Adleigh Myers
School: Ligonier Valley
Class: Senior
Sport: Basketball
Claim to fame: Myers etched her name into Rams’ program history with a record-breaking performance. She scored 40 points in a 49-14 victory over East Allegheny, breaking her coach, Christy (Clark) Hajjar’s single-game mark of 38 set in 1991. Myers made eight two-point field goals, four 3s and 12 of 14 free throws. She had 32 through three quarters.
What was it like breaking the school record?
I didn’t consider it as a possibility, so when I heard I could break the record, it was just so shocking. Sharing this moment with my teammates and having them be such an amazing part of making it happen was so special.
Did you know what the record was and who had it?
I didn’t know the record or that my coach held it until the fourth quarter of the game, when she told me I could break it.
When did you know you were close to the record?
(At the start of the) fourth quarter when I had 32 points.
What did you say to your coach after you broke her record?
“I did it.”
How did you score your 39th point in the game?
Shooting a foul shot in the last 40 or so seconds.
Did you get the game ball?
Yes. I had all my teammates sign it.
What was your previous high in a game?
My previous high score was 20 points.
How long have you been playing basketball?
I started playing at the Ligonier YMCA when I was in third grade. I’ve played ever since.
Do you play any other sports?
I ran cross country and track.
Do you want to play basketball in college?
Yes.
Do you play the point or off-guard position?
Point guard.
What makes a good guard?
Being able to see the floor and instilling confidence in your teammates, helping to take charge of the plays in order to develop opportunities for the team to score.
What do you like to do before a game?
I try to stay calm and listen to music. Right before the game, I always pray with the team asking that God would allow us to have fun, that we won’t get hurt, and most of all that we would glorify him as we play.
What kind of basketball shoes do you wear?
We all wear Nike Sabrina III.
Who is the best team you’ve gone against?
Shady Side Academy and Greensburg Central Catholic are both insanely good.
Do you play AAU? For whom?
No.
Were there any good athletes in your family?
I have a brother and sister who have run cross country and track in college.
What is your favorite subject in school?
Music.
What is your favorite lunch?
Frozen pizza for sure.
Do you have any unique hobbies?
I play the guitar.
Who is going to win the Super Bowl?
I’m a Washington Commanders fan so. not us.
Markus McGowan
School: Jeannette
Class: Junior
Sport: Basketball
Claim to fame: McGowan scored 30, 15 and 19 points in section wins over Greensburg Central Catholic, Springdale and Clairton, respectively, to help Jeannette (18-1, 13-0) officially claim the Section 1-2A title. He leads the Jayhawks with 17 double-digit scoring games and 19.8 points a night. The junior forward also became the 17th player in Jeannette’s history to reach 1,000 points after he scored 20 against Riverview on Jan. 23.
It seems like you haven’t missed a beat after a WPIAL championship last season. What have been the keys to your team’s success, especially during this 16-game winning streak?
I feel like we have just been playing with each other for so long, and we know what each other can do, so we just play as a team. That’s what’s keeping this streak going.
Two weeks ago, you became the 17th player in Jeannette history to score 1,000 points. With still a year left of high school, what else do you hope to accomplish by the end of your time at Jeannette?
I hope to get 2,000 and become the all-time leading scorer in Jeannette history. That’s my goal before I graduate.
Your 30 points helped secure the season sweep over Greensburg Central Catholic on Tuesday. In both meetings with the Centurions, was there any added motivation knowing that they ended your state title run last year?
Yes, for sure. They ended our playoff run last year, and they beat us three times (last season), so that just motivated me to work harder in the offseason and never lose to them again.
What will it take to close out the season strong and prepare for a WPIAL title defense?
It’s just going to take us playing as a team, and we do a pretty good job of that. And I believe that my guys can do it and that we can go back-to-back in the WPIAL.
After taking down second-place Clairton to officially claim the section crown, what is the confidence level of this team with the playoffs coming up?
I think my team is very confident going into the playoffs. We needed a close game like that so we could all come together as a team and to play as a team.
What is your favorite part of playing basketball for Jeannette?
My favorite part of playing basketball for Jeannette is just the culture and the environment. It’s just great, and growing up in Jeannette, I would dream about playing out there on that court.
For others who want to be 1,000-point scorers for their high school, what would you say is the most important part of the game to focus on?
Honestly, it’s just offseason work they have to put in this year. I didn’t play football because I wanted to strictly focus on basketball and my offseason work that I need to focus and work on. So yeah, I would just say work on your weaknesses during the offseason.
What are some of your hobbies outside of basketball?
I do a little bit of football work with my brother. Other than that, just working out and playing the video game.
What have been some of your favorite ways to spend a snow day?
I went outside with my brothers and built a little fort, but other than that just working out and putting in work, ready to get back on the court.