A-K Valley athletes of the week: Riverview’s Isabel Chaparro, Highlands’ Ty Hall

By: Brennan Valladares
Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 5:09 PM

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Isabel Chaparro

School: Riverview

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Claim to fame: In the opening week of the season for Riverview, Isabel Chaparro went for 22 points in a win against Brashear and 21 points in a loss to West Mifflin. Then on Saturday, she had 44 points, including nine 3-pointers in a win over California. The senior team captain committed to Mary Washington on Wednesday.

After a heartbreaking loss in the playoffs last year, what were some of the things you wanted to focus on in the offseason?

Even though it was a heartbreaking loss, I was still proud of how our team played and the effort that was given. Something in the offseason that I have been working on for my senior year was ball-handling and driving to the hoop more. And also start to be more of a better leader for my teammates this year.

What were some of your team’s goals heading into this season?

Our biggest goal right now is to compete, win and have a great culture. We also have the goal of going to the (Petersen Events Center) and states. Having this goal is pushing us harder and harder every day to get better and improve as a team and independently.

Even though Andre Carter was an assistant last year, has there been an adjustment with him being the head coach now?

It was definitely an adjustment, but it was a good decision to make him our new head coach. Having him as an assistant last year really helped us out, and he had great knowledge of the game that he brought to us. Of course, having a new coach can always be a change, but I believe that he is doing amazing things as our head coach and truly is pushing us to bring out the best in us as players and as young women. Overall, he has a great mindset and personality, and all of us as a team really enjoy having him as our new head coach.

Is going over 20 points in the first two games of the season a sign that you are ready to take on more of the scoring load this year after being second on the team last year?

Yes, that night was a great night for me for the first game of the season. I have a lot of goals for myself to compete, score, and be a great leader. But I also have goals for my team to always push themselves and to always give 110% at all times. Being second on the scoring last year was a great accomplishment, but I knew I wanted more, and I knew I had to have that mentality going into my senior season to attempt to reach the goal of being the top scorer. I believe in myself and in my team to help me get there, and for me to help my teammates score and improve.

Mia Murphy had a good game in her high school debut. What have you seen from her and the other freshmen on the team?

Mia Murphy is such a strong athlete. She has the ability to score deep 3s, finish at the rim and cause turnovers for the other team. She has truly been a huge impact for us this season. As for all the freshmen, they all have such great potential and are always pushing themselves on and off the court and showing me that they are capable. I believe in all of them to do great things for this team and for them to be great leaders for others coming up.

What did you like about Mary Washington that swayed your decision to commit there?

My first impression of the University of Mary Washington was that of course it was more south and out of state and that was one of my boxes I wanted to check. The campus was beautiful and it truly just fit exactly what I was looking for. Coach Applebury and Coach Stark really gave me a great impression on who they were as a program and who they were as people, and it really provided me with a great relationship with them. The team overall seemed like a great fit for me, and that I could make a great impact there. The coast-to-coast conference also looked very competitive and a great way for me to also get more travel in because I love to travel and go to new places. Overall I really enjoyed the school, the area, the people, the warm welcoming and the whole atmosphere.

What do you intend to study in college?

I have not officially decided on a major yet, but I am leaning towards studying in the science field, so exercise science/kinesiology/PT. I have also thought about doing sports management.

Outside of basketball, what are you most excited about for your senior year of high school?

Now that I am committed and ready for college, I truly want to make my senior year a great last experience with my friends and family. I want to go to every activity and event that I can and really soak it all up before I leave and head to Virginia. Just making sure that I am hanging out with the people that I love and truly making it a great experience for one last time.

What were your top songs on your Spotify Wrapped/Apple Music Replay?

So many. Rod Wave; “Dark Thoughts,” Lil Tecca; “Flex,” Rich Homie Quan; “Shot Callin,” YoungBoy Never Broke. Again.

What are some of your family traditions for Christmas?

We will tend to either travel to family or stay home; this year we are staying home. Usually family will visit, and we will go ice skating downtown, go see lights, go to church — truly anything that we can think of. Then on Christmas morning my dad makes his monkey bread, and we all get together and open gifts.

Ty Hall

School: Highlands

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Claim to fame: Ty Hall netted four 3-pointers en route to a season-high 22 points in a win against Southmoreland on Friday. He also was one of four double-digit scorers in a season-opening loss to Indiana on Wednesday. Through the first week of the season, the Golden Rams are 1-1 and were set to take on St. Joseph in the championship game of the Spartans’ tipoff tournament Saturday.

What are some of your team’s overall goals for this season?

Some of the team’s overall goals this year are to win our section, make playoffs and eventually win WPIALS.

How does it feel to have a full season and offseason with Michael Foster as your head coach?

It’s great. Last year, he was put into a very difficult situation and still was able to motivate and keep us focused on our goals for that season, which was to make playoffs. Now we all understand each other a lot and trust in him to lead us on and off the court.

How do you think your team will benefit from having you and seven other seniors to lean on through the course of the season?

As leaders, we all keep each other in line when we’re not doing what we’re supposed to. We hold each other accountable in practice and on the court, and since most of us have played together for years, we know what to expect from each other.

Through two games, you guys have had at least three double-digit scorers and two different leading scorers — including your 22 on Friday. What does that say about the balance of your team, and is that something that can be expected for the duration of the season?

That’s just what I believe our team does. Any of us can go out there and lead the team in scoring. We try to figure out who’s hot and get him the ball. The team doesn’t care who does that. We’re all happy with a win at the end of the day.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to attend a four-year college and hopefully play basketball while there.

What are some of your hobbies outside of basketball?

Some hobbies I enjoy outside of basketball are I am an avid golfer, I like playing video games and I like to hang out with friends.

What were your top songs on your Spotify Wrapped/Apple Music Replay?

My top three songs were “Change My Mind” by Riley Green, “Scarecrow in the Garden” by Chris Stapleton and “Irish Goodbye” by Treaty Oak Revival.

What are some of your family traditions for Christmas?

Christmas traditions my family does is Secret Santa, white elephant and have dinner with family.

Tags: Highlands, Riverview