Alle-Kiski Valley Athletes of the Week: St. Joseph’s Grant Bendis, Kiski Area’s Harley Holloway

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, December 13, 2017 | 11:06 PM

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Grant Bendis

School: St. Joseph

Class: Junior

Sport: Basketball

Report card: Bendis started the season by putting up 18 points in Friday's 71-46 win over Propel Braddock Hills to open the St. Jospeh tournament. The 6-foot-1 guard/forward followed up with a 26-point effort to help lift St. Joseph (2-1) to a 55-27 win over Riverview and claim the tournament title. An Allegheny Township resident, Bendis is a two-year starter and finished second on the team in points last season.

How long have you been playing basketball?

Since I was in fourth grade. I started at Mary Queen of Apostles in New Kensington.

What did you learn about this team during last week's tip-off tourney?

I'd say that everyone is contributing. Daniel Fábregas hurt his hand on Saturday, and a lot of kids had to step up in order to win that game.

Where do the Spartans need to improve the most before next week's Section 3-A opener against Imani Christian?

Probably turnovers. I think in our first game we had a bunch of turnovers, and we were able to win.

What is the strength of this year's team?

I think we're well-rounded, and we have depth too.

Who is your favorite NBA player and team?

De'Aaron Fox, and I'm more of a college person and I'm a Duke fan.

What is your favorite basketball movie?

“Hoosiers.”

What three words best describe you?

Athletic. Humorous. Intelligent.

What actor should play you in a Hollywood movie?

KJ Apa.

What three people would you like to have dinner with?

Coach Mike Krzyzewski, Alex O'Connell (Duke basketball) and my family.

What's your favorite Christmas song?

“Little Drummer Boy.”

What's your favorite holiday tradition?

Spending time with family.

Favorite subject at school?

Biology.

What is something interesting about you that nobody knows?

I'm an altar server at my local church. It's St. Margaret Marys.

Harley Holloway

School: Kiski Area

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Basketball

Report card: An all-section honorable mention as a freshman, Holloway began the 2017-18 season with a 14-point performance in the Cavaliers' 41-10 opening-round win over Imani Christian in the Leechburg tip-off tournament. The two-year starter at guard came back the next night and put up 20 points against Class A No. 4-ranked Leechburg in a 58-47 loss to the Blue Devils in the championship game.

How long have you been playing basketball?

Ever since I was little: 4.

What did you learn about your team over the weekend?

We're a pretty good team. We're real young, and we'll get better as the year goes on.

Where do the Cavaliers need to improve the most before this Friday's Section 4-5A opener against Mars?

Probably on turnovers and rebounding, I'd say.

What is the strength of this year's team?

We've got some good ball handlers and shooters on the team.

What's it going to take to make the postseason this year?

A lot of hard work.

Who is your favorite basketball player and team?

Elena Delle Donne (Washington Mystics) and probably the Warriors.

What is your favorite basketball movie?

“Hoosiers.”

What three words best describe you?

Hardworking. Dedicated. Focused.

What three people would you like to have dinner with?

Elena Delle Donne, Steph Curry and Ryan Reynolds.

What's your favorite Christmas song?

“Jingle Bell Rock.”

What's your favorite holiday tradition?

Just getting together with family and having dinner.

What is something interesting about you that nobody knows?

I like to bake and cook when I'm at home.

What is your specialty?

I usually bake cakes and cupcakes. Salted caramel is my favorite, and I make that a lot.

Favorite subject at school?

Math.

William Whalen is a freelance writer.

Tags: Kiski School, St. Joseph