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Athlete of the Week

Lear’s work ethic stands out

Name: Sydney Lear School: Hollidaysburg Area Age: 17 Grade: Senior Sport: Basketball Athlete of the week achievement: Lear scored 20 points in both a victory over Tyrone and Clearfield to help Hollidaysburg stay on top in the Mountain League. Season update: Hollidaysburg is 14-0 and holds the top seed in District 6 Class 5A. Coach Deanna Jubeck’s quote: “Sydney is the true definition of a hard-working athlete. She puts in the time to improving her game and works hard daily with a purpose. She is an outstanding role model for our younger players, showing them that hard work ...

Miko’s points are memorable

Name: Andrew Miko School: Portage Area Age: 18 Grade: Senior Sport: Basketball Athlete of the week achievement: Miko scored 18 points in both a win over Windber that avenged the Mustangs’ only loss and in an overtime triumph over previously-unbeaten United. He scored 26 points, including his 1,000th of his career, in a win over Cambria Heights on Friday. Season update: Miko is averaging a team-high 14.8 points and 9.1 rebounds per game for the 15-1 Mustangs. Coach Travis Kargo’s quote: “Andrew has been a fierce competitor since he came up as a freshman. He is so ...

Ostinowsky’s versatility a plus

Name: Madison Ostinowsky School: Bishop Carroll Catholic Age: 17 Grade: Senior Sport: Basketball Athlete of the week achievement: Ostinowsky had 20 points, 14 assists, five rebounds and six steals in a 71-48 win over Somerset and delivered 25 points, seven assists and seven rebounds in a 67-56 win over Richland. Season update: Ostinowsky is averaging 14 points, four rebounds, six assists and five steals per game. Coach Chris DeGol’s quote: “Madison is a captain who is very dedicated, hard-working and an unselfish player. As a four-year starter, her knowledge for our system ...

Kagarise gets better and better

Name: Zach Kagarise School: Williamsburg Age: 17 Grade: Senior Sport: Basketball Athlete of the week achievement: Kagarise had 24 points and six steals in an 83-49 win over Moshannon Valley, scored 22 points in a 76-71 win over Juniata Valley and scored a career-high 29 points in a 55-44 win over Bellwood-Antis. Season update: Kagarise is averaging 18.8 points, 2.8 steals and 4.3 rebounds per game. Coach Brock Anders’ quote: “Zach has been an outstanding, quiet leader on defense and offense at this point in the season. He continues to excel at playing against the best ...

Soph Wilt savvy like a veteran

Name: Lanie Wilt School: Altoona Age: 16 Grade: Sophomore Sport: Basketball Athlete of the week achievement: Wilt scored a game-high 17 points to lead Altoona to a 51-41 victory over Cumberland Valley and followed that with 11 points in a 35-25 win over Carlisle. Season update: Wilt is averaging 9.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game for Altoona, which is now 5-5. Coach Chris Fleegle’s quote: “Lanie’s maturity and growth as a player has really showed this year. She’s always been a good defensive player, but her offensive efficiency in recent ...

Future looks bright for Sipes

Name: Luke Sipes School: Altoona Age: 17 Grade: Sophomore Sport: Wrestling Athlete of the week achievement: Voted the Leroy E. Myers Outstanding Wrestler at the Mountaineer Duals at Philipsburg-Osceola. He went 5-0, including wins over P-O’s District 6 Class 2A champion and Southwest Regional eighth-placer Marcus Gable and Glendale regional seventh-placer George Campbell. He also pinned his opponent in 1:12 in a dual meet earlier in the week against Huntingdon. Season update: Sipes is 21-3 for Altoona. Coach Joel Gilbert’s quote: “He looked really tough. If he can ...