A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: Cheswick Christian Academy’s Keith Booth

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, January 6, 2025 | 11:12 AM

Cheswick Christian Academy senior forward Keith Booth picked a perfect time to go out for the basketball team last year.

“I always liked basketball, and all my friends were playing, and I wanted to play with them,” Booth said. “For a lot of my friends, it was their senior season, so it was nice to get to play with them.”

The Chargers went on to a 7-1 record in the Greater Pittsburgh Division, finished the season 22-4 and earned a Southwestern Christian Athletic Conference title.

“Last year’s team was a good group of guys to be around,” he said. “Everyone had a lot of drive, discipline and wanted to improve every practice. It was so much fun winning that championship with all my friends.”

Booth was mainly a bench player last season but is a starter this year for a Cheswick team that lost seven seniors: three starters and four off the bench.

“Last year I got to watch all the other guys and see how they played,” Booth said. “This year, I just have to try and replicate what they accomplished.”

Knowing he had a chance at starting for this year’s team, Booth did a lot of work in the offseason to sharpen his game. He focused on getting his body ready for the rigors as a starter.

“After last season, I was feeling a little rough, and that was just me coming off the bench,” Booth said. “I knew I had to get in better shape. I went on some runs and hit the weight room during the summer.”

His hard work and patience have paid off as Booth has found his scoring touch, with an 18-point, 12-rebound performance in a 68-53 loss against Geibel on Dec. 16.

He also had 11 points in a 67-50 Cheswick win over Propel Montour earlier in the year and, more recently, had nine points and nine rebounds in a 68-58 win against Propel Braddock Hills in the St. Joseph tournament Dec. 28.

“The ball’s just falling for me this year,” Booth said. “But I really just want to help the team out any way I can, whether that’s scoring, getting rebounds or handing out assists.”

Cheswick is 3-5 and will start conference play against Westmoreland Christian on Jan. 7.

Booth took some time for a Seniot Spotlight Q&A:

What did you have to learn quickly when making the change to starter?

Be more disciplined. Last year, I took a lot of fouls, and I can’t do that this season. I have to be ready for anything, ready to take on a little bit more responsibility.

The team has played a lot of WPIAL opponents in nonconference play. How do you think that helps you guys?

If we can hold our ground against WPIAL teams, we can hold our ground against anyone. Whether we win or lose those games, we find ways to improve ourselves. It’s just part of the process to become a better basketball team.

Coming out of the break, what are you looking to accomplish the rest of the season?

Short term, we want to get some wins stacked together. Long term, we want to win the championship again. We’re looking for everyone to play at a high level.

Coach Todd Rosio mentioned that you’re a quiet leader. In what ways have you sort of taught or mentored the younger players on the team?

I’m not a big talker, but if the freshmen need help, I’ll give them tips and pointers. If someone gets mad or disappointed, I’ll tell them to settle down, keep their head in the game.

How important is it that you can speak to those on the bench, like, “Hey, I’ve been in this position. If you’re patient, you can be where I am now?”

The younger guys always want to be starters right away, but sometimes you have to trust the process. If they want to get better, they will, as long as they put in the work. Anything’s possible.

What part of your game are you looking to improve on this season?

Scoring for sure. Last year, I couldn’t score, so my emphasis was to improve there and to get more rebounds and assists. I’m a senior, it’s my last year so I want to give my all.

What were your goals for the season?

Average 10 points or more in every game and get a lot of rebounds and assists. I also wanted another championship and for us to be No. 1 in our division.

Any hobbies?

I enjoy watching the Pittsburgh Penguins and playing video games.

Post high school plans?

Trade school. I’m looking at being an electrician.

What’s one piece of advice you’d want to leave your teammates?

Work hard. Never stop when you know you can get more.

Tags: Cheswick Christian