A-K Valley athletes of the week: St. Joseph’s Gia Richter, Burrell’s Luke Boylan

By: Ted Sarneso
Saturday, January 18, 2025 | 10:29 AM

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Gia Richter

School: St. Joseph

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Claim to fame: Richter scored 22 points in a 70-36 win over Section 1-A foe Springdale on Monday. The point guard also had 22 points and sank five 3-pointers in St. Joseph’s win against Sewickley Academy last Thursday.

How did it feel to end the three-game losing skid?

It felt great. We definitely needed the win.

What will you need to do to make sure a streak like that doesn’t happen again?

Just to communicate on the court. I feel like that was a big problem we had in losing those games. In practice today we did a good job communicating, and, hopefully, in next week’s games, we’ll do a better job at communicating and keep our winning streak going.

You scored 22 points in back-to-back games. What were you seeing and feeling on the court those nights?

Once I started going to the gym and shooting more shots, I’ve started to notice more opportunities to shoot during games as well as dishing to my teammates. But I think it was more due to teamwork than anything.

Was it different tweaking your game be more of a shooter than a facilitator?

It’s not new to me to shoot the ball. Last year I was more used to passing the ball to my teammates, but because we lost the height from last year, I do feel I need to take more shots.

You were the only returning starter this season. What was it like to have to learn to play with a new group and have them learn to play with you?

It wasn’t as big of a struggle as I thought it would be … freshmen Bella Bartolovic and Gemma Hornack know how to play basketball. It was all about getting them used to playing high school basketball, because middle school and high school basketball are totally different. It was also different playing with more guards this year than all the forwards we had last year, which also caused us to lose some height.

What has being a leader taught you?

To trust my teammates even if we’re losing. It’s not that I didn’t trust them before, but when you’re a leader and you show that you trust in your teammates, the freshmen will know that they can trust them as well and you build that connection. It’s about setting that example.

The way it’s shaping up right now, it looks like four playoff appearances in four years for you.

It’s been a lot of hard work. My first memory of going to the playoffs was when we played against Rochester. When we beat them, I saw that I could actually do this, and I wanted to continue to do it. Last year was definitely our best year. I just want to keep playing and keep improving because I love this game.

What were your individual goals at the start of the year?

Score a lot more than last year. As the only starter coming back from last year’s team, I knew I would have to be more of a scorer. Another thing I wanted to learn was how to play with a new group of girls. The last three years I played with the same people, and that was nice, but getting to know a whole new set of teammates really helps me get in the groove of playing with new players for when I go to college.

What gets you in the zone before a game?

If it’s a home game, I like to get to the gym two hours before the game to shoot and get used to my shot. Then when my teammates show up, we’ll talk about the game and how it could go. I also like to hydrate throughout the day and get a lot of rest the night before.

If there was a 3-point contest among the team, who would win?

Either me or Bella.

Which opponent do you look forward to playing?

Aquinas Academy. I really like that rivalry. It’s fun to play against them and know in my gut that we can beat them.

Do you play any other sports at school?

Golf. I’m not too good at it, but I do love playing it and want to learn how to play better.

Favorite meal?

Chicken Parmesan.

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

My two older brothers.

Favorite subject in school?

Math.

What are some of your favorite hobbies other than basketball?

Playing the piano. I taught myself how to play, and, not to brag or anything, but I think I’m pretty good at it.

What are your future plans?

I plan on going pre-med and playing basketball in college. I haven’t picked a college yet, but I’m talking with schools and coaches. I did get an offer from Hiram College.

Luke Boylan

School: Burrell

Class: Senior

Sport: Wrestling

Claim to fame: Boylan, who wrestles mostly at 215 pounds, recorded his 100th career win with a first-round pin in his 285-pound match with Riverview’s Pierce Colvin on Wednesday. Burrell (5-0, 3-0) won the match 70-0. Boylan, a Seton Hill commit, is 12-8 on the season and has recorded eight pins to bring his career number to 56.

What were your thoughts and emotions when you realized you got your 100th win?

I was pretty excited.

Can you describe the match against Colvin and how you earned that victory?

I took him down, and then I put my legs in and hit a power wrap and pinned him on senior night.

What’s the next milestone you’re looking to hit?

Winning the WPIAL and placing at states.

You’re the returning section champ at 215. Are you ready for any and all challengers?

Yeah, I am.

How are you preparing, mentally?

Not taking anything for granted and taking it one day, one practice at a time.

How did it feel when you placed third at WPIALs last year?

I placed fifth in both my freshman and sophomore years, so it was nice to place higher, but the end goal this year is to win it.

Being there the last three years, what did you learn?

Just to go one match at a time. Last year I lost in the one round when I was winning 3-1 with 30 seconds to go, and I got called for stalling and he took me down in overtime.

You’ve wrestled a couple matches at 285 this season. Is it any more of a challenge to wrestle at that weight than at 215?

Not really. It’s whatever the team needs. If they need me to wrestle heavyweight, I’ll use my speed to get a victory.

What are your thoughts on the new points system?

I like it. Especially if you’re on top. If you turn the guy, you get four points, and then if you get a takedown, you’re up 7-0. I’d say it improves the sport.

How do you get locked in for a match?

I usually just listen to music and clear my mind. Early on in my career, I would get nervous to the point I would throw up, so just relaxing and trying not to think too much has been a major help.

What were your goals at the start of the year?

As a team to win the WPIAL and finish top four in the state. Individually, win the section, win WPIAL and place at both regionals and states.

How confident are you that Burrell will win the section?

Pretty confident. We face Highlands on Wednesday, and they’re pretty tough, but I’m confident our squad is ready.

Which opponent do you look forward to wrestling the most?

A match I would want back is my match against Colin Whyte of West Greene in regionals last year. I was hyped up for that match, but it didn’t turn out the way I wanted. He’s up at heavyweight now, so I don’t think I’ll get a rematch.

Do you play any other sports at school?

Football. I’m a tackle and play along the defensive line.

Do you have a favorite subject in school?

Math.

Favorite movie?

“Den of Thieves” or “The Hangover.”

What’s your favorite meal when you’re not trying to make weight?

A Chipotle burrito.

Any hobbies outside of wrestling?

I like to dance, mostly when making TikToks, and hanging out with my friends.

What made you choose Seton Hill?

The coaches were really welcoming, the campus was close to home and the guys on the team are really cool and mostly guys from around the WPIAL. Just felt like the right place for me.

What do you plan on studying?

Business. I haven’t narrowed my field. Figure I’ll go general business my freshman year and see what I like best.

Tags: Burrell, St. Joseph