Westmoreland County athletes of the week: Norwin’s Lauren Palangio, Latrobe’s Luke Willochell

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, December 23, 2023 | 3:19 PM

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Lauren Palangio

School: Norwin

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Claim to fame: Palangio, a 6-foot-1 center for the Knights, is one of the top post players in WPIAL Class 6A. The Division II Holy Family commit had 14 points and 10 rebounds in an impressive 75-44 win over McKeesport, the No. 1-ranked team in Class 5A. In the previous game, she had 15 points to power Norwin (7-1) to a 48-24 win over Upper St. Clair. Palangio, who is averaging 14.3 points and 8 rebounds, has 661 career points and 535 rebounds.

What have you learned about your team so far this season?

We’re better when we play together, 5-on-5. That’s when we come out on top.

How has the bench developed around the starters?

We are deeper now because we have put the work in. You can see it with our (second team) in practice.

What have you improved at most this season?

I take my time more in the post.

Are you 6-foot-1 or 6-2?

With shoes, I am probably 6-1 1/2. But I’d say 6-1 is right.

Do you like when the team makes long road trips?

I love road trips. It’s a great experience to be part of team bonding.

What motivates this year’s team?

We motivate each other. We pick each other up.

Is the team looking forward to playing North Allegheny on Jan. 2?

Yes. We have all break to prepare — and we play Kennedy Christian. We take it one game at a time.

If Norwin played a perfect game, what would it look like?

It would probably look a lot like (Thursday’s 75-44 win over McKeesport). We’re moving the ball, playing inside out, playing good defense and shooting it well.

What was the deciding factor when you chose Holy Family?

The coach and the team environment. They are so welcoming. It felt like a second home.

What is wrong with the Pittsburgh Steelers?

A lot. It wasn’t Matt Canada’s fault.

Who is the best shooter on the team? The best dribbler? The best defender? The most vocal leader?

Shooter could be anyone on any night — Ava (Kobus), Bailey (Snowberger), Kendall (Berger). Dribbler is Bailey. Defender could be Bailey or Ava. Me or Bailey are most vocal.

Are there less true post players in today’s high school game?

It seems like we saw it go away, but each team we see this year seems to have a post player.

Who is your favorite band or artist?

Zach Bryan. I am a country fan.

Does your family do a grab bag for Christmas or do you shop for everyone?

We buy for everyone. It’s mostly just the four of us, with some outside relatives.

Do you have any pets?

No. We travel too much for pets.

What is the best advice given to you by coach Brian Brozeski?

Trust in yourself. The shots will fall if you trust in yourself.

Luke Willochell

School: Latrobe

Year: Junior

Sport: Wrestling

Claim to fame: The Latrobe junior is a two-time WPIAL champion and two-time PIAA placewinner in Class 3A. He recently won his second consecutive King of the Mountain title by pinning Line Mountain freshman Brock Rothermel in the 121-pound finals. He’s also made an oral commitment to wrestle at Wyoming. He is 10-0 this season.

Why did you pick Wyoming?

It’s a nice place. It’s different there, and I wanted to have a chance to wrestle with my brother (Gabe) there. They have good fishing there.

Is winning the King of the Mountain title a big deal?

Yes, it’s a good tournament and I beat some good kids. Rothermel was a two-time junior high state champion.

What is your goal this season?

I’ve never won a state title. I finished second as a freshman and fifth as a sophomore. Hopefully this is the year I stand atop of the podium.

Who are some of the top wrestlers in your weight class?

Franklin Regional’s Ty Kapusta, Bethlehem Catholic’s Keanu Dillard, Quakertown’s Mason Ziegler and Seneca Valley’s Connor Smith. I think Norwin freshman Landon Sidun is headed to 114 pounds.

Latrobe is headed east to Bethlehem for the holidays. Are you disappointed you’re missing the Powerade Tournament?

I like the Powerade Tournament, but we’re going to meet some really good competition at Bethlehem. I don’t mind. I believe I could face Ziegler there, and it’s good to face other people.

What is different about Luke Willochell this season?

I’m a lot more offensive. I’ve worked on my offense and getting aggressive. I have to work on my technique.

What is your strength on the mat?

I’m good on top. That’s where I like to pin my opponents from. I still must improve my offense.

What are the team goals?

I’d like to make it back to states. We did my freshman season, and it was a lot of fun. I feel once we get our lineup set in early January, we’ll be tough to beat. We have one right now, but once we get down, we won’t have any holes in the lineup.

How old were you when you first started to wrestle?

I was 4 years old. The first practice I got beat up, and I cried. But my brother (Gabe) told me to stay with it because you’re going to get better. He still helps me. He watches my matches and texts me what I can do better. It’s going to be neat to wrestle with him in college.

Pro wrestling or Mixed Martial Arts?

MMA. I look up to Colby Covington and Sean O’Malley.

Sheetz or Get-Go?

Sheetz. I like their pizza.

What is you favorite snack after practice or a match?

I like Skittles and a Prime energy drink.

What is your favorite meal you’re mom makes you?

A 6 oz. steak, medium rare, and mashed potatoes.

Where is you favorite vacation spot?

I like the Outer Banks.

Is there a vacation spot you’d like to visit?

I’d like to go back to Disney in Florida.

Do you have a favorite amusement park and ride?

I like the Steel Curtain at Kennywood and the Great Bear at Hersheypark. I like both places.

What is your ritual before a big match?

I don’t listen to music. I just strap on my headgear and get ready to go.

Who is the best wrestler you’ve ever watched?

That would be Spencer Lee. But I’m biased. My brother Gabe is good too.

If you were to have dinner with someone famous, who would it be and what would you talk about?

Donald Trump. I’m not sure what we’d talk about.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Norwin