A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: Cheswick Christian’s Grant Rochkind

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, December 4, 2023 | 10:54 AM

Grant Rochkind and his teammates have enjoyed success together playing basketball for Cheswick Christian Academy.

“Our teams have gotten better over the last few years,” Rochkind said. “A lot of the guys have been playing together for the last few years, and we’ve been able to build a good chemistry.”

The school finished with a 3-11 record in the 2020-21 season, then ended 2021-22 with a 7-11 mark and a playoff berth. Last year, they went 18-10 and lost in the Southwest Christian Athletic Conference title game.

This season, Rochkind and his teammates are hungry for more.

“The expectations are to get back to that game and win this year,” Rochkind said. “Our mindset is to be better than we were last year, and that includes winning a championship.”

Last season, Rochkind scored 35 points in one game, set the single-game record for rebounds at 31 in another and finished the year with an all-conference selection.

“I wouldn’t say he was the best rebounder we’ve ever had, but for one day he was. It was unbelievable,” said Cheswick Christian coach Todd Rosio. “The night he had 35 points, he had more than half of our scoring. He was damn near unstoppable.

“He’s a really good all-around player. Anytime someone on your team gets recognition, it’s partly because the team did well. I think he and his teammates share in that.”

As the season begins, Rochkind took a few minutes for a senior spotlight Q-and-A:

You have a younger brother, Brady, who plays on the team. What’s the dynamic like when you’re on the court with your brother?

It’s great to watch him grow throughout his younger years and be able to play with him now. He’s really come a long way, and he’s a huge part of our team now. Playing with him a lot has helped build an unspoken chemistry, where we have a feel for each other on the court.

You’re only 11 points away from 1,000. What will reaching that milestone mean to you?

It’s a great milestone to have, but I really appreciate the help of my teammates to get me to the point of reaching that milestone. They should get a lot of credit for that as well.

What were your thoughts and feelings upon learning you were selected as an all-conference player last year?

It’s a good accomplishment, and I know a few other guys on our team received that honor as well. When you put in all the work, play together as a unit and knowing what you have to do to set yourself up for success helps a lot.

What do you think are some pros and cons to playing basketball at a smaller school?

A lot of the public schools have a wider area to choose athletes from. Playing at a small school, you have a different level of competition that you would face in a larger public school. But I enjoy playing for a smaller school.

Any high school moments that stand out for you?

Just being able to finish out my high school playing career with the guys I grew up with and gone far with. Just seeing how our season and careers end, seeing where we can get this year.

What other hobbies or interests are you into?

Outside of basketball, I just like to hang with my friends and participate in youth group.

Plans for college?

I plan on going to the University of Valley Forge, which is 30 minutes outside of Philly, and I would like to continue to play basketball and study ministry.

One piece of advice you would want to leave your teammates before graduating?

Keep working. Stay level-headed on and off the court. Know your role, stay humble and not let distractions get in your way.

Tags: Cheswick Christian