Westmoreland H.S. athletes of the week: GCC’s Erica Gribble and Franklin Regional’s Max Firestine
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Saturday, February 8, 2025 | 5:48 PM
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.
Erica Gribble
School: Greensburg Central Catholic
Class: Junior
Sport: Basketball
Claim to fame: Gribble, a Richmond recruit, has led GCC to a 26th straight WPIAL playoff appearance, this time in Class 3A. GCC moved up in classification, from 2A to 3A, after winning the WPIAL 2A championship last year. Gribble had a game-high 26 points, including a buzzer-beating 3-pointer at the end of the third quarter, in a 59-48 loss to undefeated Shady Side Academy. She added 16 points in a 59-17 win over Steel Valley, and scored 27 as the Centurions (17-4) defeated Deer Lakes, 61-21. Gribble has 1,445 career points.
What has this season been like so far for the team as far as adjusting to Class 3A basketball?
This season has been good. 3A is similar to 2A, so I think we have adjusted pretty well.
What was it like making the buzzer-beater against Shady Side Academy?
I knew I only had 7 seconds to score and just tried to focus and try to score for my team.
What makes Shady Side Academy so good, and what will GCC have to do to win if you see them again?
Shady Side is very physical. We just need to play together, take care of the ball and rebound.
What is the best team you’ve played so far this year? How about the best player?
South Fayette was the best team we played this year. We have played a lot of good players this season.
Have you made any changes this season to your game?
I am rebounding a lot more and playing off the ball. I still work on all aspects of my game.
Before I play a basketball game I must ______.
Listen to music.
What is it going to take to win another WPIAL championship?
We need to play together and take care of the ball. We have some younger players, and we need to play with confidence.
What is your fondest memory of winning last year?
Just winning the WPIAL championship with my team was so awesome. Our team celebrating after was great.
If you could change one rule in girls basketball, what would it be?
I think there should be a shot clock in high school. I enjoy playing with one in AAU.
Why do you wear No. 23?
I wear 23 because the number 3 wasn’t available. I took 23 for my sister, Alayna.
How focused are you to chase the girls school record for points (Ashley Henderson, 1,725 points)?
It is a goal of mine, but I don’t focus on it. I just want to help my team win.
Are you disappointed the team may not be able to play a home game in the playoffs?
I think we should be able to host a home playoff game.
Have you played looser knowing you’ve made your college decision?
Yes. It has been good to have made my decision. It is weight off my shoulders. Richmond is a great fit for me as a player and a student.
Richmond is the Spiders. Are you scared of spiders?
I am not afraid of spiders.
What is your favorite breakfast, lunch and dinner?
My favorite breakfast is a sausage, egg and cheese bagel. Lunch is sushi, and dinner is chicken parmesan and ravioli.
Who wins a GCC 3-point contest, boys and girls included?
I think I would win.
Do you have a favorite pro sports team?
Indiana Fever.
Who will win the Super Bowl and what will be the score?
The Eagles are going to win the Super Bowl, 27-21.
Max Firestine
School: Franklin Regional
Year: Freshman
Sport: Wrestling
Claim to fame: Firestine helped Franklin Regional to its third WPIAL Class 3A title by defeating Thomas Jefferson and Connellsville. He pinned both of his opponents. The Panthers advanced to the PIAA team championship in Altoona, and Firestine recorded a technical fall. He is 31-4 and was a Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association champion.
What did it mean to win the WPIAL team title?
It was something we talked about all season. It was a great win, a total team effort. We were underestimated by Connellsville, and we showed what we were made of. We’re the hardest-working team in the WPIAL.
Talk about the amazing effort by the team in its comeback win against Thomas Jefferson?
Even though Beau (Fennick) was upset, we knew we could still win if we did our job from 114 pounds to 145. We got three pins and three technical falls. We all got it done. (Firestine clinched the win with a pin).
Do you have any individual goals?
I want to reach make it to individual states and got on the podium.
Who is the toughest opponent that you have faced?
It was Adam Butler of St. Edwards in Ohio. He pinned me, but I learned from that match..
How old were you would when you started wrestling?
I was 5, and I’m the one who initiated it. I instantly fell in love with it.
Who has been the most influential person(s) in your life?
My coaches (Matt Lebe and Greg Sill). They push me to be my best.
What is your go-to move?
My go-to move would have to be an ankle pick.
What’s your most memorable moment in high school?
Winning the WPIAL. It’s all we talked about from the start of the season.
Do you have a favorite wrestler?
Penn State’s Mitchell Mesenbrink. We have similar styles.
Do you have a favorite Pittsburgh sports team?
I like the Steelers. My favorite player is George Pickens.
Where would you and your teammates go for a snack after practice or a game?
We go to either Moe’s for a burrito or Applebee’s for the Four-Cheese Mac n’ Cheese.
What is your favorite meal your mom makes?
I like my mom’s beef stir fry with Yum Yum sauce.
What fun things do you like to do away from wrestling?
I like to hang out with my family and friends and relax.
What type of movies do you like?
I like the comedy movies: Any Adam Sandler movie. My favorite is “Billy Madison.”
Are there any rituals you do before a match?
I listen to upbeat music.
Favorite vacation spot?
Lake Placid, N.Y.
Do you have a dream vacation spot?
I want to visit Puerto Rico and visit my friends there.
What type of music do you like?
I like all music: rap, pop, rock and country.
If you were to have dinner with someone special, who would it be and what would you talk about?
I’d like to meet Jeff Bezos (executive chairman of Amazon). I’d like to learn what he did to make him so successful.
Who will win the Super Bowl and what will be the score?
The Eagles are going to win the Super Bowl, 27-2.
Tags: Greensburg C.C.
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