBA. I prefer college basketball, and I like Pitt. I watch more college basketball because I do not feel the NBA is entertaining. They do not run sets or play defense.

Where do you and your teammates to go after practice or a game for a snack?

We got to either Sheetz, Panera or Chipotle. I like the app sampler and sweet tea at Sheetz, I like the cinnamon crunch bagel and a chicken bacon rancher at Panera and a chicken burrito at Chipotle.

What is your favorite meal that you mom or dad makes?

I love chicken bruschetta pasta.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

Pompano Beach, Fla.

Do you have a dream vacation spot you’d like to visit?

Italy. Most of my family is from there.

What type of movies do you like?

I like comedies.

What type of music do you listen to?

I like to listen to rap.

Do you have any pregame rituals?

I put my right shoe on first and then my left. I’ll also eat some candy.

What is your favorite Pittsburgh professional team?

The Steelers.

Q: Do you have a favorite player?

I like the way Russell Wilson runs the offense.

Any predictions about the Steelers’ season?

I want to see them win the Super Bowl.

If you could have lunch or dinner with someone famous, who would it be and what would you talk about?

Michael Jordan and we talk about his career and what it took to become such a great basketball player.

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Latrobe