Grant Okonak

Name: Grant Okonak

School: Bishop Guilfoyle Academy

Age: 17

Grade: Junior

Sport: Basketball

Athlete of the week achievement: Okonak scored a team-high 18 points in BG’s 50-46 overtime win over Westmont Hilltop in the PIAA Class 3A quarterfinals. He scored eight points in the pivotal third quarter when the Marauders turned a 21-17 halftime deficit into a 30-24 lead.

Season update: Okonak averages 9 points and 4 rebounds per game for BG, which plays Trinity in the PIAA semifinals tonight.

Coach Ryan Lestochi’s quote: “Grant was special in our last game to get us to the Final Four. He is a versatile player that can play inside and out. When a big was put on him, he drove it to the basket; when a guard gets put on him, he can go to the post. He puts his body on the line for the team. He is second on our team in charges taken. He does a lot of things that do not get put in a box score (screening, boxing out, help defense, ball screen coverage). We’re proud of the way he stepped up (Saturday).”

Favorite teacher: Mr. Tressler

Favorite subject: Business

Favorite movie: “Goodfellas”

Favorite food: Steak

Favorite song: “Da Art of Storytellin’, Pt. 1” by OutKast

Outside interests: Golf, spending time with friends and family

Favorite professional team: New York Yankees

Favorite college team: Duke

Pro athlete most admired: Tiger Woods

Best athlete I ever competed against: Roman Catholic’s Shareef Jackson

Most influential person on my athletic career: My parents (Robby and Andrea Okonak)

Proudest athletic achievement: Winning the District 6 championship in golf and basketball

How I got my start in basketball: Northern Blair Rec Center in preschool

Future goal: Play college golf and be successful in life