A-K Valley athletes of the week: Riverview’s Katerina Tsambis, Alex Schultheis

By: Ted Sarneso
Saturday, December 21, 2024 | 4:59 PM

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Katerina Tsambis

School: Riverview

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Claim to fame: Tsambis scored 22 points in a 44-34 win over Freeport on Tuesday. She followed that up with 17 points in a 70-21 win over Jeannette on Thursday night. The guard also scored 15 points last Saturday for the Raiders (5-2, 1-0) in a 48-18 win over Sewickley Academy. Riverview is in the midst of a four-game winning streak and sits atop Section 4-2A.

What’s been the catalyst behind the four-game winning streak?

Our practices have been really intense. Even though some of those practices we might only have six to eight girls, we continue to play hard during those sessions, and it’s translating well to our games. It’s showing as we’ve been able to showcase our teamwork very quickly after the opening tip-off. We’ve also really been coming together as a group and our winning streak is the result of that jelling.

The team won’t play again until Jan. 2. How will you stay focused?

We just have to continue to play hard in practice. We really need to focus because right after the new year, we hit our section schedule. We also had some injuries, so we’ll use the time to rest. With only eight players, a lot of us are playing the full game. So, if we rest up, we’ll come out of the break stronger and ready to continue our winning ways.

Are you worried at all about losing this winning momentum coming out of the break?

I don’t think we will. We’re really excited coming off that big win against Jeannette, and that momentum should carry over. All eight of us are always talking basketball, so we’ll be excited to get back to game action.

How tight knit are the eight of you?

We’re really tight knit. I’ve been playing with these girls since I was in eighth grade. Our freshmen and sophomores, we brought them into the fold and we consider each other family.

How good did it feel to beat rival Springdale to open the season?

It’s always good to get that win. We were a little shaky in the first half, but coming out of the locker room we were super focused. Playing Springdale is always fun, no matter what sport, so to get that first win of the year against them was a good win.

What is the most points you’ve scored in a game?

I actually scored 23 points in the season opener against Springdale, which is my career high.

What were your individual goals for the year?

My individual goals are to win the section, because I know we can, and to make a run in the playoffs. People may count us out because we only have eight players, but I think we can make that playoff run.

Are you worried attrition might play a role later on in the year?

That’s always in the back of our minds, but we’ve been in the weight room really working and building up our conditioning, which prevents injuries. You never want to think of the bad things, so we just pray that everyone stays healthy and we can continue to work together.

What gets you in the zone prior to a game?

Always during the National Anthem I take a deep breath and say a little prayer. I find that calms me and locks me in.

Do you play any other sports at school?

I played center back in soccer and I run the 200 meters, the 400 meters and I’m part of the 4-by-4 relay.

Favorite subject in school?

Biology. When I get to college, I want to get into physical therapy.

What schools have you been looking at?

I recently got into the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State. I’m still waiting to hear back from Ohio State, which is another one of my top schools.

What is your favorite hobby?

I love staying active. I’ve grown up around sports my entire life. I love hanging with my friends. We always go and get milkshakes and Crumble cookies.

What celebrity would you most like to meet or spend the day with?

I would love to meet Paige Bueckers from UCONN. She’s grown in popularity recently, and I’m excited for her time in the WNBA.

Who inspires you?

My dad. He always pushes me to be better and be the best player I can be. Whenever I have a bad practice or a bad game, he really builds me up and lets me know I can always be better.

What’s at the top of your Christmas list?

New clothes and earrings.

Favorite Christmas tradition?

Going to church on Christmas Eve and then hanging out with my friends from my church community.

Alex Schultheis

School: Riverview

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Claim to fame: Schultheis scored 21 points for Riverview (4-4, 2-0) in a 50-49 win against Frazier on Tuesday night. He poured in 23 points in the Raiders’ 57-47 win over Bentworth on Dec. 13.

How did the team fare against Jeannette on Friday?

It didn’t go the way we wanted it to. We lost 66-34 and I only had like six points. I think we got a little rushed on offense, but we have a big game coming up next against our rival Springdale. Really looking forward to that one.

What do you think some of your best plays were from last Friday against Bentworth and then Tuesday night versus Frazier?

With four seconds left in the game against Frazier, they tried to inbound the ball and I stole it and we went down to score the winning basket. I also knocked down a couple 3s in that game. Against Bentworth, I had a lot of fast breaks which contributed to the win.

What was the cause behind the team’s four-game losing streak?

We played some bigger teams. We didn’t have the right mindset going into those games, and we probably should have been better. We play teams like Central Valley to get us ready for our section.

What’s it been like playing under a new coach in your final year?

I was a little nervous. You never know how they’re going to be, but Coach Corbin has been a great coach so far. I love how he’s trying to turn the program around.

Anything you’ve learned under Coach Corbin?

Hustle and the mental part of the game. He’s pushing us to be great every day and that’s not just our abilities on the basketball court, but in life as well.

What is the transition like to go from playing football to jumping into basketball?

It’s hard. Conditioning is a huge part of it. The first few weeks are a struggle, but it gets easier as the season goes on. Football, you get to run a few plays and then you get a breather on the sideline. In basketball, you’re constantly running and you need to hustle to change the complexion of a game.

What type of game do you play as a 6-foot-5 center/forward?

I’m a hybrid center. I try to be in the paint as much as possible, but if I’m on the outside, I’ll definitely shoot the occasional 3. I also like to bring the ball up and drive the paint myself.

Are there any players, college or pro, that you try to emulate?

Not really, I try to be my own player. I do like to watch Kevin Durant, he’s my favorite player.

Do you have a set pregame routine?

I like to put on the headphones and lock in.

What were your goals at the start of the year?

Just to make playoffs.

Which opponent do you look forward to playing the most?

Springdale. We lost to them last year, and it was a game we probably shouldn’t have lost. Can’t wait to face them after the holiday break. Coming off this loss to Jeannette, it will be really good to beat them.

Which team has been the toughest you’ve ever faced?

Greensburg Central Catholic. They always have a deep team, have some good shooters and are really fast.

Favorite hobby other than basketball?

Football. I love the game, having to work hard for the wins. I’m a tight end.

What is your favorite subject in school?

Statistics.

Favorite meal?

A cheeseburger and fries. Doesn’t matter where it’s from as along as it’s a big burger.

What’s at the top of your Christmas list this year?

Just some clothes.

Favorite Christmas tradition?

I like watching movies. I might go skiing. I tried snowboarding last year and it didn’t turn out well, so we’ll see if it changes on skis.

What are your future plans?

I’d like to go to college for football. I currently have a Division I offer from Robert Morris and a Division II offer from Ohio Dominican. I’m looking to study criminal justice and become either a police officer or something in a similar field.

Tags: Riverview