Teays Physical Therapy Center, Inc. is pleased to present this week’s “Cager’s of the Week” awards to Rachel Viglianco of St. Albans High School and Brett McClanahan of Nitro High School.
The St. Albans Lady Red Dragons have had an up and down year. They have improved tremendously over the past couple years under the direction of Head Coach Scott James. They have had some success this year, and have proved to be a fit for all the area local high school teams competing against them. Much of their success is due to the play of senior forward Rachel Viglianco. Rachel currently stands as one of the leading rebounders in the state of West Virginia in girls’ basketball, and her leadership on the court has been unparalleled. When asked about her success, Rachel was very humble. “My teammates are the reason I have success. They work the ball around and get me the ball allowing me to score. Without them I would be nothing,” said Rachel. Rachel said the reason for the team’s success this year is their game plan. “We are an inside out team. We like to move the ball inside, and then kick it out for shots. When we do that we are successful.” Rachel and her teammates have one thing on their mind: the State Tournament. Rachel said, “Our goal is to make it to the State Tournament. If we can do that, we have had a successful year.” Rachel carries herself off the court as highly as she does on, where she carries a 4.53 GPA.
The Nitro Wildcats are off to a good season. They currently stand at 7-5, and Head Coach Dean Lee’s squad has been playing well recently making a push for the post season. Much of their success is due to the play of junior swingman Brett McClanahan. Last week in a win over Hurricane, Brett scorched the net for 47 points, three off of the school record of 50. When asked about his accomplishment, Brett coolly points his success towards his teammates. Brett said, “The team came out and we played well. We were in the flow, and it didn’t feel like I had 47, it felt like any other night. That is because my teammates made it easy on me.” Brett has been scorching the nets all year. He is currently one of the top scorers in the state, and he is recruited highly by Division-1 colleges. When asked about the team’s success, Brett said, “We work hard and try to do what we can to be successful on the court.” In the Hurricane game, Brett found a new dimension to his offensive scoring. “Coach Lee has been telling me to take the ball to the basket, and that is what I did. I was able to make my foul shots, and hit some close baskets to help my team get to victory,” said Brett. When asked about the team’s goals for the post season, Brett said, “We want to get out of our region and make the State Tournament. When we get there anything can happen, and that is our goal for right now.” Brett also excels in the classroom where he carries a 3.75 GPA.
Look for Rachel, Brett, and other local area high school athletes to be named next week’s Cager of the Week sponsored by Teays Physical Therapy Center, Inc.
