A-K Valley athletes of the week: Knoch’s Scott Fraser and Deer Lakes’ Reese Hasley

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, January 15, 2019 | 9:09 PM

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Scott Fraser

School: Knoch

Class: Junior

Sport: Basketball

Report card: A two-year starter, Fraser has been wearing out opponents this season. The 6-foot-2 swingman had a game-high 33 points in a Section 1-4A win over No. 5-ranked Highlands last week. Fraser then scored 21 points in last Friday’s section win over Derry. Fraser leads Knoch (10-3, 4-0) in points (219), points per game (16.8) and is shooting 80.3 percent from the free-throw line. He also is a two-year starter on the football team and plays wide receiver and free safety.

How long have you played basketball?

Since as long as I can remember. I think second (or) third grade.

Where did you learn to shoot the ball?

I’ve been going to my coach’s gym. I’ve been working with him since I was in sixth grade. I was a manager for the basketball team back then.

On average, how many shots a day do you take during practice?

If it’s a shooting practice, probably like 300-400 on average.

How does first place in the section feel?

It feels good. No one really expected to us to be here. We kind of came out of nowhere.

What is the strength of this year’s team?

All the offseason work we put in. We can shoot the ball like crazy. Our fundamental skills are probably the best part of us, and we’re all pretty tall, too.

How big was the the win over No. 5-ranked Highlands?

It felt good. It was big for us, and our confidence went up.

Do you think the Highlands win got people’s attention?

Yeah for sure. They were ranked in 4A, and expectations are high now.

Where does this team need to get better down the stretch run?

If we don’t shoot well, we can’t let that affect our game, especially on the defensive end, and maybe our rebounding.

Does this team have a motto?

It’s been a motto for the last few years, but every time we break the huddle we say, ‘Family.’

Who is the unsung hero on this team?

Jake Schiedt really keeps us going. He distributes the ball to us and really keeps us going. He’s a positive guy to be around and keeps everything flowing .

Who is the comedian in the locker room?

Probably junior Cole Lassinger.

Do you have a favorite basketball movie?

‘Glory Road.’

Who is your favorite NBA player and team?

LeBron James and the Lakers.

Do you have a favorite college team?

Probably Duke.

What three words best describe you?

Determined. Smart. Focused.

What three people would you like to have dinner with?

LeBron James, DeAndre Hopkins and Jalen Ramsey.

What is your favorite subject at school?

Math.

What is something interesting about you that people don’t know?

I like to go on our boat with my family, and I like to (water) ski and snow ski too.

Reese Hasley

School: Deer Lakes

Class: Freshman

Sport: Basketball

Report card: It’s not much of a secret a large part of Deer Lakes’ success this season is because of the growth and production of its younger players, and Hasley is one of those players. She has scored in double figures in eight of her first 12 varsity games. A 5-foot-6 guard, Hasley put up a team- and career-high 20 points in last week’s Section 3-3A win over East Allegheny. She leads the Lancers (9-3, 5-2) with 12 points per game. She also started on the golf team and will play softball.

How long have you played basketball?

I started in second grade.

Is playing varsity basketball everything you thought it would be?

It is. I love it. It’s a different environment from my previous years, and I’ve been having so much fun.

What’s surprised you the most about varsity basketball?

Probably how competitive it really is. Every game counts.

How bad does Monday’s loss to section rival Shady Side Academy sting?

It definitely hurts, but I think we’re all ready to move on and attack whatever team comes next.

What did this team learn about itself in the loss to the Indians?

We learned who we are. It was an eye-opener, and I think we need a better attitude about playing.

What is the strength of this year’s team?

I would like to say our chemistry. Our chemistry is really good, and these four seniors have been playing together for so long and they’ve been really accepting of me.

Does this team have a motto?

Our motto this year is, ‘All Grit, No Quit.’

Who is the unsung hero on this team?

Julia Hollibaugh. She does a lot of work under the hoop that goes unnoticed.

Who is the comedian in the locker room?

I’m gonna have to go with Julia (Hollibaugh) again on that one.

Do you have a favorite basketball movie?

‘Glory Road.’

Do you have a favorite college team?

The Duke Blue Devils.

What three words best describe you?

Competitive. Athletic. Kind-hearted.

What three people would you like to have dinner with?

Christian Laettner, Anna Kendrick and Zac Efron

What is your favorite subject at school?

Math’s what I’m best at.

What is something interesting about you that people don’t know?

I’m a pretty good dancer. I can dance to almost any song.

William Whalen is a freelance writer.

Tags: Deer Lakes, Knoch