Avery Jones
School: Greensburg Central Catholic
Class: Junior
Sport: Basketball
Claim to fame: Jones has rounded into form as a third scoring threat for GCC, which advanced to the PIAA 3A semifinals. She had a team-high 18 points in a 50-36 win over Northwestern in the second round and had 16 in a 65-51 win over Trinity in the quarterfinals. Jones, who is averaging 8.4 points and 6.5 rebounds for the Centurions (22-7), added 10 points in a 66-14 win over Cranberry in the first round. The 5-foot-11 forward led GCC with 14 points and nine rebounds in a loss to Shady Side Academy in the WPIAL championship.
What did the team do well in the second-round win over Northwestern?
I think we defended really well, using our size and length to control the boards, giving us second-chance opportunities.
How much has your scoring role increased, and how do you think you have handled it?
My attempts have been consistent throughout the season, but since the playoffs started, I’ve really just focused on slowing my game down and having confidence in what I can do.
What has it been like playing with Erica Gribble and Jayla Peterson, and what have you learned from them?
It’s great playing with them. They’re both super-talented players, and just watching the way they play and their leadership has taught me so much.
Who is the best player you’ve played with and against?
The best player I’ve played with is Erica, and the best player I’ve played against is probably Makayla Presser-Palmer.
Did you think the team could make another run in the state playoffs?
Yes, 100%.
Have you thought about your role next year as a senior?
I’ve thought about it a little. We are losing some really great seniors, including two of our top scorers. We still have a lot of talent coming back, and we will have another strong team.
Do you play AAU basketball? For what team?
Yes, I play AAU for SLAAM and coach Bud Hurt.
Do you play any other sports?
Yes, I also play lacrosse and soccer, and I swam competitively for eight years before high school.
Do you have any good athletes in your family?
My mom and dad both played in college. My mom played soccer, and my dad played baseball. Fun fact: He still plays “old man” baseball in the Latrobe Derry league.
Where are you from originally?
Born and raised in Greensburg.
Have you always played forward or center?
Yes, I’ve always played forward, mainly because of my height, but I am also working on improving my guard skills.
Are you done growing?
Probably, but I hope not.
What do you like most about attending classes at GCC?
I like the small class sizes, allowing for close relationships with teachers.
Did you consider playing flag football?
No, with lacrosse and AAU, it would be too much.
What is your favorite subject in school?
My favorite subject in school right now is probably Anatomy.
Who is your idol?
My parents.
Have you ever met a celebrity?
I met Cam Heyward at Steelers training camp.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
The Outer Banks, N.C.
People would be surprised to know I can ______.
Deadlift 250 pounds.
Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have two dogs.
I am the _____ player on the team.
I like to think of myself as a player who leads by example. Trying to do the little things that help put our team in the best position to win, that may not show up in the boxscore.
If you could change one rule in high school basketball, what would it be?
I would add a shot clock. We played with one when we went to Florida, and I like how it sped up the game.
Mats Martz
School: Hempfield
Class: Senior
Sport: Hockey
Claim to fame: Martz is team captain and center on the Spartans team that is playing in the PIHL Class 2A Pens Cup title game against Penn-Trafford on Monday. He scored 10 goals and had 19 assists in helping the Spartans to a regular-season title.
What has been the key to the team’s success this season?
The bond the team has. We have a good mix of new and older players. We have jelled, and we are showing how good we are.
What is your role?
I do what I can to help the team become successful.
What were the goals this season?
We wanted to win the regular season, which we did. Now we want to win the Pens Cup and the state title.
What would it mean to win the school’s first Pens Cup?
It would mean a lot to me and my teammates. Until this season, in my four years in high school, we had never won a playoff. Now we have won two.
What was the key to winning the first two playoff games?
We had to match their toughness and will.
What is the key to defeating Penn-Trafford?
We must play a lot harder and be more physical like we were in the second game against them this season. They could not match our toughness in the game. They are very good, and we will get their best shot.
What do you expect from Penn-Trafford?
I expect them to play us tough. We have to rely on each other and play good defense.
What is your most memorable game in hockey?
When we won the middle school championship when I was in eighth grade with my current teammates.
How old were you when you first started playing?
I was 3 years old. By dad (Brett) got me started. He was my coach, and now he is coaching at Saint Vincent.
Do you plan to play hockey in college?
Yes, at Saint Vincent. I plan to study finance.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
We go to Clearwater, Fla. I like the beach there.
Is there a place hockey took you that you would like to visit again?
I want to go back to Notre Dame. The campus is nice.
Is there a place you want to visit on your bucket list?
Italy.
Who is your favorite hockey player?
Sidney Crosby.
Who is your favorite Pittsburgh professional team?
The Penguins. .
Do you have any pets?
I have two sheepadoodles.
What is your favorite class in school?
Math.
What was the last movie you watched?
“Marty Supreme.”
What type of movies do you like?
I like comedies.
What type of music do you listen to?
Hip-hop and country.
Where do you and your teammates head to for a snack after practice or a game, and what do you get?
Chick-fil-A, and I get a sandwich and fries.
What is your favorite meal your mom or dad makes?
Chicken Parm.
I you were to have lunch or dinner with someone famous, who would it be and what would you talk about?
It would be either Mario Lemieux or Sidney Crosby, and we would talk about what made them so successful.