These girls played too well as a team to pick just one, so this week’s Athlete of the Week award goes to the starting five players of the Tyrone Lady Eagles Basketball team. They went 21-2 this season, winning a share of the Mountian League title and their second District 6 title in a row. Congratulations girls!

JAIDA PARKER

Eagle Eye: How many years have you played basketball?

Jaida Parker: 13 years

EE: Why/How did you start playing basketball?

JP: Played in a rec league in Kindergarten

EE: What is your favorite part about the sport?

JP: All of my teammates I have met along the way and friendships I’ve made.

EE: What is your favorite memory from basketball?

JP: Winning District championship my junior year

EE: How has playing basketball impacted your life?

JP: Basketball has taught me leadership and how to be a part of a team.

EE: Did you have any superstitions before games? If so, what were they?

JP: I tend to eat a salad before every game, listen to music, and wear my hair in a bun.

EE: What was your most memorable game?

JP: Freshman year vs. Penns Valley at home-Steph and I hit game-winning shots.

EE: What is a personal achievement that you are most proud of?

JP: Hit 1,000 points last game of Junior year

EE: What are your plans for after high school?

JP: I plan to attend Millersville to play basketball and major in PT.

EE: Advice for future basketball players:

JP: Play every game like it is your last because it will be one day.

STEPHANIE RAMSEY

Eagle Eye: How many years have you played basketball?

Stephanie Ramsey: 13 years

EE: Why/How did you start playing basketball?

SR: I went to varsity practices as a kid with my dad, then in Kindergarten, I joined a rec league.

EE: What is your favorite part about the sport?

SR: Getting to play with the same girls for 10 years and make memories with them

EE: What is your favorite memory from basketball?

SR: Winning the District Title game as a Junior

EE: How has playing basketball impacted your life?

SR: Basketball has taught me how to be a leader, and it has shown me that hard work pays off.

EE: Did you have any superstitions before games? If so, what were they?

SR: My hair has to be straightened for every game, and I usually eat pasta before home games.

EE: What was your most memorable game?

SR: Beating Mercyhurst(2020) as a Sophomore to move on to the Elite 8.

EE: What is a personal achievement that you are most proud of?

SR: Scoring my 1,000 points as a Senior against Mercyhurst(2022).

EE: What are your plans for after high school?

SR: I plan to attend college to major in Aerospace Engineering and to continue my basketball career.

EE: Advice for future basketball players:

SR: Cherish every moment with this sport, and never take a second for granted. It will be gone before you know it. Also, make your teammates your best friends and have fun!

EMMA GETZ

Eagle Eye: How many years have you played basketball?

Emma Getz: 10 years

EE: Why/How did you start playing basketball?

EG: My mom and dad signed me up for the rec center.

EE: What is your favorite part about the sport?

EG: Getting to make new friendships and being able to play with a great group of girls

EE: What is your favorite memory from basketball?

EG: Getting to drive through town after the District 6 Championship with firetrucks and the town supporting us

EE: How has playing basketball impacted your life?

EG: Basketball has taught me how to show leadership, how to work with people, and it has taught me life lessons I’ll have forever.

EE: Did you have any superstitions before games? If so, what were they?

EG: Yes, before every game, all the girls hit the top of the door on the way out. Also, I crack my fingers every game during the National Anthem.

EE: What was your most memorable game?

EG: Winning the District Championship last year vs. Bedford

EE: What is a personal achievement that you are most proud of?

EG: 3-year varsity and a 4-year letter winner

EE: What are your plans for after high school?

EG: I plan to attend college to get my nursing degree and possibly play basketball!

EE: Advice for future basketball players:

EG: Remember there are always other athletes. You must always work hard to be at the best of your ability.

MARISSA LEWIS

Eagle Eye: How many years have you played basketball?

Marissa Lewis: 5 years

EE: Why/How did you start playing basketball?

ML: All of my friends played and I wanted to join another sport

EE: What is your favorite part about the sport?

ML: The fact that it is such a team sport. There is no succeeding all by yourself.

EE: What is your favorite memory from basketball?

ML: Our District Title game

EE: How has playing basketball impacted your life?

ML: I’ve learned that everyone has a role in life and basketball taught me that.

EE: Did you have any superstitions before games? If so, what were they?

ML: I never show up in my game clothes and my hair is always either in 2 braids or a bun.

EE: What was your most memorable game?

ML: I really enjoyed our win against Mercyhurst(2022).

EE: What is a personal achievement that you are most proud of?

ML: I’m proud of how far we have come as a team.

EE: What are your plans for after high school?

ML: I plan to attend a 4-year university and major in a psychology field.

EE: Advice for future basketball players:

ML: It flies. Don’t take for granted the practices that Rhoades is in a good mood. They’re few and far in between.

KAYELIN GIBBONS

Eagle Eye: How did you first get involved in this sport?

Kayelin Gibbons: “I started playing at the Northern Blair County Rec Center in 3rd grade.”

EE: Favorite professional sports team?

KG: Pittsburgh Steelers

EE: Favorite professional athlete?

KG: Michael Jordan

EE: Who is your hero? Why?

KG: “My mom, because she has supported me through everything.”

EE: Favorite band /musician?

KG: DaBaby

EE: Favorite movie/show?

KG: All American

EE: Favorite food?

KG: Chicken tenders and fries.

EE: What advice would you give younger athletes?

KG: “Always play like it’s your last game.”

EE: What are your future goals?

KG: “Go to college and major in physical therapy.”