A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: Kiski Area’s Bella Horcicak

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, December 9, 2024 | 9:40 AM

The last few years for Kiski Area senior Bella Horcicak have been about the search for the right fit.

Last year, the guard transferred to St. Joseph as she sought an environment that suited her.

“I always struggled, at Kiski and I don’t know why,” Horcicak said. “It was a bigger environment, and I thought maybe a smaller school would work out for me, but it didn’t.”

Because of WPIAL rules about transfers having to sit out a season, Horcicak did not play any meaningful basketball games for a team that made it all the way to the WPIAL final at Petersen Events Center.

Horcicak has returned to Kiski Area and joined a Cavaliers team looking to rebound from a 6-16 record and 2-10 showing in Section 1-5A. She will be looked on as a leader for a young team that lost three starters to graduation.

“Any time you can add some experience and more depth to the team is always a good thing,” Kiski Area coach Dave Williamson. said “She’s going to provide instant scoring. We’re definitely happy to have her back.”

Horcicak is a self-proclaimed sharpshooter who never passes up the opportunity to take a shot.

“If I have a shot, I’m going to take it,” she said. “If you have a hand in my face, I’m still going to shoot it. I prefer shooting over attacking the hoop.”

It has taken Horcicak a long time to shake off her proclivity to throw up any shot and be more selective.

“I would throw up shots from anywhere on the court,” she said. “It took a benching in AAU when the coach did not like my shot selection for me to take a step back and learn that if the shot is there, take it, and if not, don’t shoot.”

That’s the sort of growth and maturity that Williamson is glad to have on his team.

“Being around a good program like St. Joseph and going all the way to the finals has given her that boost in confidence we’ve seen,” he said. “We need that, someone who saw winning at a higher level, and, hopefully, she can bring some of that to us this year.”

Horcicak took some time for a Senior Spotlight Q&A:

Why the move back to Kiski Area?

I missed my teammates, and it just wasn’t the same being at St. Joe’s.

What are your thoughts coming back to Kiski, which had a down year last season?

It felt amazing. I was nervous and scared at first, but I’m glad to be back. I love and missed my teammates, the atmosphere and my coaches.

What’s it like playing for coach Williamson?

I love it. I have coach Williamson as one of my teachers this year, and he’s a fun spirit, always brings the energy and is a very positive coach.

What part of your game are you looking to improve on this season?

I feel like my defense has been steadily improving, but I would like to have more confidence in my ball handling.

What are your goals for the season?

Be a better team leader. I feel like at practices the team likes to joke around a little too much, and we need someone to get everyone focused.

What would be a successful season in your eyes?

As long as everyone on the team, coaches included, are happy when the season is over and not be either hurt or overly exhausted. If those things are accomplished, then it’s a successful year to me.

Favorite high school memory so far?

Making playoffs my freshman year. The turnout wasn’t so great, but the energy was there in the gym.

Which opponent do you look forward to playing the most?

Penn-Trafford because I have an AAU teammate on that team.

Any hobbies?

I love working with horses and goats, riding dirt bikes, hunting, fishing, shopping and sleeping.

What are your post high school plans?

I’m not 100% sure. I’m very iffy as to want I want to do, but recently I’ve been more into heavy machinery or doing something in welding.

What drew you to that?

My uncle has an excavating and contracting business. I began to think that I really liked it, and maybe it was something I would want to do after high school.

What’s one piece of advice you’d want to leave your teammates?

Enjoy the time you have because the four years you have really files by. Participate in as much as you can. Don’t worry what others think. Worry about being yourself.

Tags: Kiski Area