Pair of players earn honors at camp, Trib HSSN

Two local soccer players were named Most Valuable Players at the 2Tenths Speed ​​& Agility Top 150 Camp last weekend at Shady Side Academy.

The event featured some of the WPIAL’s top returning players, several of them from Westmoreland County.

Southmoreland freshman quarterback Anthony Smith was the top offensive player, while senior Austin Kerns of Franklin Regional took home top linebacker honors.

Smith, who is competing for the starting job in his debut season, was accurate with eight completions in 1-on-1 drills and connected on a pair of touchdown passes during 7-on-7 action.

He was chosen as the best among 22 first- and second-year quarterbacks.

“It was a good day, but there’s always room for improvement,” Smith said. “I hope to do that.”

Smith could soon receive his first NCAA Division I scholarship offer, Southmoreland coach Tim Bukowski said.

“You can’t do a private workout with West Virginia without the university taking a lot of interest in you,” the coach said. “Pitt likes it, too.”

Kerns (6-foot-2, 215 pounds) said he had a great day in front of scouts and the media.

“I thought I did very well on individual plays. My footwork was clean and I had no issues on the fast break entries and exits,” Kerns said. “I also thought I did very well in coverage, as I only lost one rep when facing top running backs with multiple big offers.”

Kerns, a two-time all-conference player and team captain, had 101 tackles, 19½ for loss and 11½ sacks last season.

He also broke up nine passes and returned a fumble for a score.

He had 12 receptions for 163 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver.

“I’m always confident in my abilities,” he said. “I have to admit, though, that I was definitely a little surprised to receive the MVP award. There were a lot of talented linebackers there with multiple Division 1 offers.”

Harvard offers Crosby

Harvard’s Ivy League program is interested in Greensburg Central Catholic junior Samir Crosby.

While league schools do not offer athletic scholarships, they may offer academic packages.

Crosby (5-9, 165) now has six Division I opportunities, with additional offers from UNLV, Kent State, Fordham, Buffalo and Miami (Ohio).

He has played a variety of positions for GCC, including quarterback, running back, receiver and defensive back.

Look for the key player to start at quarterback this fall.

Gribble Offer

Add Bryant to the list of potential suitors for Greensburg Central Catholic basketball standout Erica Gribble.

The incoming junior received a scholarship offer from the American East Conference school in Smithfield, RI.

Gribble, a 5-foot-10 combo guard who has more than 1,000 career points, has 14 NCAA Division I offers.

From Gedekoh to WCCC

Belle Vernon two-sport standout Jake Gedekoh will continue his baseball career at Westmoreland County Community College, where he will play under veteran coach Mike Draghi.

Gedekoh, an outfielder, hit .310 with three doubles, 10 RBIs and eight runs this season for the Leopards. He stole seven bases and committed just one error in 17 games.

He was also a great complement to players like Quinton Martin and Devin Whitlock in football, where he won back-to-back WPIAL and PIAA championships.

Recruitment

Penn-Trafford soccer player Bella Swartz will play at Pitt-Greensburg.

— Ligonier Valley’s Madison Marinchak will continue her basketball career at Westmoreland County Community College.

Last season, he rushed for 643 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at [email protected].

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