Westmoreland athletes of the week: Norwin’s Josh Ratesic, GCC’s Melina Maietta

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, February 14, 2018 | 8:39 PM

Josh Ratesic

School: Norwin

Sport: Basketball

Class: Senior

Claim to fame: Ratesic scored 37 points, including seven 3-pointers, to lead Norwin (11-11, 5-9) to a 65-57 win over Plum in Section 3-6A action Feb. 6. Ratesic was 10 of 11 from the free-throw line.

“Last week, we had a good game and win against Plum. It felt like I had a game that I thought I was able to have all season,” he said. “The season didn't turn out the way we had hoped. We were in the toughest section in the WPIAL.”

What made you commit to Allegheny?

I want to be an engineer so I'm going to major in mathematics and physics. Coach (Bob) Simmons is a good guy. We have a really close bond, and I enjoy their basketball program.

What was it like to be one of the returning starters this season?

It was a little difficult at the start with the new starters and the rest of the team. As the year was going on, we started to play better and better. As a leader, I tried to make sure to keep the team together even though we were losing some tough games.

How would you describe your style of play?

I'm a two or three (guard). I can shoot the ball. But I like to attack the hoop and attack in transition.

When you graduate, what do you want to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered for being a hard worker and the first guy in the gym and the last one to leave. I'm a leader on the team that takes everything on their back.

What is your favorite type of music and artist?

I'm a country boy, so I like the Zac Brown Band and Chris Stapleton.

Melina Maietta

School: Greensburg Central Catholic

Sport: Basketball

Class: Sophomore

Claim to fame: Maietta scored 17 points to lead Greensburg Central Catholic (12-10, 11-3) to a 55-30 win over Beth-Center in Section 3-2A action Feb. 5. Maietta scored 11 points in the first quarter, when she hit three 3-pointers. GCC will play the winner of Serra Catholic and Riverview in the quarterfinals Feb. 22.

“We had to go out strong. I knew I had to go out and play well,” she said. “We had to make the shots, play good defense and play good together.”

How does it feel to grab a share of the section title?

It feels really good. I'm glad we came together, won the section and we got the No. 4 seed for the playoffs.

How has the coaching staff prepared you during this week off?

We are just going to practice hard every day. We are just going to make sure we know all the offenses for the big playoff game.

What did you learn from sitting out a year after transferring from Norwin last year?

It was a tough time; I had to be there for my team. I practiced and made sure I was ready for when I got to play again.

How has your game developed throughout the season?

It's gotten better. In the offseason, I worked on my shot, and I have been working on my defense lately.

What is your favorite color?

Yellow. It's always been my favorite. My name means the color yellow, so I've always liked it.

— Andrew John

Tags: Greensburg C.C., Norwin