Westmoreland County athletes of the week: Franklin Regional’s Juliano Marion, Greensburg Central Catholic’s Erica Gribble

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, January 20, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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Erica Gribble

School: Greensburg Central Catholic

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Basketball

Claim to fame: A Division I college prospect who continues to impress, Gribble had another big week for GCC, which is ranked No. 1 in WPIAL Class 2A. She pumped in 23 points in a 62-53 win over Winchester Thurston, then had 22 as the Centurions flattened Ellis School, 66-12.

Over a five-game stretch that saw her score a career-high 33 in a 78-60 in over Clairton, Gribble averaged 22 points.

She has Division I offers from Monmouth, Bucknell, Buffalo, Quinnipiac, Villanova and Navy, with more likely on the way.

What makes you a consistent scorer?

I think I am confident, and I take what the defense gives me. I am good at looking for opportunities to score but also, I look to get my teammates involved as well. I can score in multiple ways, which really helps.

How much of an impact have your older sisters, Alayna and Olivia, had on your basketball career?

My sisters are my biggest role models. Growing up and watching them play has helped me develop my game and my understanding of the game of basketball. I was able to take the best parts of their games and incorporate them into how I play. I have been going to their games since I was a toddler and have learned a lot about how to play the game the right way from my sisters. They always give me constructive feedback on how to get better as a player, and they are helping me to prepare to play at the next level.

Mya Morgan and Avery Davis are other key guards for GCC. What is it like playing with them?

I feel like we play really well together and complement each other’s games. We are always looking for each other on the court, and we know that if one of us is having a tough game, the other two will help the team get the win. They are both great shooters and teammates.

You must be glad to have Morgan back from injury?

It is great to have Mya back. She is such a great shooter and rebounder. Her ability to score in multiple ways is great for us as a team.

You play AAU with the Comets out of Philadelphia. How many AAU games did you play in the offseason, and is it tough driving back and forth?

I probably played in over 40 games last spring and summer with the Comets. Driving back and forth for practice was tough, especially going to school the next morning, but it is worth it. I have really grown as a player with the Comets. The practices are very competitive, and we play great competition in the Under Armour League.

What is your all-time career high for points in a game?

My high was 34 in eighth grade.

What college visits do you have coming up?

With my high school season, it’s tough to go on visits now, but I will be attending some games here in Pittsburgh where schools recruiting me will be playing. Green Bay and Richmond will be playing in the area. I will be going back out to Villanova, St Joseph’s and Bucknell this season, and I hope to visit Columbia this spring.

What is it like having your dad, Dan, as an assistant coach on the team?

My dad has coached me my entire life, so I am used to it. He pushes me to be my best, and he always makes it fun for the team.

What will it take for GCC to make another playoff run like last year?

We need to be confident and focus on playing together. We definitely have gotten better as a team since last year, so we feel we can make another playoff run this season. We worked really hard in the offseason, and that should help us in the playoffs.

What kind of basketball shoes do you wear?

I am currently wearing Steph Curry’s and like those a lot, but I am a KD fan and like those a lot as well.

Are you more effective as a 3-point shooter or taking a defender off the dribble?

Honestly, I think I am good at both. I take what the defense gives me, and I am always looking at the matchup to see what will work best against my defender. And if I can get my teammates an open shot, that works too.

What sports, other than basketball, do you like to watch on TV?

I like watching football, soccer and women’s volleyball. Pitt volleyball was fun to watch this year.

Who is going to win the Super Bowl?

I would say either the Ravens or the Bills.

Could the GCC girls give the GCC boys a game? What would the score be?

I don’t know about that one. They have a lot of height on us! I think we could keep the score close because of our shooting, though.

What is the toughest road gym to play at?

Winchester Thurston because it is a very, very small gym.

Who is the best player you’ve gone against?

Definitely someone from AAU. Olivia Vukosa from New York is very good.

Have you ever met a famous person?

I met Swin Cash.

Juliano Marion

School: Franklin Regional

Class: Senior

Sport: Wrestling

Claim to fame: Marion has won two consecutive wresting tournaments — the Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association and Mid-Winter Mayhem — and helped the Panthers clinch the Section 3-3A title by defeating Norwin. It was his third consecutive WCCA title and second consecutive Mid-Winter Mayhem title. He is 25-5 and plans to announce the college of his choice Sunday.

What are you goals this season?

I want to do better than I did last year. I didn’t do as well as I did as a sophomore. I want to improve off my sophomore season.

What are your team goals?

Make it to the state team tournament and finish top-three in the WPIAL. I believe we’re good enough to make it.

What will it take to achieve that goal?

Everyone doing their job, making weight and continuing to work hard. We should be in the mix.

Who is the toughest wrestler you’ve faced?

Mt. Lebanon grad Mac Stout. He’s the strongest human being that I’ve faced.

What’s your most memorable moment in high school?

Winning the section title at Norwin this week. We’ve always had a good team, but this team finally got the job done. It was nice to get the job done.

When you visit a college, what is the main thing you look at?

I want to go to a school that has excellent academics. It has to be a place that will provide me a good degree. I want to earn an engineering degree.

When did you start wrestling?

It was probably 4 or 5. I don’t remember much except my coach, Dan Megaludis, taught me a double-leg takedown.

What is your go-to move? Do you still use a double-leg takedown?

It’s still in my arsenal. But I like to use a counter offense. I like to take advantage of my opponent’s mistakes.

Do you have a favorite vacation spot?

I enjoy going to lakes. I like Deep Creek, Md., the most.

Is there a place you’d like to visit in the future?

I’d like go out west and visit Colorado and the Grand Canyon.

Where is a place you and your teammates like to go after practice or a match?

We like to go to Moe’s. I get a stack with chicken and steak.

What is your favorite meal that your mom makes?

I like her Christmas dinner — broccoli and cheddar casserole and cheesy potatoes.

What’s the last movie you’ve watched?

I like the latest John Wick.

What type of music do you listen to prior to a game?

I like all kinds of music from country to rock to rap.

What do you think about the job Mike Tomlin has done?

I have no problems with Coach Tomlin. He’s not the one missing tackles, throwing interceptions, fumbling and missing assignments.

Did playing football help you in wresting?

Yes. I got a lot stronger from the summer workouts.

Do you have a special routine you go through before a match?

I get up and start warming up when I’m in the hole, and then I put on my headgear.

If there is a famous person you’d like to me and have lunch with, who would it be?

Andrew Tate. He teaches people the right way. We’d talk about how I could become a better person.

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

Tags: Franklin Regional