Chase Coury
School: Burrell
Class: Freshman
Sport: Basketball
Claim to fame: Burrell freshman Chase Coury extended her double-digit scoring streak to six after dropping 15 and 16 points in two section wins against Knoch and Derry this week. She now has 14 double-digit scoring games and is averaging 16.8 a night. She and her sister, Kendall, are two of the three leading scorers for the Bucs as freshmen. Burrell (12-5, 6-2) has four section games remaining, with a potential showdown of the top teams in Section 1-4A in the regular season finale against Oakland Catholic.
Outside of losses to a couple of Class 5A teams (Armstrong and Indiana) and two of the top three teams in your section (Oakland Catholic and North Catholic), your team has been pretty dominant. What have been some of the keys to your success this season?
Hard work. We work well as a team. After a game, we get right back after it at practice.
This week, you continued your double-digit scoring streak of six games. How have you been so consistent as a scorer this year as a freshman?
Going into every game with a positive mindset is definitely a big factor. I like to reflect on each game and go over what I did well and what I can improve on. Also, my sisters and I spend as much time as possible working out with Coach Mack(Ron McNabb) at Pittsburgh Basketball Academy.
What has it been like playing high school basketball as a triplet? Did you expect you and Kendall to be key contributors on the offensive end in your first year?
It has been a great experience. I enjoy playing with them. They make me better every day. Peyton is a strong defender and impacts the game. I knew Kendall and I had the ability to put points on the board.
You have one last nonsection game before the final sprint of section play. No. 3 North Catholic and No. 1 Oakland Catholic bookend your final four games. How do you close out the season strong, especially with the No. 1 team in the section at the end of the regular season?
I love playing teams like North and Oakland Catholic because tough games like those can only make us stronger. I trust my teammates, and we look at every game as a new opportunity.
What game has been your favorite so far this year?
The Freeport game was my favorite game since it is a rivalry game extending from soccer. We played them four times this past season, and every game was an intense matchup.
What does your pregame routine look like?
I like to get dressed as soon as I get home from school, and I always listen to music before games.
Do you have a favorite event in the Winter Olympics?
Snowboarding because the tricks that they do fascinate me.
What has been the biggest adjustment to high school?
The class periods are shorter, and I like getting out earlier.
Mason Cervone
School: Deer Lakes
Class: Senior
Sport: Hockey
Claim to fame: Cervone netted four goals and two assists in a 6-1 victory over Sewickley Academy on Monday. That performance gave the senior forward 19 goals on the season, vaulting him into the top 10 of goal scorers in the PIHL. He has a team-high 26 points (19-7) and 81 for his career. Deer Lakes (9-8) has four games remaining, all in the division.
What were some of the contributing factors to the team’s five-game losing streak after starting 7-2?
Our team has a short bench. We suffered multiple injuries that made us have an even shorter bench.
How have you seen yourself progress from totaling only two points as a freshman to having 66 over the last two seasons?
Working harder earned me more playing time, allowing more opportunities to score.
Your four goals Monday vaulted you into the top 10 in scoring in the PIHL. What was working well for you that game, and what has been working the whole season?
My team kept the puck moving. Having Uriah Barr back on defense to help move the puck and support me at the right time makes great opportunities.
What will be the points of emphasis for your team as the regular season comes to a close?
It is important to keep our team healthy and injury-free. We need to keep working as a unit.
What are your favorite ways to get warmed up before a game?
I actually play better when I don’t warm up. I lock in with my headphones and music.
Will you be watching Team USA’s hockey team at the Olympics? Do you have any other Winter Olympic events you’ll be tuning into other than hockey?
Maybe a little bit. The Olympics are always on in our house, but there is nothing specific that we tune in to watch.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on taking a gap year.