A-K Valley athletes of the week: Springdale’s Baileigh Haas, Burrell’s Mike Morazcyzk

By: Ted Sarneso
Saturday, November 16, 2024 | 4:34 PM

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Baileigh Haas

School: Springdale

Class: Senior

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: Haas survived a 3-2 shootout win over Conemaugh Township in the first round of the PIAA playoffs Nov. 5. She allowed one goal in a 2-1 win against Bishop Guilfoyle in the quarterfinals Nov. 9. Haas made 10 saves and helped to blank Seton LaSalle, 4-0, in Tuesday’s PIAA semifinals. The Dynamos (20-2) finished as runners-up in the PIAA Class A playoffs after a 4-3 loss to defending champion Dock Mennonite on Friday.

What did you see from your vantage point on how Dock Mennonite attacked you guys?

We knew it was going to be a rough game going into it, so we were playing a lot of defense. I was prepared for their attack, but it was a matter of defending it in real time.

What were your nerves like in the win over Conemaugh Township?

I was very nervous, but my goalie coach, Dave Fortun, he reminded me to stay on my feet and keep my head. The support of everyone helped me relax.

How tight was the game with Bishop Guilfoyle?

They were good competition, and they kept up a good attack. It was the playoffs so we knew we would see their best — and everybody’s best until the end of the season.

How were you and the defense able to shut down Seton LaSalle?

The whole team worked together to shut them down. We worked forward, backward and each did our part to keep them away from our side of the field as much as we could.

What are your thoughts and recollections on the season overall?

We had a great season, made it further than we could have imagined and played to the very last game in the PIAA finals. We took advantage of the whole season.

What were your thoughts on how the team had allowed only nine total goals in the regular season?

It’s hard to put into words. It showed how strong we were, collectively, and it’s been a great experience. We worked together so well, supported each other and it all worked out.

How did it feel to win a WPIAL championship?

It felt great. It’s unbelievable at this point and is hard to get my head around it. It made it more memorable and emotional for us seniors to get it in our last season.

What gets you in the zone prior to a game?

I listen to music and talk with my coaches and teammates. We all focus in together.

Anything specific you like to listen to?

I listen to everything, so it all depends on what I’m feeling that day.

Who’s the fastest on the team?

Bri Ross. I think she can run a 6-minute mile.

Who can bend the ball the best?

Haley Marchlewski.

Do you play any club soccer?

I used to play for BVB. I only played for a year, but I really enjoyed it. It taught me a lot about teamwork and personal skills.

Participate in any clubs or other activities at school besides sports?

I’m in a lot of clubs, but just to name a few, I’m in drama club and I do set building. I’m in bio club and history club.

What’s the most elaborate set you had to build?

It was a lot of storybook type stuff for “Seussical the Musical,” and that was two years ago.

Favorite subject?

Art, specifically 3D art.

What is your favorite hobby?

I like to read.

What was the last book you read?

“This is Where it Ends” by Marieke Nijkamp

Favorite meal?

Homemade mac and cheese.

If you could share a meal with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?

My mom.

People would be surprised to know that…

I have 10 siblings. I’m the third oldest.

What will you miss most about high school soccer?

The overall experience of playing with the same girls and going to school with them and having the chance to bond.

What are you looking forward to in your last six months of your senior year?

Making new memories and doing what I can to help other people.

What are your future plans?

I want to go to college and am looking into a career in early childhood care or therapy.

Mike Morazcyzk

School: Burrell

Class: Senior

Sport: Hockey

Claim to fame: Morazcyzk scored a hat trick and had three assists in a 9-2 win for Burrell (6-1) over Neshannock on Monday night in Division 2 play.

Can you explain the hat trick you scored?

The first goal was the first goal of the game for us. Forrest Baird gave me nice pass over, and I fired a one-timer to the far side low. The second one was short-handed. Jared Wall got the puck on the wall on the breakout and once we got in the zone, he gave me another aerial pass, and I shot another one-timer to the blocker side. The third one, Forrest got me the puck, and I went around the defenseman and went backhand to my forehand to the blocker side again.

How about the assists?

The first one was on the power play, and I got it wide and I backhanded a pass over to Luke Mink. The second one was to Julian Kem on a two-on-one, and the third one was a secondary assist on the power play. I got it to Kemp, and he got it to Forrest, who scored.

How big of a win was that game with both teams coming in with just one loss on the year?

That was a huge win. Neshannock beat Deer Lakes after we just lost to them. It was especially nice to beat them after seeing them for the first time since they beat us in the Pens Cup final last year. We wanted that revenge. It was a good, moral win, but also in the standings, a very important game.

How much of a difference is the coaching and system under Coach Burkett this year?

It’s relatively similar to what it was last year. He’s about keeping the game simple and easy to understand for us as possible. I think he’s done a great job at keeping us together as a unit.

Where does your work ethic come from, and how hard do you train?

I think it’s just from my love of the sport. Some of it also comes from my family, like my dad and pap always tell me to work my hardest. I’m a little undersized, and every coach has told me I have to outwork everyone to stand out. I love improving my game whenever I get the chance.

Does it feel weird donning a Burrell sweater even though you’re a student Riverview?

Maybe at first, during my freshman year, but I always love the opportunity to play high school hockey. I always felt welcome by everyone at Burrell. I never felt like an outsider. I’ve really embraced it now, and feel I’m a Burrell Buc and love representing the school and the team.

What’s the most number of goals you’ve scored in a game?

For Burrell and on my club hockey team, I think a one-game total is like three or four.

Which club hockey team do you play for?

Pittsburgh Stars.

Do you have any pregame routine or any superstitions?

When I get home from school, I like to nap for about an hour. Then, if the game’s at 8, I’ll have my pregame meal at 5. I usually get Chipotle. I’m usually the first one at the rink, an hour, maybe an hour and fifteen minutes before puck drop.

What’s your go-to meal from Chipotle?

I’m a big burrito bowl guy. Double chicken and rice.

What were your goals at the start of the year?

Just to get back to the Pens Cup and win it after how devastating it was to lose it last year. All offseason I wanted to do everything I could to get us back.

Which opponent do you look forward to playing the most?

Definitely Deer Lakes because of the rivalry. It’s always a tightly contested match.

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

I would say Neshannock last year.

Who on your team has the hardest shot?

Julian Kemp. He’s a pretty big guy so it’s awesome to see when he gets hold of one.

Who hits the hardest?

Our captain, Landon Johnson.

Any particular reason behind your jersey number 89?

It was my dad’s number when he played in high school and in college at W&J.

Who is your favorite pro hockey player?

It might be a generic answer, but Sidney Crosby. He’s inspired so many young hockey players and is an idol to me.

Favorite hobby other than hockey?

Golf.

What is your favorite subject in school?

History.

What are your future plans?

I’d like to play junior hockey. Not sure where yet, just until I age out and then go on to play collegiately.

Tags: Burrell, Springdale