Sports Spotlight: Luke Kochka

School : Gateway

Year : Senior

Sport : Basketball

Claim to fame: Kochka made five 3-pointers and finished with a game-high 27 points in the defending WPIAL champion Gators' 67-50 win over Penn-Trafford in the first round of the Class AAAA playoffs on Feb. 17. Kochka had a season-high 29 points in a 44-31 nonsection win over Hollidaysburg on Feb. 11 and hit a 3-pointer with six seconds left to give the Gators a 54-51 win over Section 2 foe Plum on Feb. 7. Gateway will play Seneca Valley in the quarterfinals on Saturday at a site and time to be determined.

How important was it for you guys to come out and set the tone against Penn-Trafford?

"It was very important, especially being an 11 seed. We have to show we deserve to be there as a team. I think we'll be good moving forward," Kochka said.

How difficult has it been this year to replace some of the seniors you lost from last year's team• "I think the biggest loss was Devon Cottrell. The biggest challenge was we had to rebound much better. Devon grabbed like 15 boards a game. I think we're starting to do that like we showed against Penn-Trafford. We really had to jell as a team. All of us stepped up as leaders."

Have you picked a college yet• "No, I have not. I've talked to Washington & Jefferson, Ohio Dominican in Ohio and Penn State Greater Allegheny."

Do you have a major in mind• "Sports management or marketing, either one of those. I like sports, obviously. I'd just like to be a promoter or something along those lines."

What will you work on this offseason to prepare you for the college game• "I need to look at my athleticism, definitely. I need to jump higher, get quicker and obviously keep working on my shooting to be the best I can be."

What will you remember most about your high school career• "I'm going to remember winning the WPIAL championship. That's been my fondest memory by far. We played so good as a team that day. That's the first championship for basketball Gateway ever had. It was nice for us to make history that day."

What will you guys have to do to get back to A.J. Palumbo Center for the WPIAL championship• "I think we just have to play as a team. That's the most important thing. Move the ball, make shots and pound the ball inside. I think we have some of the best size in the WPIAL. I think if we play good defense, we'll be back down at Palumbo this year."