Westmoreland athletes of the week: P-T’s Olivia Pepple, Ligonier Valley’s Parker Hollick

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, February 3, 2024 | 8:10 PM

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Olivia Pepple

School: Penn-Trafford

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Claim to fame: A recent 1,000-point career scorer, Pepple poured in a personal-best 29 points in a 58-50 victory over Montour. She made four 3-pointers in the victory.

Pepple added 12 points later in the week in a loss to Oakland Catholic.

The Gannon commit is the seventh player in the Lady Warriors’ program to score 1,000, joining Jeannie Alcorn, Autumn Himes, Samor Himes, Kristen Kudrick, Maria Palarino, and Bella Long.

What was it like reaching your career high for points against Montour?

It felt good to get some to drop against Montour. In the game before that, I was struggling a little bit, so being able to get a career high right after felt relieving.

How does it feel to be part of the 1,000-point club at P-T?

I’m very thankful and relieved. It’s a goal that I had set for myself before I even entered high school, so to be able to achieve it feels very rewarding.

What do you think will make your team dangerous in the WPIAL playoffs?

I think that our diversity makes us dangerous. We can play teams both man and zone, which is harder to prepare for.

Have you been to any Gannon games this year?

Yes, I’ve watched almost all of them online, but I also went to one when they played at Cal U. I love coach (Cleve) Wright and all the girls, and I’m super excited to start my journey there.

You also play volleyball, but what other sports are you secretly good at?

I’m secretly good at spikeball. My team would attest to this, too (hopefully). Sometimes in the summer we all go play together.

Do you have any good-luck charms or superstitions?

I’m very superstitious even though I try not to be. I have to eat an apple before every game and do the same routine. I also have certain gameday socks that I have to wear.

What is your favorite school lunch?

My favorite school lunch is the paninis that they sell. You can pick whatever you want on it.

What is the best part about game day?

Getting hyped with my teammates before and after the game. I love the adrenaline rush that the whole day brings.

Do you like the new free-throw rules this year?

Sometimes I wish that 1-and-1s were still a part of the game, but the new rules will get me ready for college.

Do you think the WPIAL would benefit from a shot clock?

I do. It would speed the game up and make it more enjoyable.

What was your favorite childhood toy?

My favorite childhood toy was a basketball or soccer ball. I took one with me wherever I went.

If you could meet any celebrity, who would it be?

It would be really cool to meet Caitlin Clark because she brought a new light to women’s basketball.

Who is your celebrity lookalike?

I don’t think I have any celebrity lookalikes, at least not that I’ve seen.

Who is your hero?

My heroes are my parents. They’re always supporting and encouraging me when I need it most.

Have you ever signed an autograph for a young fan?

No.

Do you want to be a coach some day?

I think it would be cool to be a coach one day. It would be a hard job, but maybe one day.

What makes you happiest in life?

Being with my friends and family, and winning basketball games, of course.

Which opponent would you like to see again in the playoffs?

I would like to see South Fayette in the playoffs for a repeat of last year.

What is your favorite restaurant?

Any hibachi restaurant.

What is your favorite TV show?

I don’t have a favorite TV show, but right now I’m watching “Stranger Things.”

Who is going to win the Super Bowl?

The Chiefs.

Parker Hollick

School: Ligonier Valley

Class: Junior

Sport: Basketball

Claim to fame: The 6-foot point guard had a night to remember Jan. 30. He scored a career-high 43 points and missed tying the school record of 44 points held by Mike Marinchak in helping the Rams win at Valley. Hollick, who made a school-record 11 3-pointers in the game, also pitches and catches for the baseball team.

Talk about your special night?

I wasn’t trying to do too much. They kept giving me space, and I kept shooting and kept taking them and hitting them. It was a lot of fun.

Was it your most memorable moment in high school?

Yes, no doubt. It was the best game I played in.

Did you know what you were accomplishing?

No. When they told me I scored 43, I thought they were messing with me.

Who got you started in basketball?

My brother Jacob. When I was in seventh grade, he got me to go the YMCA and we’d shoot around. We’d shoot a lot. When he was a senior, I got to start a couple games as a freshman.

Were there any good battles at the YMCA?

Because he was older, he usually won. We’d have a lot of one-one-one battles. When I’d win, I’d let him know about it.

How is your season going?

It’s a rebuilding season. We probably won’t make the playoffs, but we only have two seniors and we’re looking forward to next season.

How did things go against Shady Side Academy on Friday?

No so good. They played me full-court man. They made sure I didn’t get as many open shots.

Who is the toughest player that you’re played against?

Steel Valley’s Makhai Valentine was amazing.

Who is your favorite NBA player?

I love watching LeBron James. It used to be Steph Curry. I loved how he shot the 3-pointer, but LeBron just made plays. They were both great.

Who is your favorite basketball team?

I like Michigan. In the NBA, the Grizzlies are my favorite team.

Who is your favorite baseball player?

The Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen.

How do you think the Pirates will do this season?

They are hard to predict. They started well in 2023 and then struggled. Hopefully they do better this season.

What is the last movie you watched?

“The Waterboy.”

Do you have any rituals before a game?

I listen to rap music, and I’ll have a talk with my grandpa and assistant coach (Mark Hollick) before the game.

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

We head to Sheetz. I get something different.

What is the favorite meal your mom makes you?

I love her lasagna.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

Outer Banks, N.C.

Is there a vacation spot you’d like to visit?

I want to go to Jamaica.

Who do you like in the Super Bowl?

I’m rooting for the Niners.

What’s it mean to be a Ram?

We’re a team that builds chemistry. We’re friends on and off the court, and we’re looking to become a more consistent team with hard work.

What part of your game needs to improve?

My attitude. I tend to get down if things aren’t going well. I need to trust myself and fight through the difficulties.

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

Michael Jordan. We’d talk about his career and how he overcame food poisoning in the NBA Finals.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Penn-Trafford