Pittsburgh Tribune-Review athletes of the week: Pine-Richland's Phil Jurkovec, Baldwin's Amanda Larkin
Phil Jurkovec
School: Pine-Richland
Year: Freshman
Sport: Basketball
Claim to fame: Jurkovec scored 23 points, including the game-winner in overtime, to lift the Rams past Penn Hills, 68-66, in a nonsection game on Dec. 11. A 6-foot-5 forward, Jurkovec is averaging 20 points per game and helped the Rams jump out to a 4-0 record.
How difficult is it coming in as a freshman and being counted on so heavily to produce?
It's definitely hard and can be intimidating at times. I have great teammates and coaches who help guide me. I'm just trying to get as much experience as I can.
What do you excel at on the court?
I feel like my strength is being able to rebound and score around the basket. I try to play my hardest and hustle and get after the ball.
How good can this Rams team be this season?
I think we have a chance to win a section title. Our ultimate goal is to win the WPIAL. We've rallied around each other and are trying our best.
How do you hope to improve as the season goes on?
I hope to definitely improve my passing and being able to break the press and cut down on the turnovers. I need to catch up to the speed of the game because it's much faster than middle school ball.
Amanda Larkin
School: Baldwin
Year: Senior
Sport: Basketball
Claim to fame: Larkin scored a game-high 22 points to help the Highlanders upset Peters Township, 48-35, in Section 4-AAAA on Dec. 11. Larkin chipped in 11 points in Baldwin's 65-39 nonconference win over Connellsville on Dec. 13.
How much does a win over a team like Peters Township mean for your team's confidence?
It was big especially because it was our first section game. It set the tone for the season and showed that if we play like that every game, we can beat anyone.
How would you rate how you've played early on?
I think so far everything is going good. I've been able to get the ball to the open player, and I've also made my shots. So I think I can say it's going well.
How good can this Baldwin team be this year?
I honestly think we can be really good. If we play to our full effort, have energy and stay focused we can do some big things this year.
Have you made any plans after high school yet?
I've signed to play basketball at Point Park. I loved the team and the coaches and I love that it's close to home.
— Brian Graham
