A-K Valley athletes of the week: Knoch’s Jackson Bauman, St. Joseph’s Isabella Thomas

By: Bill Hartlep
Saturday, February 17, 2024 | 7:28 PM

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Isabella Thomas

Class: Freshman

School: St. Joseph

Sport: Gymnastics

Report card: St. Joseph freshman Isabella Thomas finished fourth out of 37 competitors in the all-around with a score of 34.850 in the Intermediate I division at the WPIAL gymnastics championships Feb. 10. Thomas placed eighth in bars (8.600), fourth in beam (8.650) and ninth in floor (8.850). At this weekend’s PA Classic, she took ninth all-around after taking sixth on vault and eighth on bars.

How did you feel about your finish at the WPIAL championships?

It was pretty good. I felt the vault could have been better, but it was just an off day. But I made up for it (Friday at the PA Classic).

What was the competition like?

It’s a lot different than the USAG competitions. Even like high school in general. It’s a really different atmosphere. They do take a bit longer. Normally for high school you warm up for everything and then compete. In USGA, you warm up individual and then compete in that event. The setting is different.

How did the PA Classic go on Friday?

It was good. I didn’t fall, which is always a plus.

What is your best event?

Probably vault, but my beam has gone pretty good this year. The vault is probably the technique then the power behind it. The beam is just a lot of practice and going through the skills and stuff.

What do you do during down time at those long meets?

We really just sit there and talk about random things. I don’t have a ton of down time. We’ll warm up a bit. Floor takes forever. We warm up, then take a break for 15 minutes, then do some more warming up.

What is your training schedule like during the season?

During the season, it’s pretty much a four-hour practice Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and three hours on Wednesday. Competitions are on either Friday, Saturday. There was a span of two weeks where I had six meets in that window. It was a lot.

How long have you been involved in gymnastics?

I started when I was 2 1/2 and then I started competing in fourth grade in actual competitions.

Are you involved in any other sports/activities at St. Joseph?

There’s really no time.

If you could meet any celebrity, who would it be?

I’m a BTS fan. I love BTS.

What’s your favorite home-cooked meal?

Chicken fajitas.

What is your favorite local restaurant?

Longhorn Steakhouse.

Is there a gymnast you look up to?

Jade Carey is one of my favorites.

What’s the toughest event in gymnastics?

Definitely bars. It’s so different than the other events. All the other events connect back to each other in some way, but bars is just hard. There’s not any aspect from bars in the other events.

What is something people might not know about you?

As much as it seems like it in school that I don’t have a social life, I really do. I know every one at the gym.

Jackson Bauman

Class: Sophomore

School: Knoch

Sport: Basketball

Report card: Knoch sophomore Jackson Bauman had 12 points Friday as Knoch beat Beaver in the first round of the WPIAL Class 4A boys basketball playoffs. Bauman, who averages 16.5 points, made back-to-back 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to tie the score. The Knights ended the game on a 17-5 run. He also scored 24 points in Monday’s 62-58 nonsection loss to Shady Side Academy. Knoch (15-8) will play top-seeded Lincoln Park in the quarterfinals Wednesday

How did the team play against Beaver on Friday night?

I thought we were inconsistent. We, as a unit, weren’t always positive and together. We were still in the game, though playing poorly. But I’ll give the unit credit for staying together and always believing in each other. When it came down to it, we won the game, and it was a great feeling.

What made the difference in the fourth quarter?

It was just our defensive intensity. We kept going after them. We changed our defense up and made them think. Beaver likes to get in transition, and we stopped Brady Mayo, who averages 25 and only had 17.

What will it take to defeat Lincoln Park?

It’s going to take everything. You have to get every loose ball, limit their shots, get every rebound. They can’t gain any second-chance opportunities. We have to hit our foul shots. The main thing is belief. If we go in there believing, then we always have a chance.

What makes this class of sophomores special?

We have a bond that is just (great). Even off the court we hang out all the time. In the locker room, we laugh and joke around. It’s always a good time with them. It’s also good to spend time off the court and make sure we include everyone.

What is your role on this team?

A leader. A stabilizer. Control the game. Getting everyone involved and focus on the little things I need to do to help us win.

What’s it like playing for your dad, Alan?

It’s crazy. It’s definitely a lot of fun winning with my dad, It’s special. Always being able to talk to him at home, what can I do as a leader to the team and trying to help us win.

How did you get started playing basketball?

My older brother, Isiah, played a very young age. My dad coached him, and it made me fall in love with the game.

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

Football. I play wide receiver and safety.

If you could meet any celebrity, who would it be?

LeBron James.

What’s your favorite home-cooked meal?

Steak and mashed potatoes.

What is your favorite local restaurant?

The Handlebar (Cafe in Butler).

Who’s the toughest player you’ve guarded?

Dante Spadafora (from OLSH).

Do you listen to hype-up music before games?

We listen to a lot of Kanye and Lil Uzi Vert.

What’s your favorite class at school?

English.

Have you thought about going to college?

I want to pursue writing. I want to play basketball in college, so whatever school gives me the best (opportunity) and offers the best.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully, playing overseas for basketball or coaching.

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: Knoch, St. Joseph