Link

Name: Keira Link

School: Central Cambria

Age: 17

Grade: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Athlete of the week achievement: Link scored what turned out to be the game-winning basket with 7.6 seconds left in OT in Central Cambria’s 54-53 upset win over River Valley in the District 6 3A title game. She scored a team-high 16 points in the game. She scored 14 points and had a team-high eight rebounds in a 69-44 semifinal win over Richland.

Season update: Link is averaging eight points and seven rebounds per game while shooting 41 percent from the field.

Coach Brittany Bracken’s quote: “Keira has been outstanding this postseason on both ends of the floor. She did a phenomenal job against River Valley’s Ava Persichetti. Holding Indiana County’s all-time leading scorer to zero field goals in the second half is an accomplishment in itself. And then add to that, the poise and confidence that it took to score the game-winning basket as time expired. Keira is a joy to watch and a joy to coach.”

Favorite teacher: Mr. Gallaher

Favorite subject: English

Favorite movie: “10 Things I Hate About You”

Favorite food: Grilled cheese & tomato soup

Favorite song: “All Too Well” by Taylor Swift

Outside interests: Camping, boating, cross country, softball, pickleball, fishing

Favorite professional team: Pittsburgh Pirates

Favorite college team: Iowa Hawkeyes

Pro athlete most admired: Caitlin Clark

Best athlete I ever competed against: Former Westmont Hilltop player Christiana Gordon

Most influential person on my athletic career: Steve Ruddek

Proudest athletic achievement: Making first-team all-state for softball and getting second at states with my team freshman year of cross country

How I got my start in basketball: “I had nothing to do in the winter of my eighth grade year. I was encouraged by some friends to join basketball, and I chose to stick with it ever since.”

Future goal: “Win a district title in softball, so I can finish with three district titles my senior year.”