WPIAL Alum Q&A – Jimmy Leichliter

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, March 21, 2017 | 3:41 PM

Averaging double figures in scoring for a college basketball season is quite an accomplishment, but averaging double figures in each of the first three seasons of a player’s collegiate career is even more impressive. Former Connellsville star Jimmy Leichliter has achieved that feat at Geneva College, as he’s become one of the top performers in his conference. Leichliter is the featured athlete for this weeks’ installment of the WPIAL Alum Q&A.

In high school, Leichliter was a two-year starter for the Falcons, although his team did not taste the postseason in either of those campaigns. In 2012-13, Connellsville compiled a mark of just 7-15. In Leichliter’s senior campaign, the team improved to 11-10, as he netted approximately 18 points per game.

2014-15, Leichliter made a smooth transition to the college game, as he joined the Geneva squad and instantly became one of its top players. He played in 26 games, including 17 starts for the Golden Tornadoes, averaging 10.3 points per game. He also shot a blazing 42 percent from behind the arc, and added 3.6 rebounds and 13 blocks, which was second best on the team. Geneva concluded its campaign with a mark of 10-16, including 7-9 in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference.

The following season, Leichliter improved his individual numbers, but Geneva took a step back in the win column. The sophomore started 25 of the 26 games in which he appeared, compiled 13 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, and led the team with 24 blocks. However, the Golden Tornadoes were just 5-21 on the season.

This past campaign, Leichliter continued to make strides on the court, as he increased his scoring output to 15.5 points per game, which ranked fourth in the PAC, while also hauling down 6.4 boards. Additionally, his 16 blocks ranked second on the squad. Subsequently, he was named to the PAC All-Conference Honorable Mention. Moreover, Geneva enjoyed an improved season, as the Golden Tornadoes compiled a 10-16 record, including 7-11 in conference action.

Jimmy dedicated time from his schedule to talk about his most memorable college game, which team he considered the biggest rival in high school, and what he would purchase if he woke up as a millionaire.

Q: You have averaged scoring in double figures in all of your seasons at Geneva, including as a freshman. How did you have immediate success in the scoring column?

A: I think the reason for my success all three years in scoring was because of the players around me! They always seem to know where I am, and find me when I’m open. 

Q: How would you describe your style of play?

A: I would say my style of play is like most people, because I really try to only play to my strengths! But my main style of play is organized, play-orientated basketball. 

Q: What is the area in which you’d most like to improve?

A: The area I would most like to improve would be ball handling, because if I am able to handle the ball with more confidence, then I will become a bigger scoring threat on the floor.

Q: Did you set any individual goals prior to 2016-17?

A: I had a few personal goals that I set for myself, like being a leader on the team and helping the team win games! But, it was mainly about the team goals that we all set, and we achieved some of them!

Q: Your team had 10 wins this season, but that was a significant improvement from the prior season. Is the program moving in the right direction?

A: I definitely think that our program is in the right direction. With our upcoming leaders like Danny Torok and even Ethan Moose, I think after my senior year, they will continue to build this program in the direction that the coaches and players want it to go! 

Q: What was your most enjoyable game thus far in college?

A: My favorite game was sophomore year against Waynesburg when they came in projected to win! But we won and played Geneva basketball.

Q: What factors led to you attending Geneva?

A: The biggest factor that led me to Geneva was the coaching staff, because they never stopped showing me that I was wanted here. I also wanted a small school with a Christian atmosphere.

Q: What is your major and ideal future occupation?

A: My major is accounting. I am studying to be a CPA. I hope that my future occupation is something to do with the tax world!

Q: What was your fondest memory from Connellsville?

A: My fondest memory of Connellsville was every Friday night having basketball games and coming out of our locker room and the gym being packed with students and parents.

Q: What team did you consider the Falcons biggest rival in basketball?

A: I would say that Hempfield was our biggest rival because they had a strong program and no one at the time could beat them, so it seemed for me that that was the game everyone tried to bring their ‘A’ game every second of the game!

Q: What is your favorite sport aside from basketball?

A: I would have to say football.

Q: What is your favorite holiday?

A: I would say that my favorite holiday is Christmas. No matter what, everyone is always nice to one another and it brings people together. 

Q: What food could you eat every day for the rest of your life?
A: Deer Steak  

Q: If you woke up with $1 million tomorrow, what is the first thing you’d buy?

A: I would buy a new truck and bow. 

Q: What is a secret talent you possess or a little-known fact about you?

A: I love to bow hunt.

Tags: Connellsville