Bella Bartolovic
School: St. Joseph
Class: Sophomore
Sport: Basketball
Claim to fame: Bartolovic dropped a season-high 27 points against Leechburg on Tuesday. She then followed that up with 19 against Eden Christian on Thursday to lead St. Joseph to a 2-0 week. The sophomore guard leads the Spartans with six double-figure scoring games and 20.5 points per contest.
St. Joseph is 5-2 (3-0) and will prepare for a meeting with Aquinas Academy (6-0, 2-0) on Monday.
What do you believe is the potential of this team, even with it being a young one?
It is a great start, and we look to continue this streak. I believe this team has a lot of potential this season to make it far, even though we’re young.
What has been working well for you as you’ve taken a scoring leap?
I have a very supportive team and coaching staff, which allows me to play without the worry of making mistakes.
If you maintain your scoring, how will you respond when teams begin to put you at the top of the scouting report?
I will take this as a compliment. I will continue to work on improving my game and trusting my teammates.
What can you say about the contributions the team has gotten from senior Kasey Cienik and junior Jocelyn Spinelli?
Their leadership has been very important because they encourage us all to do our best and boost our confidence.
What is a must-do when you have a day off from school and basketball?
Play more basketball
What is the best basketball shoe out right now?
Sabrina’s
What are your plans for the holidays?
To spend time with family and friends
What is your favorite Christmas song?
“Jingle Bell Rock.”
You have a matchup against Aquinas Academy on Monday, a rematch of last year’s No. 2 teams in Section 1-A. What will be the keys to staying undefeated in section play against the Crusaders?
The keys to Monday will be staying composed and working as a team.
Robby Simmen
School: Springdale
Class: Junior
Sport: Basketball
Claim to fame: Simmen went off for a season-high 39 points to lead Springdale to a Section 1-2A win over California on Tuesday. He then scored 15 in an overtime loss to Bentworth on Friday. Simmen has reached double digits in all six games for the Dynamos (2-4, 1-2) and leads them with 20.5 points a game.
After graduating eight seniors last year, how have you and other underclassmen stepped up and filled in leadership roles?
Many of our current juniors and our senior that have been on the team last year know what it takes to be a leader from experiencing our games and practices. The past seniors and our coaches set a great example for us. We stepped up by continuing to do what makes us better as a team, which is lifting each other up as well as giving everyone the confidence they need on and off the court.
What has been the biggest improvement in your offensive game this season?
In the offseason, I work on all of my skills. I feel I improved most in my speed and strength. It gives me a lot more opportunity to be an all-around threat on offense.
In three out of five games this year, the team has had two double-digit scorers. Liam Dexter has two of those games. How have you seen him grow as a player in your three years together?
Liam has always had the skill to do what he does. We’ve played together on a youth basketball team since third grade. His ability to shoot and play in the paint makes him a difficult player to guard.
What is a must-do when you have a day off from school and basketball?
When I’m not playing basketball or in school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
Who is your favorite music artist, and is it the same person for pregame?
My favorite artists are probably Zach Bryan or Drake. Drake is more for pregame, though.
What are your plans for the holidays?
Go spend time with family.
What Christmas movie is a sneaky contender for the best of all time?
“Home Alone.”