Westmoreland athletes of the week: Mt. Pleasant’s Lily King, Southmoreland’s Noah Felentzer

By: Bill Beckner Jr. And Paul Schofield
Saturday, February 1, 2025 | 7:24 PM

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The Westmoreland County Athletes of the Week is presented by Smail Kia. Look for the tags and look for the savings at Smail Kia in Greensburg.

Lily King

School: Mt. Pleasant

Class: Senior

Sport: Swimming

Claim to fame: King was impressive once again as she won multiple titles in record fashion at the Westmoreland County Coaches Association championships at Derry.

King, a North Carolina State commit and Olympic hopeful, won the 200-yard freestyle relay in 1 minute, 47.13 seconds, breaking her record of 1:48.02.

She followed with gold in the 100 freestyle, an event in which she broke another one of her records with a time of 48.86 seconds, besting her 49.63 from last season.

King also led the Lady Vikings to a win in the 400 freestyle relay in 3:37.27.

King then helped Lady Vikings to a tri-meet sweep of Valley and Freeport as she won the 200 individual medley and 500 freestyle, while also pairing with her teammates to take the 200 and 400 medley relays.

What is your overall take from the county meet?

It was a good at last counties. I was very happy with how our team performed and am excited for how it is going to carry in to postseason.

How many WCCA gold medals do you have now?

I have 15 overall: 8 individual, 7 relay.

Your performance in the 200 freestyle was described as “effortless.” Would you agree?

I would have to disagree on that one. The 200 free is never effortless, and I definitely always feel it on the third 50.

Are you on pace, like previous years, for the upcoming postseason?

I am happy with where I am at this point in the season, and I feel it’s a good place to be in compared to previous seasons.

What has been different about this season so far?

The thing that has been the most different about this season is knowing it’s my last (in high school). I am really trying to make every moment and every swim with this team count.

What is it like being on such a talented team again, with multiple Division I swimmers?

Being on this team with so many amazing swimmers is very motivating. We all have the same attitude towards working hard and achieving our goals, while still having fun. Having that balance is what makes it so great to be surrounded by these teammates.

Do you have the same practice regimen as past years?

Definitely. (Mt. Pleasant coach) Sandy (Felice) has always been very good about making sure that we are all getting the practices that we need to be successful, and that’s no different this year.

What national meets do you have lined up on your schedule?

I will be competing at the U.S National Championships in Indianapolis in June.

Who is your toughest competitor in the pool?

My toughest competitor is the clock. Knowing that I always want to better my times is something that keeps me motivated and pushing myself in my races.

Where is your favorite place to swim?

My favorite place to swim, other than my home pool at Mt. Pleasant, would probably be Pitt’s Trees Pool. I have swam many meets there over the years, and I just really like how the pool feels have lots of good memories there.

How closely were you tuned in to the Paris Olympics?

I kept up with the Olympics every day. I was in Colorado Springs at the Olympic training center getting ready for Jr. Pan PACs when they were going on, so it was very inspiring to be watching the games while being there.

What did you learn by watching?

The biggest thing that I thought about while watching the Olympics was the mental part of competing at that level and the dedication that it takes to get there.

What is your dream NIL deal?

I don’t know that I have a specific one, I just think it would be cool to have a deal.

Do you prefer remote learning over going to class?

It depends. I like being at home and sleeping in, but I also like being at school and seeing my friends.

What was the last movie you saw that you enjoyed?

I saw “Wicked” not too long ago, and it was amazing.

What was the last concert you attended?

I have actually never been to a concert, but I would love to go to one.

Who is going to win the Super Bowl?

I really hope the Eagles win.

Noah Felentzer

School: Southmoreland

Class: Junior

Sport: Basketball

Claim to fame: Felentzer scored 25 of his game-high 28 points in the second half of Friday’s overtime win against Waynesburg to clinch the program’s first section title in 33 years. The 6-foot junior guard needs 23 points to reach 1,000 in his career. Earlier in the week he scored 19 points against Ligonier Valley. Southmoreland coach Frank Muccino said Felentzer “does not fear the moment. He likes getting to the rim.”

The team struggled in the first half against Waynesburg. What turned things around in the second half?

We just started playing better and made some shots.

What is special about the team?

We have a lot of team chemistry. We’ve been playing together since middle school.

Do you compete in any other sport?

No. I just play basketball.

Do you have any individual goals?

I want to reach 1,000 points and help lead the team to some playoff wins.

What are the team goals?

It was to win the section. Now we want to make a run in the playoffs and win as many games as possible.

How old were would when you started playing basketball, and who got you started?

I was 7 or 8, and it was my mom (Kristen Burke) that took me. I hated it at first. Now I love it.

Do you have any siblings? Do they play basketball?

My brother Mason plays. He’s in seventh grade. I try to help him out as much as possible. He likes to shoot the three, and I like to go to the hoop.

Why do you prefer that style?

I don’t mind contact, and there is a good chance I’ll get fouled.

Describe your best attribute.

I like being a leader and getting the team fired up.

What’s your most memorable moment in high school?

Probably winning the section title on Friday. It’s been 33 years since our last one.

Do you have a favorite NBA player?

I like Russell Westbrook. We have similar styles.

Do you have a favorite Pittsburgh sports team?

I like the Pirates. I hope they do well.

Who is your favorite NBA team?

I like how the New York Knicks play.

What is your favorite pizza in the Scottdale area?

I like Aumer’s pineapple pizza.

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

We go to Sheetz. I get a milkshake and chicken wrap.

What is your favorite meal your mom makes?

I like my mom’s spaghetti and meatballs.

What type of movies do you like?

I like the Christmas movies: Elf and Christmas Vacation.

Are there any rituals you do before a game?

We pray as a team.

Favorite vacation spot?

Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Do you have a dream vacation spot?

I have never been to New York City yet.

What type of music do you like?

I like rap.

Who is the best player you’re gone against?

Elizabeth Forward’s Isaiah Turner.

What is your favorite subject in school?

I like history.

If you were to have dinner with someone special, who would it be and what would you talk about?

My grandpa (Jim Burke). He died when I was young, and I’d like to talk about his life and time in the military.

Tags: Mt. Pleasant