A-K Valley athletes of the week: AJ Dorman and Hannah Rowe

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, November 6, 2018 | 7:51 PM

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AJ Dorman

School: Deer Lakes

Class: Junior

Sport: Soccer

Report card: Coming off a tough loss 1-0 loss to section rival Shady Side Academy in the WPIAL Class AA semifinals, Dorman made sure it didn’t happen again. A two-year starter, he had a hat trick to help Deer Lakes roll past Charleroi, 7-1, and finish third in the WPIAL. The win put the Lancers in the PIAA playoffs for the first time in school history. Dorman leads Deer Lakes (18-1-1) with 17 goals, five in the postseason. Dorman is also a member of the Deer Lakes swimming and track and field teams.

How long have you been playing soccer?

I’ve been playing since I was 4. A while.

How tough was the WPIAL semifinals loss to Shady Side Academy?

It was very tough on our part, especially losing to a rival. It hurt, but as our coach said, we still have a chance. There’s no point living in the past when we got the future to look forward to.

What did the team do to rebound from the loss?

After the game, coach took us into the corner of the stadium and said that this is what it feels like to lose. He said cry about it tonight, be upset and in the morning, wake up angry about it.

Did Coach Wiegand give the team a speech afterward?

He kind of told us what he thought of the game from what he saw on the sideline. He said I could be mad about this game, but theres no point in being mad and its not good for me and not good for you.

How exciting was it to get the win over Charleroi and advance to states?

It was nice. We’ve been watching them all season. It’s nice to see a fresh opponent and different styles of play.

Do you think the Lancers are a darkhorse in the PIAA bracket?

I think we can definitely play the underdog. We’ve always been an underdog. We’ve had a rough journey.

Does swimming help condition you for soccer and track?

It helps train the lungs. I’ve gotten so much stronger doing swimming.

How does it feel to be the first team in school history to make states?

I’ve always been excited. (Since) my freshman year, I thought we were going to make a states run. We’re ambitious.

What did this team learn about itself during the postseason?

We kind of cleaned up our act. Being a young team, we learned more about what it was to be like in high school soccer. We can do more than we think we can.

What three people would you like to have dinner with?

My nana (grandmother), Lionel Messi and Barack Obama.

What three words best describe you?

Charming. Fast. Outgoing.

Why do wear the No. 20?

We were given random numbers back in youth soccer, and I got the privilege of getting that number.

What did you dress up as for Halloween?

I dressed up as a farmer with one of my friends. It was pretty funny.

What’s the first thing you reach for at Thanksgiving dinner?

I’d say the rolls. You can never go wrong with the rolls.

What’s your favorite subject at school?

English.

Something interesting about you that that nobody knows?

I’m adopted from Russia. I’m from the city Taganrog.

Hannah Rowe

School: Knoch

Class: Junior

Sport: Volleyball

Report card: Rowe has been instrumental in Knoch’s back-to-back WPIAL Class AAA title runs. The 6-foot-1 outside hitter had 14 kills to help lead the top-seeded Knights past No. 3 Thomas Jefferson in straight sets at last Saturday’s WPIAL Class AAA championship. A two-year starter, Rowe averages 12 kills and 14 digs per match and also leads Knoch (22-0) with 259 kills. Last season, she started at forward for the basketball team and led team in rebounds.

When did you start playing volleyball?

In eighth grade.

Can you describe the feeling 3-0 win over Thomas Jefferson last Saturday?

It definitely, in my opinion, meant more this year than it did last year because we lost so many seniors.

What did you know about TJ going into the finals match?

We had a video from earlier in the year. We knew that they were good and a very scrappy team and could always get the ball over (the net).

Is it harder to win a title or defend it?

Definitely defend. Everyone is kind of gunning after you. People are trying to knock you down.

What’s different about this year’s team compared to last?

We’re definitely more athletic. Our athleticism gets us very far. We have a lot of trust in our teammates.

Last year’s motto was “Stairway to States.” What is this years?

“Compete to Repeat.”

Who came up with that?

One of our teammates’ dads came up with that.

Which team has been Knoch’s most difficult opponent this season?

I’d have to say it’s a tossup between Central Valley and TJ.

What did this team learn about itself as the season went on?

We definitely knew that we could prove ourselves to everyone, and we are just as strong of team as we were before.

What three people would you like to have dinner with?

My friends. It doesn’t have to be a celebrity.

What three words best describe you?

Motivated. Determined. Caring.

Why do you wear the No. 30?

I enjoy Steph Curry a lot.

What’s the first thing you reach for at Thanksgiving dinner?

Either the stuffing or the cranberry sauce.

What is your favorite subject in school?

Math. I’m a big math person.

What is something interesting about you that that nobody knows?

Even though I still don’t do it anymore, I still every once in a while go for runs and go to the track and bring out the high-jump shoes (and jump).

— William Whalen

William Whalen is a freelance writer.

Tags: Deer Lakes, Knoch