Westmoreland athletes of the week: Latrobe’s Bryce Butler, Ligonier Valley’s Alexia Boyd

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, February 7, 2018 | 7:09 PM

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Bryce Butler

School: Latrobe

Sport: Basketball

Class: Junior

Claim to fame: Butler scored 28 points to lead Latrobe (14-6, 9-4) to a 66-56 win over Plum in Section 3-6A action Feb. 2. Earlier in week, Butler scored 20 points for the Wildcats in a 78-69 win over Hempfield.

“Reed (Fenton) and I are the two scorers. We know we need to put the ball in the hoop. If we aren't putting the ball in the hoop, it's going to be a tough night,” Butler said.

What did the team learn from the loss to Fox Chapel on Tuesday?

As a team, we played pretty good and played hard. They made a couple shots. We need to work more on our rotations on defense. We have another tough one against Penn Hills on Friday. We need to turn the page and keep working.

What is the biggest thing you learned from your brother, Austin?

I learned to have a mentality to have the foot on the gas. I can't let up.

What's it like to play alongside Reed Fenton?

We have been playing together since the fourth grade and AAU. Our chemistry is pretty good. I think we play well together and complement our games. It's fun playing with him.

How would you describe your style of play?

Do it all. I shoot it, post up, drive and pretty much score from anywhere.

What was your favorite Super Bowl commercial?

The Doritos Blaze commercial. Anthony Fannie on the team eats them all the time. We make fun of him since that's all he eats, and it's a funny commercial.

Alexia Boyd

School: Ligonier Valley

Sport: Basketball

Class: Junior

Claim to fame: Boyd, who is averaging 7.5 points and 5.5 assists, scored 26 points and had seven rebounds to lead Ligonier Valley (10-11, 5-8) to a 52-46 win over Saltsburg in District 6 Heritage Conference action Jan. 30. Boyd broke the single-season assist record, which was 116 held by Maddy Grimm.

“We came into the week with a positive attitude. My coach and teammates told me to step up my game and to take more shots. We talked as a team to come in with more mental focus, and I think that's how we came together and got the win,” Boyd said.

What's it like to play alongside Lexie Petrof?

She's a great player to play with. I know I can rely on her. When they collapse on Lexie, I look to take the shot, and when she's open I rely on her and give her the ball.

What was the biggest reason for your strong scoring output in four of the last seven games heading into this week?

I just think my confidence has gotten better when my teammates and coaches told me I could shoot. I just have been finding open shots and taking them when needed.

What's your earliest memory of playing basketball?

My dad coached me. It was a heck of an experience since I played with a lot girls I play with now.

What does it mean to break the assist record at Ligonier Valley?

It means a lot. I feel a lot of accomplishment. I want to thank my teammates and my coaches for pushing me to do well every game.

What's your favorite subject?

Math. I love numbers. I would love to be an actuary one day and use my math skills that I have been working on towards my career.

— Andrew John

Tags: Latrobe, Ligonier Valley