High Schools |  Galleries |  Recruiting |  Baseball |  Baseball Stats |  Basketball |  Basketball Stats |  Softball |  Softball Stats |  Football |  Football Stats |  Golf |  Hockey |  Soccer |  Swimming |  Tennis |  Track |  Volleyball |  Wrestling |  Other

By Andrew John

Published: Wednesday, January 9, 2013, 12:01 a.m.
Updated: Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Marcus Malara

School: Mt. Pleasant

Year: Junior

Sport: Basketball

Claim to fame: Malara scored a game-high 23 points to lead Mt. Pleasant (6-4, 2-1) to a 69-50 win over Yough in Section 3-AAA action Friday. He scored 17 points in a 76-61 loss to Forest Hills in the North Star Tournament on Dec. 28 and 19 points in a 60-53 win against Laurel Highlands in Section 3 play Dec. 18. “This year, the team wanted to start off the season strong and get some early wins,” Malara said. “Going into the season, we dedicated the season to our late coach (Tom Traynor), which was started by my teammate Cody Monroe. We wanted to win section and make it to the playoffs.”

How do you think you will fair the rest of the way in section play?

We got a good win against Laurel Highlands and Yough. We have been playing as a team, and I hope to pick up two more wins this week.

What has been the key to success this year?

Mainly, we have started playing like a team. It doesn't matter who scores the points.

What was your New Year's resolution?

I want to train with New Age Fitness with Tony Ranieri.

Who do you want to win the Super Bowl?

The Seahawks. I like their style of play and I hope they win.

Who is your favorite NBA player of all-time?

One player I liked to watch was Shaq. I liked his style down in the paint. He is one I look to model my game after.

Nikki Adisey

School: Greensburg Central Catholic

Year: Sophomore

Sport: Basketball

Claim to fame: Adisey, who averages 12.1 points, 4.7 steals and 4 rebounds per game, scored 19 points to lead the Centurions (8-2, 3-0) to a 65-22 win over Riverview in Section 3-AA action on Jan. 3. Adisey, arguably the team's best defender, scored 16 points in a 62-57 win over West Mifflin in the Hempfield Tournament on Dec. 28 and added 16 in an 89-56 loss to Blackhawk the following day.

“I've been practicing really hard and trying to get better,” she said.

What will the team need to do to go further in the playoffs?

We just keep practicing. We need to keep playing strong defense and hustling.

Who do you like to face each year?

I would probably have to say Jeannette. They are our biggest rival and the schools kind of go at it.

What is the best piece of advice you've received?

Just to stay focused and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it.

What was your New Year's resolution?

I didn't really have one. I would probably say to do well in school and be thankful for what I have and for my parents.

Who is your role model and why?

My parents. They are always there at my games. They always support me and help me through everything.

1. Kovacevic: Why did Pens even get Iginla?
2. Coach Tomlin, Steelers facing plenty of questions as OTAs start
3. Improved depth could drive Pirates’ fortunes deep into season
4. UPMC will cut 100 transcribers’ jobs
5. Penguins’ breakdown on Alfredsson goal changes series
6. Penguins Insider: Players’ focus in right place
7. Candidates begin frantic last hours of campaigning as polls open
8. Senators exude confidence after stirring Game 3 victory
9. Heart patients accuse Excela of conspiracy
10. Penguins notebook: Jokinen’s faceoff skills may be needed
11. Cooke has been steadying force for Penguins in playoffs

There are currently no comments for this story.
Subscribe today! Click here for our subscription offers.