A-K Valley athletes of the week: Freeport’s Madeline Clark, Kiski Area’s Logan Pollick

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, December 20, 2017 | 10:52 PM

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Madeline Clark

School: Freeport

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Basketball

Report card: Clark opened the Yellowjackets' Section 1-4A schedule by scoring a game-high 20 points in Monday's 76-32 win over rival Highlands. A two-year starter, she ranks second on the team with a 12.4 points-per-game average through five games. The 5-foot-8 guard turned in a 13-point effort to help lift Freeport (3-2, 1-0) past nonsection foe Indiana, 54-34, Friday. She put up 10 points against tournament host South Fayette to open the season and added another 10 against No. 4 Keystone Oaks to close out the tournament. Clark also was a reserve setter for Freeport's PIAA champion girls volleyball team.

How long have you been playing basketball?

I've been playing since I was in first grade at the Allegheny Valley YMCA.

What did the team learn at the South Fayette tip-off tournament?

We learned that we still had a lot to fix and we had a new offense coming in.

What is the strength of this year's team?

I think our team is really athletic and we're quick.

Where do the Yellowjackets need to improve the most before heading into the heart of the Section 1-4A schedule?

I think we just need to slow it down, be more confident and just play hard.

You have a twin sister (Samantha) on the team; is there any sibling rivalry?

We don't really show much, but it's definitely there.

Who is older?

I am by six minutes.

Who is your favorite NBA player and team?

Russell Westbrook is my favorite player, and the Oklahoma City Thunder is my favorite team.

What three words best describe you?

Hardworking. Athletic. Intelligent.

What's your favorite Christmas song?

Any song by Frank Sinatra.

What's your favorite Christmas movie?

“Elf.”

What's your favorite Christmas tradition?

I really enjoy going to my cousins' on Christmas Eve.

What's your favorite subject?

Math.

What is something interesting about you that nobody knows?

I really enjoy watching tennis.

Who is your favorite tennis player?

Serena Williams and Roger Federer.

Logan Pollick

School: Kiski Area

Class: Senior

Sport: Wrestling

Report card: Pollick moved up two weight classes from 160 to 182 pounds and has started the season 10-0. He came away from last Saturday's North Hills Duals with a 5-0 finish, including three pins, to win the 182-pound division. He started the season 4-0 in winning the Eastern Area Invitational.

How long have you been wrestling?

I started wrestling when I was in first grade and never really got into it until I was in eighth grade.

What does it mean to represent Kiski Area in wrestling?

Representing Kiski, I can't say enough about it. Just being looked at as not only one of top powerhouse wrestling schools in the state but the country. Every time I put on a Kiski singlet, I'm representing the school for what it's known for and carrying on that legend.

How do you get motivated before a match?

Before a match, I usually listen to music to pump me up. My before-match ritual is I sit in silence and on the mat I say a little prayer.

Your father (Jeff) was the Highlands wrestling coach from 1995-2010; how has he helped your growth as a wrestler?

Having my dad being into the sport of wrestling as much as he is (helped), and the Kiski coaches (are my) go-to coaches, but he got me into the sport of wrestling.

Who is your favorite wrestler?

I'm going to have to go with Matt McCutcheon from Kiski or Jason Nolf from Kittanning.

What three words best describe you?

Hardworking. Motivated. Dedicated.

What's your favorite Christmas song?

I'm definitely going with “Jingle Bells.”

What's your favorite Christmas movie?

Definitely “Elf.” It could be on in July, and I'd probably watch it.

What's your favorite holiday family tradition?

Just sitting down and eating dinner with both sides of my mom and dad's family.

Do you have any New Year's resolutions?

This year, I'm gonna try and hit the gym everyday regardless of wrestling being in season.

What is your favorite subject?

English.

What is something interesting about you that nobody knows?

I've been the leader of the Kiski student section for football and all the sporting events.

— William Whalen

Tags: Freeport, Kiski School