Westmoreland athletes of the week: Derry’s Nate Papuga, Greensburg Salem’s Kaitlyn Mankins

By: Paul Schofield
Saturday, December 16, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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Nate Papuga

School: Derry

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Claim to Fame: The 6-foot-1 senior guard is averaging 30 points in helping Derry to a 5-1 start. He has scored 30 or more points in four games.

Why is Derry off to a hot start?

We’re playing together. We’re jelling as a team. Everyone is playing unselfish.

What are your personal goals?

I have a few. I want to play basketball at the next level, reach the 1,000-point mark, win the section, win the WPIAL and go as far as possible in the state tournament. I’m about 200 points away from reaching 1,000.

What’s been the key to your success?

I’m shooting the ball well. I used to settle for the 3-pointer, but now I’m working to get better shots. My teammates are doing a good job finding me when I’m open.

Do you have any colleges interested in you?

Not yet, but if I continue to play well, I’m sure I will.

What do you want to get from a college?

I want to receive a good education. I plan to major in sports management.

What’s your most memorable game?

When I scored 37 points and hit the game-winner with five seconds left to defeat Laurel Highlands in the season opener.

You have a big game against returning WPIAL champion Deer Lakes on Tuesday. Are you expecting a big crowd?

Oh yes. It’s our last home game before Christmas, it’s our section opener and I expect “The Trojan Empire” to fill the gym. It’s going to be a big game, and I’m looking forward to the game. It should be a lot of fun.

Who is your favorite basketball player?

Michael Jordan. I just love the way he played with confidence.

Do you pattern your game after anyone?

No, I just go out and play hard.

How old were you when you started to play basketball? What do you remember?

I was in sixth grade and I couldn’t even hit the net.

Where do you and your teammates go for a snack after a game or practice?

We go do Dino’s. I get cheese balls and sweet-and-hot boneless wings.

What is your favorite meal your mom makes?

I like her lasagna.

Do you have a pregame ritual?

I listen to rap and lock in on the game.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

I like Ocean City, Md.

Is there a spot you’d like to go to someday?

Any beach in Florida.

Whose are the toughest players you have played against?

Yough’s Terek Crosby and Southmoreland’s Ty Keffer. Terek is a shot maker, and Ty is a great shooter.

Is there anything about you that would surprise your friends?

My friends know me well, but I guess that I truly do like baseball. I tell them I don’t, but I do like it. I am a pitcher for Derry.

Is there a person, dead or alive, you’d like to have lunch with and what would you talk about?

Kobe Bryant and about the mental aspect of his game.

Kaitlyn Mankins

School: Greensburg Salem

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Claim to fame: A Division II D’Youville commit, the 6-foot center had 13 points is a 54-11 win over South Allegheny then had 16 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks in a 64-29 win over against Derry. She is averaging 12.8 points, 10.2 rebounds and four steals for the Golden Lions (4-1), who are allowing just 22 points per game.

“Kait is a terrific defensive player,” Golden Lions coach Rick Klimchock said. “She has those long arms, and she is a very smart player. She is also a strong ball handler and a great leader for us.”

What has been the key to the team’s 4-1 start?

We’re all very motivated from last year’s shortcoming of losing in the first round of the playoffs.

What did you work on most in the offseason?

I was working a lot on my shot and fixing its mechanics.

How much pride do you take in getting a double-double?

Coach Klimchock always challenges me to get a double-double, so any time I don’t get one, I feel like I am letting him down.

Greensburg Salem can go far in the playoffs this season because …?

Our team chemistry.

Why do you wear No. 32?

Because it was my mom’s basketball number.

Are you an old-school post player?

I think in the past I was more of a traditional post player, but I’ve been trying to become more of a hybrid by being able to put the ball on the floor and face the basket.

What’s it like having your mom (Lisa) and brother (Jeff) on the bench as coaches?

It’s nice to have my mom and brother on the bench because they are not afraid of being blunt with me.

Your dad, Craig, is a golf pro. Do you play golf and are you any good?

I did not inherit my dad’s talent or love for golf.

Do you get to see your sister Abby’s games at Seton Hill?

I go to almost all of Abby’s games. If I can’t be there in person, I usually watch it on the computer. She thinks it’s only to support her, but secretly I’ve been scouting Seton Hill with the hopes I get to play her in college.

Coach Klimchock helps to coach the Pitt-Greensburg men’s team. Do you go to his games?

Our whole team makes an effort to all go to at least one of coach Klimchock’s UPG games. It’s nice to see the UPG boys reciprocate by coming to some of our games as well.

What do you want most for Christmas?

New shoes.

What is a family Christmas tradition?

Going to my grandparents’ house, eating and playing card games together.

What’s your favorite Christmas movie?

“Home Alone”

Have you ever met a celebrity?

No.

Any unique hobbies or talents?

I like cooking.

What is your favorite school subject?

Definitely science, especially anatomy.

Do you like the new two-shot free throw rule?

I do like the new rule. It makes the game more similar to college. I especially like how the fouls clear after each quarter.

What impressed you most about D’Youville?

I love the coach and team. They have a great culture, and I am looking forward to playing there in college.

Who is your favorite college or pro athlete and team?

Serena Williams. I think she is a great role model.

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Derry Area, Greensburg Salem