A-K Valley athletes of the week: Knoch’s Braylee Ireland, Highlands’ Javeon Chambers

By: Bill Hartlep
Saturday, February 22, 2025 | 3:43 PM

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Braylee Ireland

School: Knoch

Class: Junior

Sport: Wrestling

Claim to fame: Knoch junior Braylee Ireland became the program’s first WPIAL girls wrestling champion with a 7-3 victory over Mt. Lebanon’s Paige Jox on Feb. 15 at Mt. Lebanon. The 118-pounder is 22-6 this season with 15 points and 55-34 for her career. She will be back on the mat the PIAA West Region tournament next Saturday at North Allegheny.

How do you think you wrestled at the WPIAL championships?

I thought I wrestled really well. I was really proud of how I wrestled. I was on the attack and I felt good.

How did it feel to become Knoch’s first WPIAL wrestling champion?

It was awesome. I was really excited especially since I wasn’t able to wrestle in the WPIAL championships last season. I was super exited to have the opportunity this season and to become the first champion was even better.

How has your season gone overall?

Great. It’s been awesome having the girls’ team this year. It’s been a different experience, but it’s been nice to be with the girls and wrestle girls all year.

What are your goals for the remaining postseason tournaments?

I would definitely like to get into the finals at regions. That’s a goal. Hopefully win it. And then my goal s to place at states.

What will it take to do that?

Just the same thing as all year, staying focused, working hard, not getting in my head, keep in my mindset, keeping my body healthy and then continue to train.

What missing the postseason with an injury last year motivating for you this season?

I think it really sucked being out last year. It definitely gave me more of a drive to work hard to come back bigger, better and stronger this year.

What are your strengths on the mat?

I don’t want to give away any secrets. Definitely neutral is one of my go-tos. Freestyle wrestling has helped with that.

Who is your toughest opponent?

There’s’s a lot of tough girls out there. They all have their strengths. Probably, it’s more the mental opponent is the biggest one.

Are you involved in any other sports or activities at Knoch?

I also play soccer.

Favorite subject in school?

Probably anatomy.

Do you have a favorite hobby?

I like being outside. I like lifting. I like adventuring and traveling.

Do you listen to music before matches?

Yeah, I like to listen to rap music, old school rap and hip hop.

When you aren’t trying to maintain weight, what’s your go-to snack?

Pasta for sure. And Oreos.

What’s your dream vacation spot?

Hawaii.

Javeon Chambers

School: Highlands

Class: Junior

Sport: Wrestling

Claim to fame: Junior lightweight Javeon Chambers became Highlands’ first WPIAL wrestling champion since 2006 when he defeated Burgettstown’s Darius Simmons, 10-0, in the Class 2A 107-pound final Saturday. He also captured the Class 2A Eastern Sectional title Feb. 15 when he defeated Derry’s Rocco DeCario by tech fall, 19-2 (3:33) in the finals. Chambers is 36-4 this season with 23 pins. His career record is 102-21.

How did it feel to win the section title last Saturday?

It felt good. Anybody could have won it.

What did it take to do that?

Practicing all the time. Practicing with the other teammates, just having fun and learning new techniques and finding my style.

How do you feel about how your season has gone so far?

Good. There’s a couple matches that I had (that didn’t go well) and mistakes that were my fault. Overall, I think it’s amazing right now.

What are your strengths on the mat?

Neutral. It’s more of a natural thing for me. Just the overall movement.

How did you get started in wrestling?

From my Uncle Chuck. He took me to wrestling practice and a tournament. Ever since, me and my brothers and his son were into it.

What are your goals for the rest of the postseason tournaments?

Try and be first for all of them, make it to states. Try and get as far as we can, be with my teammates and have fun. Do the best I can.

You are approaching 100 wins. What does that milestone mean to you?

It’s amazing. I’m just going to let it flow like regular.

Are there any wrestlers you look up to?

I look up to Spencer Lee, Bo Nickal, Penn State’s and Michigan’s famous wrestlers. I really try to be like Spencer Lee.

Who is the toughest opponent you’ve faced?

Keegan Bassett (from Bishop McCort). I just have to wrestle how I do (against him).

Are you involved in any other sports or activities at Highlands?

I play football. I’m doing track. I’m doing freestyle and Greco (wrestling).

Favorite subject in school?

Math.

Do you have a favorite hobby?

Playing video games here and there. Just playing with my friends.

If you could meet any celebrity who would it be?

Michael Jordan. He’s not a wrestler, but I’ve looked up to him because he’s one of my idols.

Do you listen to music before matches?

Yeah, I listen to three songs that give me my movement. Everybody has different types of music they like. It just depends on the wrestlers.

When you aren’t trying to maintain weight, what’s your go-to snack?

Cheez-Its. I love Cheez-Its.

What’s your dream vacation spot?

Just going to a beach. Relaxing with the family.

Bill Hartlep is the TribLive sports editor. A Pittsburgh native and Point Park graduate, he joined the Trib in 2004, covering high school sports. He held various editing roles before assuming his current position in 2019. He can be reached at bhartlep@triblive.com.

Tags: Highlands, Knoch