Westmoreland athletes of the week: Penn-Trafford’s Kamryn Pieper, Latrobe’s Hunter Snyder

By: Paul Schofield
Saturday, December 14, 2024 | 4:57 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.

Kamryn Pieper

School: Penn-Trafford

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Claim to fame: Pieper has been one of several steady-going players on a deep, undefeated team. The 6-foot forward and Point Park commit had three double-digit-scoring games as the Lady Warriors ran their record to 7-0, their best start since the 2012-13 season.

Pieper had 10 points in a 53-27 win over Franklin Regional, 11 in a 57-46 victory against Baldwin and 12 in a 57-31 victory over Greensburg Salem to open Section 1-5A play.

What has this 7-0 start been like, and did you expect it?

I had full faith that we were going to have a strong start. Our (initial) goal was to beat Norwin, and we got it done. After that, our confidence skyrocketed and it’s only been up from there.

Did you think this team would have this kind of depth?

At the beginning, and not even just the season but throughout summer and fall, we knew the type of players we were going to get and all of the work has paid off; I’m really happy about it.

How big was the win over backyard rival Norwin?

The win was huge for us. In the past, we suffered with scoring against them but with the use of our talent we were able to put a few buckets down and kept to our fundamentals to get it done.

What upcoming game on the schedule concerns you the most?

Truthfully, it’s all our section games that matter now. Our main focus would have to be Indiana.

What makes P-T such a tough opponent?

Our depth, with the different levels of skill we can pull from the bench is a great way to keep us alive in tough games. Plus, we have Lauren (Marton) and I to take care of bigger players we have to go against to get rebounds and protect the paint.

Do you and Lauren Marton see yourselves as true post players most of the time?

Yes. Lauren and I have been playing together for such a long time that our chemistry is everything. Either it’s me getting her the ball or her getting me the ball on mismatches. We like to say “mouse in the house” when we can use our skills to beat anyone.

What did you like most about Point Park?

Point Park’s atmosphere being in the city has always been the deal-sealer for me. I love staying busy. Plus, my coaches down there remind me a lot of my personality not just in life but on the court. We have very similar mindsets.

Did you know the Pioneers were moving to NCAA Division II?

I did hear rumors, but when they actually went I thought it was the perfect opportunity for me and just the right fit. I have always wanted to be a Division II player, and I knew I was going to make it there.

Do you anticipate moving to guard in college?

Moving up to a guard has always been in my bag, even from middle school I’ve taken control of the point position. I’m going to have to have better ball control, but it’s definitely not out of my comfort zone. I say I’m a guard who can post with my size.

You mom, Somer (Himes) is the all-time leading scorer at P-T. Is your game at all like hers?

Our games might be a little different, but our mindsets are very similar. She’s a go-getter and will always do what’s good. I may not be a 1,000-point scorer, but I’m always getting it done for the team.

Your mom teaches art at Plum. Do you have any artistic skills?

I do. I enjoy art and drawing. She’s more artistic than me for sure with painting. I like graffiti artwork.

Any other interesting hobbies?

I enjoy skiing, any time I can get there I’ll be in the mountains. It’s very peaceful and allows me to push myself out my comfort zone.

What do you want most for Christmas?

We all know how I said socks my freshman year for Christmas — that nickname still sticks at times — but my main gift I’ve wanted would have to be Essential hoodies.

What is your favorite Christmas movie, song and tradition?

Have to go with “Elf.” Will Ferrill is one of my favorite actors. The song would be, “All I want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey. Her voice is astonishingly good and the beat behind the song is catchy. My favorite tradition during Christmas time is going to my grandparents’ house to eat stuffed shells. My grandpa is very Italian, and that has carried over to my household. We love spaghetti.

What has playing AAU basketball for the Western PA Bruins done for your game?

The Bruins have granted me so much opportunity. Especially my last two years with Coach (Cornelious) Nesbit (now at Belle Vernon) has created a confidence level for me. Taking the ball to the rim has only escalated being with him. He had a huge role in my recruitment process, too. Wouldn’t be where I am now without him.

Are you a Steelers fan? What do you think of the team this year?

Huge Steelers fan, mainly because of my mom. I like them a lot because of T.J. Watt. He reminds me somewhat of myself because of his defense making it possible for his team to succeed.

Hunter Snyder

School: Latrobe

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Wrestling

Claim to fame: The 189-pound sophomore, ranked No. 1 by TribHSSN, opened the season by winning the Hickory Invitational. He defeated Penn-Trafford senior Tasso Whipple in the finals, and then he defeated Derry sophomore Brady Brown in a dual meet. He is 6-0 and 44-8 in his career. He was a WPIAL runner-up and PIAA sixth place at 172.

You began the season with two impressive wins against quality wrestlers? You enjoy challenges.

I look forward to them. There are a lot of challenges ahead for me. I like competing at a high level.

What area do you think you need to improve?

I feel to be a complete wrestler, I must improve in all positions.

Do you have a go-to move?

Not really. I’m strong on top. I like to control from the top position and turn my opponent with a leg ride.

Where do you do most of your training?

With Coach (Mark) Mears in the wrestling room and at All-American.

What has been your most memorable moment?

When I defeated Council Rock South’s Bekhruz Sadriddinov, 5-0, in the quarterfinals at states. He was ranked No. 1. The coolest moment was when we won the Westmoreland County title as a team.

How old were you when you started wrestling?

I was either 7 or 8 years old. I remember it was tough, but it was enjoyable and something I knew I wanted to pursue. It was exciting.

Did you win anything when you were young?

I won Keystones in seventh grade and then PJW (Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling) and Keystones in eighth grade.

Who is your favorite wrestler?

David Taylor. I like his style because it plays with my style too.

Where do you and your teammates head for a snack after practice or a match?

We go to Dino’s. It is awesome there. We get wings and burgers.

What is your favorite meal that your mom or dad makes you?

Steak or my mom’s chicken Alfredo.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

Because of wrestling, we go to Virginia Beach. I think we’re planning a trip to the Outer Banks this year.

Do you have a dream vacation spot?

Not really, but I’d like to go where they hold the Olympics.

What type of movies do you like?

Comedies with Will Ferrell and/or Kevin Hart.

What type of music do you listen to?

I like country.

Do you have a pre-match ritual?

I just like to calm my mind and start to think about the match. Then I drill, praise my faith and get ready.

What is your favorite thing by Coach (Rob) Waller?

Coach cracks me up with some of his sayings. He likes to give wrestlers nicknames, but he hasn’t picked one for me yet. I am still waiting. He picked one for my younger brother.

If you were to have dinner or lunch with anyone, who would it be?

I would be my grandfather (Vic Snyder), and we’d talk about wrestling. He loves to watch me wrestle, which makes him happy. We’d also talk about life and my matches.

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: Penn-Trafford