Playing Peters Township High School in basketball is sure to leave seniors Erin Mathias and Brian Papich with lasting memories for years to come.
In a unique and historical night for the Fox Chapel Area High School basketball program, scholar-athletes Erin and Brian each scored their milestone 1,000th career points after playing only three years of varsity basketball. Erin sat out her sophomore year with a knee injury.
It is the first time in school history that three basketball players have earned this honor in the span of one year. A few weeks ago, Matt D’Amico recently earned his 1,000th career point status.
Brian, a 6’2” guard, was the team’s high scorer in their 70-65 win over Peters with 23 points, while Erin led the girls squad to a 53-36 win by contributing 22 points. Both players have helped lead their respective teams to the WPIAL Class AAAA playoffs that will begin Friday, Feb. 14.
Known as an exciting player to watch because of his overall athleticism, Brian’s significant jumping ability gives him a knack for dunking the ball. Also a member of the Foxes’ track and field team, Brian broke school records as a junior in the long jump and as part of the 4 x 400-meter relay team.
Equally well known for his academic performance, Brian maintains a 4.2 weighed GPA and scored in the first decile on his SATs.
“As a coaching staff and team we are very proud of Brian,” says head coach Zach Skrinjar. ”No one works harder or deserves it more. It was fitting that he was able to achieve it at home in front of our crowd.”
Erin, a 6’3” Duke recruit, is the most decorated girls’ basketball player in school history. Last year, she was selected as one of the Tribune Review Terrific 10 and the Pittsburgh Post Gazette Fab 5. She also was named to the Class AAAA All-State first team and was voted as the Pittsburgh Post Gazette WPIAL Player of the Year. This year she is nominated for the 2013-2014 Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year in girls’ basketball.
Erin’s prowess on the court is match by her achievements in the classroom, where she maintains over a 3.5 GPA.
Athletic director Michael O’Brien adds: “I couldn’t be more proud of both Erin and Brian. Both have worked exceptionally hard to reach their individual and team goals, while upholding the highest standards of academic performance as well.”