Casey Brancato
School: Burrell
Class: Senior
Sport: Basketball
Claim to fame: Brancato averaged 17.6 points across three contests this week to extend Burrell’s winning streak to six. Her 20 points against Mt. Pleasant on Monday was her second straight game of 20-plus points. She then scored 16 points in Burrell’s Section 1-4A opening win over Highlands and had 17 against Connellsville on Friday. Brancato has now scored double digits in six out of seven games for Burrell (6-1, 1-0), which is tied for the lead in the section.
You guys are off to a 5-1 start and won your first section game, just like last year. How do you sustain this momentum throughout the rest of the section play and the season as a whole?
It’s a good start, but it’s just the beginning. I feel like we all know how good we can be and are excited to display that against some of our tougher section matchups. Yes, we have some tough teams on our schedule, but I would argue that we are also a tough team. We’ve been keeping up this momentum by not dwelling in the past. Winning is exciting, but we stay focused and are right back at it at practice the next day.
How would you say you’ve elevated your play in All-VND Julianna Fisher’s stead?
I had to learn a whole new position, basically. I’ve always been more of a guard, but with her graduating, and our team not having much size, I had to step up and do something new. It’s definitely different, but has also provided me with more options to generate good things offensively. I feel like she would be proud.
You had back-to-back 20-point performances against Mt. Pleasant and California. What has been your biggest improvement on the offensive side of the ball?
Just letting everything happen naturally and in the flow of the game. I also like to drive, which not only provides me with scoring opportunities but also allows the kick-out to my teammates for the open shots, which puts opposing teams’ defense in a difficult position.
Freshman Chase Coury is leading your team in scoring this year. What can you say about her play so far?
She’s hit the ground running. She plays fast and is a scoring threat at all times. She puts pressure on their defense, which in turn opens up the floor for our whole team.
What are your hopes for the rest of your senior year in high school outside of basketball?
I just want to enjoy the rest of my time at Burrell with my friends and prepare for college.
What are your plans after graduation?
I’m committed to Allegheny College to continue my athletic and academic career, and plan on majoring in biology to later become a physical therapist.
What is the No. 1 thing on your Christmas list this year?
A pink iPad.
What is your favorite Christmas movie?
“The Grinch” (the one with real people).
Rex Roberts
School: Riverview
Class: Junior
Sport: Basketball
Claim to fame: Roberts scored a season-high 32 points with five 3-pointers against Aquinas Academy on Tuesday. He then scored 13 points in Riverview’s Section 1-2A opening loss to Bentworth on Friday. Roberts leads Riverview (2-5, 0-1) with 18.3 points a night, an eight-point jump from his sophomore season.
What has played the biggest role in you taking the scoring leap you have this year?
Being more aggressive and trying to get to the rim often has been the biggest role in helping me take my scoring leap this year.
Your 32-point outing against Aquinas Academy ended a four-game skid for your team. Was there a sense of urgency to get back on track that led to your performance?
There was definitely a sense of urgency to get back on track, but I don’t think it led to my 32 points. As a team, we executed on offense, and that won us the game.
You guys started section play with a loss to Bentworth. After narrowly missing the playoffs last year, how do you stay the course and attack the rest of the section schedule in hopes of making the postseason?
We just have to keep showing up every day and putting in the work and go at every section game with intensity.
What would you say your team’s strengths and weaknesses have been this season?
Some of our strengths this year have been our energy and our ability to play physical. We are still working on some things on the defense end, but we work hard every day in practice to get better.
What are some of your hobbies outside of basketball?
Golfing, playing video games and hanging out with my friends.
What is your favorite class in school?
Calculus or AP chemistry.
What is the No. 1 thing on your Christmas list this year?
A new TaylorMade driver.
What is your favorite Christmas movie?
“Home Alone 2.”