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By Brian Graham

Published: Tuesday, November 13, 2012, 11:40 p.m.
Updated: Tuesday, February 19, 2013

J.P. Bowell

School: Sewickley Academy

Year: Junior

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: Bowell scored an insurance goal for the Panthers in their 2-0 win over Riverside in the PIAA Class A quarterfinals on Nov. 10. Bowell, who has 25 goals this season, added a pair of goals in a 3-0 win over Serra Catholic in a WPIAL consolation game on Nov. 3 and had one goal in a 2-1 win over Mercer in the PIAA first round on Nov. 6.

Is this your most season complete season?

Absolutely. My first two seasons were OK, but this season I really stepped it up.

What have you done differently to improve?

I think it was probably experience. In the past, we've had good players. I just wanted to watch them and learn from them. I just wanted to apply that this year.

You're also point guard on the basketball team. Is the transition difficult?

I wish I could take some time off. Considering I enjoy both sports, I don't mind it. It's tough physically, but I really don't mind switching too quickly.

How good is the basketball team going to be this year?

I think we'll be pretty solid. Last year we lost in the second round of the WPIALs and the first round of the state playoffs. We had a good run. I think we can be pretty decent this year.

Caroline Grattan

School: Mt. Lebanon

Year: Senior

Sport: Volleyball

Claim to fame: Grattan was a major contributor for the Blue Devils in their WPIAL championship season. Grattan had 23 kills and 23 digs in the Blue Devils' 3-1 win over Fox Chapel in the Class AAA finals and was dominant in their victory over District 9 champion DuBois in the PIAA Class AAA first round on Nov. 6. The Blue Devils' season came to an end after dropping a 3-0 match against Hempfield (District 3), 3-0, on Nov. 10.

What have you done to steadily improve since your freshman season?

I think that playing club volleyball has been a big help for me and just practicing out of season and paying attention at tournaments and working out over the summer. I just try to commit myself to each season.

Have you decided where you're going to college?

I committed to Temple University at the beginning of the summer. They are a D-I, so I'm on a full athletic scholarship my sophomore through my senior year.

What moments stand out when you reflect on your high school career?

It's been a pretty long career. Sophomore year starting in my first game as a major player was one of the biggest moments for me. It was a defining moment for me.

—Brian Graham

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