P.J. MCLAUGHLIN

GBG. C.C., 6-7, SR., FORWARD

Which people have had the greatest influence in your life?

Probably my mom and my dad. My mom always taught me to work through stuff and work with people. My dad taught me to never give up and be the best person you can be on the court and off.

Describe your satisfaction with what you’ve accomplished in basketball.

It would have been nice to win a state championship or a WPIAL championship, but we put GCC on the map in basketball. We won three section championships, and we won a lot of games in three years.

Have you thought about the adjustments you’ll make in college?

If I want to get to where I need to be, I’ll have to get bigger, faster and stronger. I’ve got to get completely better at everything.

Besides basketball, what are some of the other things that interest you?

I like to hang out with my friends and family. I like music, but I just like to hang out.

Who are your five all-time favorite basketball players?

Hakeem Olajuwon, Bill Russell, Kobe Bryant, Larry Bird and Michael Jordan.

What are some of the things you will take from your high school experience?

GCC teaches you how to work with people, different kinds of people, and GCC has all kinds of people. I’m impressed with how there are a lot of kids who know so much about a lot of things other than sports.

GREENSBURG TERRIFIC 10 — BOYS

DEMETRIOUS COX

JEANNETTE, 6-2, SR., FORWARD

He led the Jayhawks with 17.5 points per game and helped them make runs in the WPIAL and PIAA Class AA playoffs. He is headed to Michigan State to play football.

KASON HARRELL

HEMPFIELD, 6-2, FR., GUARD

He led the Spartans with 15 points per game and helped them tie Penn-Trafford for the section title. This freshman impressed opposing coaches with his upper-level ability.

BEN KLIMCHOCK

GREENSBURG C.C., 5-10, SR., GUARD

He was part of an impressive squad that made deep runs in the WPIAL and PIAA playoffs. He only averaged 11.9 ppg, and his deadly 3-point shooting helped GCC win three consecutive section titles.

JALEN MADISON

MONESSEN, 5-10, SR., GUARD

A talented rebounder and defender, he averaged 12.5 points per game and helped the team win a section title and play in the WPIAL Class AA championship game for the second straight season.

COREY STANFORD

PENN-TRAFFORD, 6-4, JR., FORWARD

After transferring back from Kiski School, Stanford played a key role in helping the Warriors tie Hempfield for the section title by averaging 17.5 points per game.

MATT STEWART

NORWIN, 6-5, JR., FORWARD

After missing most of his sophomore season with an injury, Stewart had an immediate impact by averaging 16.9 ppg to lead Norwin. He’s also a strong rebounder and team player.

NICK STONE

KISKI AREA, 5-11, JR., GUARD

He averaged 15.6 points per game and helped Kiski Area to a second-place finish in the section. His overall game impressed opposing coaches.

JULIAN THOMPSON

GREENSBURG SALEM, 6-4, SR., FORWARD

He became the Golden Lions’ leading scorer after injuries to guards Tyler Robbins and Tyler Neurohr. He averaged 17.1 points and 8 rebounds per game.

LANE WALTENBAUGH

HEMPFIELD, 6-5, SR., FORWARD

Despite an injury before the season, he was able to endure, averaging 12 points and 9 rebounds per game as Hempfield and Penn-Trafford tied for the section title.

CIARA GREGORY

JEANNETTE, 5-7, JR., GUARD

When you’re not playing basketball, what are some things you like to do?

I try to do a lot of things with my friends and family. My family is important and I try to enjoy being with them.

What’s it mean to be a Jayhawk?

It means a lot to be a Jayhawk. The people in the community take their sports really seriously. They always have your back and expect you to carry yourself a certain way.

Your dad, Terry, was an outstanding athlete at Jeannette. What has he taught you?

He’s a big influence on my life. He’s taught me a lot of things growing up. If I have any problems, he’s been there to help me get through it.

What do you want from a college?

I have a lot of schools looking at me. I want a school that will provide me with a good education and an opportunity to play and improve. I’m going to take my time and find that right fit.

You’re friends with Terrelle Pryor and Demetrious Cox. What advice have they offered about the recruiting process?

They told me to pick the right place, someplace where I’m comfortable. Terrelle has told me to call anytime I need advice. He’s been through the most, the worst and the best.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your career at Jeannette?

Just playing with my teammates. I couldn’t have achieved what I have without them or my coaches. We won a WPIAL title, we lost a WPIAL title. We’ve been through it all.

GREENSBURG TERRIFIC 10 — GIRLS

MADDIE ANTONE

KISKI AREA, 5-10, JR., FORWARD

This two-time all-star averaged 16.7 points per game and helped the Cavaliers qualify for the WPIAL Class AAAA playoffs.

TAYLOR CORTAZZO

PENN-TRAFFORD, 5-3, JR., GUARD

She led a balanced scoring attack at Penn-Trafford with a 10 points-per-game average. Penn-Trafford won the section title for a second straight season by a game over Hempfield.

MADDY GRIMM

LIGONIER VALLEY, 5-8, JR., GUARD

She averaged 11.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. The versatile four-sport athlete blocked a team-high 46 shots, handed out 116 assists and had 110 steals.

MAGGIE KIMMICH

FRANKLIN REGIONAL, 5-6, JR., GUARD

She led a balanced scoring attack for the Panthers with a 14.7 points-per-game average and helped them qualify for the WPIAL Class AAAA playoffs.

TAYLOR LUBINSKY

HEMPFIELD, 5-10, SR., FORWARD

The only senior on the girls all-state team, Lubinsky, who is headed to play college basketball at Wheeling Jesuit, averaged 13 ppg and helped the Spartans finish second in the section.

KARLY MELLINGER

GREENSBURG C.C., 5-9, SO., GUARD

The two-year letter winner led the Centurions with a 12.2 points-per-game average and helped them to a second-place finish in the section.

JAYNE OBERDORF

GREENSBURG SALEM, 5-5, JR., GUARD

A three-year starter who averaged 15.6 points per game, she led the Golden Lions in scoring and helped them win a game in the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs.

JESSICA SLAGUS

BELLE VERNON, 6-0, JR., FORWARD

A hard working post player who averaged 17.3 points per game, she helped the Leopards reach the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs and tally a victory against Indiana.

MARIAH WARD

MONESSEN, 5-8, JR., GUARD

A second-team all-state selection, she averaged 20.9 points per game and helped Monessen win the section title.

Photo Galleries

Tribune-Review Terrific 10

The top area high school basketball players from the 2011-12 season as chosen by the editors of the Tribune-Review.

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