Trib HSSN athletes of the week: Montour’s Dustin Geregach, Chartiers-Houston’s Alexa Williamson

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, January 31, 2018 | 6:45 PM

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Dustin Geregach

School: Montour

Sport: Hockey

Class: Sophomore

Claim to fame: Geregach is the leading scorer for a Montour team that has struggled this season. However, he enjoyed a big week when he scored twice in the Spartans' 5-2 upset of Quaker Valley and registered a hat trick Sunday at the PIHL Class 2A All-Star game.

How tough has this season been with the Spartans' struggles on the ice?

To me, this season has been a struggle because the players and coaches know that we can perform and compete at a much higher level than what we have. I just try to go out there and perform to the best of my ability every game. I would much rather win a game with zero points than lose with multiple points.

Does it cause you and your teammates to keep working hard knowing, despite the poor record, that you have competed in most of the games with a lot of close losses?

Yes, I believe that going into games as the underdogs fuels us to compete at a higher pace and to prove to opposing teams that we are not a walk in the park every game. In order for a team to beat us, they are going to have to earn it.

What was it like scoring a hat trick in the PIHL 2A All-Star game?

It was a great experience to begin with; scoring a hat trick was just the cherry on top. The atmosphere was great, especially being there with two of my teammates made it something special that I will remember.

When did you start playing hockey, and is there a player you try to pattern your game after?

I've been playing hockey for as long as I can remember. I don't necessarily try to pattern any individual. I just try to produce every night, it doesn't matter how.

Who is the team to beat in Class 2A and why?

Armstrong River Hawks are definitely the team to beat. Anytime you are considered the best team in the league, teams are going to give you their best game, and it's a great feeling after a game knowing that you've beaten the best.

What is your ideal dinner and favorite dessert?

My ideal dinner would be a medium filet mignon with a cream pie.

New England vs. Philadelphia. Who wins Super Bowl LII and why?

Philadelphia, I'm from Pennsylvania. I can't root for the Patriots.

Alexa Williamson

School: Chartiers-Houston

Sport: Basketball

Class: Senior

Claim to fame: Chartiers-Houston is the defending WPIAL 2A girls basketball champion and is in a battle for the Section 1 title with Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. The Bucs won a pair of section games last week thanks in large part to Alexa Williamson, who scored 38 points against Washington and 33 at Burgettstown, plus scored 34 points in a nonsection loss to Class 3A Charleroi.

You are coming off a big week with 105 points in three games. Have you ever played better basketball in your career?

This is probably my best year of high school basketball I've played. I think I had a lot of better basketball games during AAU though.

As the leading scorer in the WPIAL, you have a big target on your back every time you take the court. Do you thrive on that kind of pressure?

Yeah, there is usually two or three people on me the whole game. It just makes me play harder though.

Speaking of targets, as the defending district champions, have you felt that your team is getting everybody else's A-game this season?

For sure I feel like since we were WPIAL champs everyone wants to beat us. During games, the other team's fans will go crazy from them just scoring a basket on us. You would think we were playing in a championship game with how hype they get.

Can Chartiers-Houston repeat as Class 2A champs this season?

Yes. I feel like if we play our best game it will be really hard for teams to stop us.

What is in the water at Chartiers-Houston? The boys are really playing good basketball as well and are cruising to a section title. The school has to be excited about both hoop teams playing so well?

Yeah our boys are really good. They have some really good players on their team. I think our whole school is really proud with how both teams are playing; everyone is super supportive.

One on one, who wins? You or Coach Montecalvo?

Me, haha, but it's not easy; she's still really good.

Why did you commit to Temple?

Mostly because of the coaches. I love them, they're super cool. Also the girls on the team, when I went on my visit, they made me feel like I was already a part of the team. I actually wasn't sure about being in a big city, but once I got there I loved it.

New England vs. Philadelphia. Who wins Super Bowl LII and why?

Philadelphia for sure because they're from Pennsylvania, and I hate the Patriots.

Don Rebel is a TribLIVE High School Sports Network broadcaster and staff writer. Reach him at drebel@tribweb.com.

Tags: Chartiers-Houston, Montour