WPIAL Alum Q&A – Ciara Gregory
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Monday, December 21, 2015 | 1:27 PM
Monday night, the 2009-2010 Jeannette girls’ basketball team will be honored for the anniversary of the Jayhawks winning the WPIAL Championship. An instrumental part of that team was Ciara Gregory, who is the focus of this week’s WPIAL Alum Q&A.
In that 2010 Class AA title game, Gregory, a freshman, scored 14 points to help guide the Jayhawks to a 39-36 victory over Seton-LaSalle. That was just the beginning of Gregory’s incredible four-year run at Jeannette, though.
As a sophomore, she averaged 19 points per game, and again helped lead her team to the title game. In her junior season, she increased that total to 27 points per game, and also filled the stat sheet by averaging six rebounds, five assists and nearly five steals per contest.
Her senior year was historic, as she averaged more than 30 points per game, and earned honors as the Class AA player of the year in Pennsylvania, first team All-State, and was named a Parade All-American in 2013. She concluded her career at Jeannette with 2,130 points.
Gregory continued her career on the hardwood at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. As a freshman, she served as a key role player for the 49ers. Last season, she played in all 32 games, and made three starts.
This season has been a revelation for Gregory, however, as the junior guard began the campaign with a 27-point outburst against Ball State. Through 10 games, she has played at least 25 minutes in every contest, and has eclipsed 20 points three times. She’s also been particularly dangerous from behind the arc, as she’s knocked down more than 41 percent of her attempts.
Overall, her 16.4 points-per-game mark leads the 49ers, who hold a record of 7-3.
Ciara took the time from her schedule to chat about how she’s been so successful recently, and what stood out about her time at Jeannette.
Q: You made significant contributions in your first two seasons, but this year you have really had a breakthrough campaign scoring. What has been the biggest key to your success?
A: I just take the confidence my coach gives me in my ability to shoot the ball and knock down shots.
Q: You have shot particularly went from behind the arc in several games this season. Is your range your best asset?
A: Yes, I would say that my shot range is my best asset for the team.
Q: What was the biggest adjustment between high school and college basketball?
A: The biggest adjustment for me was on the defensive end. The physical part of it, as well, was an adjustment, as the girls were a lot stronger and faster when I first got here.
Q: Have there been any games in your career at Charlotte where you have been extra nervous before or during the contest?
A: No. Every game you have jitters, but no game in particular.
Q: What were your individual and team goals this season?
A: We don’t set goals, but we have some visions of where we want to be at come March.
Q: What was your best memory at Jeannette?
A: Winning the WPIAL my freshman year, for sure. And every time we beat Greensburg Central Catholic was always a good time.
Q: Jeannette has produced some tremendous college athletes, including Terrelle Pryor, Jordan Hall and Demetrius Cox. Did you seek any advice from any of them regarding their success or how to adjust to college athletics?
A: They are all tremendous athletes as you said, but I never sought advice from them.
Q: Who was the best individual you played against in the WPIAL?
A: I don’t remember for sure, but I probably would say Shatori Walker-Kimbrough from Maryland and Erin Waskowiak from Duquesne.
Q: Are you an NBA or WNBA fan? And if so, who is your favorite team or player?
A: NBA, Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, for sure.
Q: What is your major, and what career do you have in mind?
A: Psychology is my major, but I’m not sure what I want to do yet.
Q: What are the best and worst parts of attending school in Charlotte?
A: The best thing about being at Charlotte is it is such a growing city and campus, and the people are awesome here. For the worst thing, I guess I would have to go with the parking. LoL!! And the construction, since they are for ever building new things.
Q: Aside from schoolwork, how do you spend your time when your season is not in progress?
A: I love to go shopping.
Q: What is your favorite holiday movie?
A: Jingle All the Way and This Christmas
Q: Do you use social media, including Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat and Instrgram?
A: I use all of them.
Q: Do you have any experiences of playing basketball against guys?
A: Haha, I played with boys until they told me I couldn’t anymore.
Tags: Jeannette
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