Riley Stephans
School: Plum
Class: Junior
Sport: Basketball
Claim to fame: Stephans scored a career-high 26 points to lead Plum (1-4, 0-1) to a 56-40 upset victory over Kiski Area (5-1) in nonsection play Monday night.
What were your feelings after scoring a career high in points in a huge upset win?
I’ve always liked playing Kiski because they’re aggressive and physical. Their coach does a really good job at coaching them. We played them in the Fox Chapel summer and fall leagues, and they always gave us good competition. Beating them wasn’t easy but definitely harder than last year, which was surprising after they lost all those great girls from last year.
What was the most points you scored in a game before Monday’s performance?
Twenty last year against Peters Township.
Is there some disappointment in failing to maintain that momentum and grab another win or two this week?
Definitely. We wanted to beat both Franklin Regional on Wednesday and Hempfield on Friday. I told myself I was going to do my best and not let the scoreboard dictate my play. Our defense is what hurt us in those games.
What can you say about the tough opening stretch of games the team has played?
We have played harder teams compared with last year, but I enjoy that because it makes me better as a player. It helps our team in the long run, and it will pay off in the end.
You said in the season preview that this team wants to use its speed as an advantage. How would you assess how things have gone on that front?
We’ve been a lot quicker this season. With that said, we need to do a better job of communicating on the court. I want my teammates to tell me if I missed a pass here or if they think a different play would work, I would want them to tell me.
What else do you see the team needing to do to start piling up wins moving forward?
Score more and keep teams under 40 or 50 points.
What’s been your role this season?
This year I’ve been a point guard, which is a position I’ve never really played before. I think getting the ball up the court and making the extra passes and work on my handles a little more.
What were your individual goals for the year?
My dad wanted me to average 15 points a game this season, and I agree it’s something I can do. Sometimes it just doesn’t go that way. I wanted to work on my defense, which is something I tend to struggle with.
What gets you in the zone before a game?
The pregame talk with my dad on the way to the game. We talk about the game plan and what I can do. I watch a lot of film prior to games, and he gives me tips on how to handle the ball a little better.
Speaking of team speed, who do you think is the fastest on the team?
Tamia West or Serena Carnahan. Serena plays soccer, and Tamia runs track.
If the team held a 3-point contest, who would win?
It would be close between myself, Tamia and Serena.
Do you play any other sports at school?
I play volleyball and softball.
Which sport do you like the most?
Depends on the season. Last year it was basketball. This was my first year playing volleyball, and I really liked it. I’m definitely going to play again next year.
Favorite subject in school?
Chemistry.
What is your favorite hobby?
Reading. I just picked it up recently.
What was the last book you read?
“The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls. It was an assignment for school, but I enjoyed it.
What celebrity would you most like to meet or spend the day with?
I’m going to see Justin Timberlake today, so I’ll say him.
What’s your favorite song of his?
“Mirrors.”
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Hilton Head, South Carolina. I go there every year.
What’s at the top of your Christmas list?
Headphones. I love my music.
Favorite song?
“Luther” by Sza and Kendrick Lamar.
Favorite Christmas tradition?
We have a huge party at my house, and we have this game at my aunt’s house where we usually have a white elephant gift exchange.
Nathaniel Moore
School: Deer Lakes
Class: Senior
Sport: Basketball
Claim to fame: Moore scored a career-high 35 points to power Deer Lakes (5-1, 1-0) past Mohawk, 80-76, in double overtime for a nonsection win Tuesday night. Moore followed up his performance by leading the Lancers in points with 17 in a 71-36 section victory over Freeport. Moore took time away from visiting Baldwin Wallace to talk about his week.
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How many schools have you looked at already?
About four or five. I went to Seton Hill for a gameday but haven’t gone to an official visit yet. I also visited Saint Vincent College, Allegheny College and Marietta.
Now that you’ve had some time to think about it, how would you describe your 35-point effort on Tuesday?
It was a hard game, going into double overtime. We played our hardest the entire game. They were sagging off of me a little bit, so I was able to take advantage with my mid-range shot. I also was 9 for 13 at the foul line. As a team, we’ve gotten so much better at shooting foul shots. In our game against Freeport on Friday, we went 21 for 25.
As you said, Tuesday’s game went into double OT. How taxing was it on the team as a whole?
Our practices are pretty intense and we practice a lot, so we don’t really get many breaks. We take our practices seriously, and we do a good job at going over film and knowing the other team’s plays and what they like to run. Those practices make the games feel easier.
What were the feelings after that win?
It was a good win, but you always have to move on. It was a game against a 3A opponent, and we’re in 4A now, so we have to focus on our section now. We know Knoch is going to be a tough test for us.
What was your previous career high in points a game?
I scored 27 last year.
Quite the warm-up before section play. How were you able to find your legs going into the Freeport game?
My legs were pretty sore, but I stretched a lot that night. Going into Friday’s game, we had to get our minds right, stop worrying about how sore we were and go out and play.
How important is it to win the first section game of the year?
We lost to Hampton in our first game of the year. It was a tough loss, but it helped us with our attitude and helped turn everything around. Helped us to take practices more seriously as well as our preparation for games.
How much of a beating do you take down low, and how do you recuperate for the next game?
I take a pretty good beating, but I have to keep my mind right. Sometimes refs make a bad call or I get into my head, so I just have to refocus.
What’s the toughest battle in the paint you’ve had in your high school career?
Two years ago, when we played West Catholic out of Philadelphia in the state finals. Their center was insane, and I think he’s playing Division I now.
Do you have a set pregame routine?
I go down to the trainer 20 minutes before the game and use the massage gun and listen to music. I don’t have a crazy routine.
What were your goals at the start of the year?
We won WPIALs twice in a row and now we’re up in Class 4A, so I’m thinking the same thing as the last two years: winning WPIAL. If we win, we’ll have a big target on our backs for next year, even though I’m graduating at the end of this season. I also want to win our section.
What are your thoughts on the move to 4A this year?
It’s not that bad because they also brought Burrell and Valley from our section last year. Going in with Knoch makes it interesting, and I see that being a great battle when we play.
Which opponent do you look forward to playing the most?
Knoch because they have that 7-foot kid. I really want to face that kid. I like a challenge, and I play better against better teams.
Which team has been the toughest you’ve ever faced?
That West Catholic team from Philly.
Why the number 22?
Initially I was No. 2 throughout youth, and my brother, who’s a sophomore, would wear No. 1 in football and I picked No. 2. When I got to high school, the No. 2 jersey was too small, so I went with 22.
Who is your favorite basketball player to watch?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder. His play style is very smooth, and it’s just fun to watch.
Favorite hobby other than basketball?
Football. I played tight end, but I like basketball more.
What is your favorite subject in school?
English.
Favorite meal?
Steak with garlic mashed potatoes from Texas Roadhouse.
What are you looking for most underneath the Christmas tree this year?
I’m getting the Meta Quest, VR headset. I can watch movies, film for basketball and football and play games.
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Favorite Christmas tradition?
Going to my Grammy’s house and seeing my cousins.
What are your future plans?
I’m undecided right now, but I would like to be a physical therapist. Not sure if I want to play football or basketball yet.