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Name: Elias Ritchey
School: Claysburg-Kimmel
Age: 18
Grade: Senior
Sport: Basketball
Athlete of the week achievement: Ritchey scored the game-winning basket with just seconds left in Claysburg-Kimmel's 63-62 win over District 4 champion Muncy in the first round of the PIAA Class 2A basketball tournament on Saturday. Ritchey finished the game with 11 points, 10 assists, five rebounds and four steals. It was the first-ever state playoff win for the Bulldogs.
Season update: Claysburg-Kimmel has a record 16 wins this season and will play Holy Cross in the second round on Wednesday. Ritchey is averaging 12.8 points, 5.8 assists, 4.9 deflections, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 steals and has a 3.66 assist/turnover ratio per game this season.
Coach Mike Harris' quote: "Elias has been our leader all year. He leads by example, comes in, works hard and is a great role model for the younger players, and it was evident on Saturday when he got it done when we needed a play and he provided it."
Favorite teacher: Mr. Caracciolo
Favorite subject: Geography
Favorite movie: "Jurassic Park" series
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite song: "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor
Outside interests: Soccer, football, hiking, video games and youth group
Favorite professional team: Pittsburgh Pirates
Favorite college team: UConn Huskies
Pro athlete most admired: Lionel Messi
Best athlete I ever competed against: Southern Huntingdon's Nate Myers
Most influential person on my athletic career: My dad, Nate
Proudest athletic achievement: "Hitting the game-winning shot to help our team advance to the Sweet 16 in Claysburg's first ever appearance in the state playoffs."
How I got my start in basketball: "Claysburg-Kimmel elementary basketball league and Coach Swogger's league played at Saint Patrick's School when I was in kindergarten."
Future goal: "Go to Bible college to major in sports management and follow God's will for my life."