Westmoreland County high school notebook: Pair of players earn camp honors

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

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Two local football players were named most valuable players at the 2Tenths Speed & Agility Top 150 Camp last weekend at Shady Side Academy.

The event featured some of the top returning players in the WPIAL, several of them from Westmoreland County.

Southmoreland freshman quarterback Anthony Smith was the top offensive player, while senior Austin Kerns of Franklin Regional took home top linebacker honors.

Smith, who is competing for the starting job in his debut season, was sharp with eight completions in 1-on-1 drills and connected on a pair of touchdown passes during 7-on-7 action.

He was voted the best out of 22 freshmen and sophomore quarterbacks.

“It was a good day, but there’s always room to improve,” Smith said. “I expect to do that.”

Smith could be getting his first NCAA Division I scholarship offer soon, Southmoreland coach Tim Bukowski said.

“You don’t get a private workout with West Virginia and a school not be very interested in you,” the coach said. “Pitt likes him, too.”

Kerns (6-foot, 215 pounds) said he had a crisp day in front of scouts and media.

“I think I did very well in individuals. My footwork was clean, and I was clean in and out of breaks,” Kerns said. “I also think I did extremely well in coverage, as I only lost one rep going against the top running backs around with multiple big offers.”

Kerns, a two-time all-conference player and team captain, had 101 tackles, 19½ for loss, and 11½ sacks last season.

He also had nine pass breakups and returned a fumble for a score.

He collected 12 receptions for 163 yards and three touchdowns at receiver.

“I’m always confident in my abilities,” he said. “I have to admit, though, I was definitely a little surprised to receive MVP. There was a lot of talented linebackers there with multiple D-1 offers.”

Harvard offers Crosby

Ivy League program Harvard is interested in Greensburg Central Catholic junior Samir Crosby.

While schools in the league do not offer athletic scholarships, they can offer academic packages.

Crosby (5-9, 165) now has six Division I opportunities, with additional offers from UNLV, Kent State, Fordham, Buffalo and Miami (Ohio).

He has played a variety of positions for GCC, including quarterback, running back, receiver and defensive back.

Look for the playmaker to start at quarterback this fall.

Gribble offer

Add Bryant to the list of possible suitors for Greensburg Central Catholic basketball standout Erica Gribble.

The incoming junior received a scholarship offer from the American East Conference school in Smithfield, R.I.

Gribble, a 5-foot-10 combo guard who has over 1,000 career points, has 14 NCAA Division I offers.

Gedekoh to WCCC

Belle Vernon two-sport standout Jake Gedekoh will continue his baseball career at Westmoreland County Community College, where he will suit up for veteran coach Mike Draghi.

An outfielder, Gedekoh hit .310 with three doubles, 10 RBIs and eight runs this season for the Leopards. He stole seven bases and made only one error in 17 games.

He also was a terrific complementary back to players like Quinton Martin and Devin Whitlock in football, where he won back-to-back WPIAL and PIAA championships.

Last season, he rushed for 643 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games

Recruiting

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

Tags: Franklin Regional, Greensburg C.C., Southmoreland