Area girls McDonald’s All Americas
Kathryn Westbeld, Fairmont, 2014
Ally Mallot, Madison, 2011
Samarie Walker, CJ, 2010
Brandie Hoskins, CJ, 2003
Alison Bales, Beavercreek, 2003
Area boys McDonald’s All Americas
Daequan Cook, Dunbar, 2006
Jason Collier, Catholic Central, 1996
John Paxson, Alter, 1979
Dwight Anderson, Roth, 1978
It only seems like Kathryn Westbeld has always been in the Fairmont High School girls basketball lineup.
“Senior Night was so sad,” the senior said Thursday. “Almost our whole team, we’ve been together for three-four years. Just that it’s almost all over is very sad. It’s bittersweet because we’re sisters. It’ll be sad to split and go our separate ways.”
That won’t happen for another six weeks. In the meantime, Westbeld will do her best to help Fairmont (17-2) defend its Division I state championship.
Westbeld further separated herself by being named a McDonald’s All-America on Wednesday, which also marked her 18th birthday.
She’ll play in the nationally televised (ESPNU) East-West game April 2 at Chicago’s United Center. Next season she’ll play for the University of Notre Dame.
“It’s very cool and there’s nobody more deserving,” said Fairmont head coach Lacy Romine.
Westbeld leads the Firebirds in every significant offensive category and is a lock to surpass 50 career double-doubles. She has 46 overall and 11 straight. The Firebirds will likely land a No. 1 seed for the upcoming postseason tournament on Sunday.
Here’s what Westbeld had to say about that and a lot more:
Q: We don't get many McDonald's All-Americas. What does it mean to you?
A: It's not only a personal achievement; I give a lot of credit to (senior teammate and Ohio State signee) Makayla Waterman. She's made me the player that I am. She's been on my team for so long and I've been playing against her in practices. And that includes all the great coaches that I've had.
Q: When did your game take off?
A: Two years ago with Sports City (and AAU) coach Tom Jenkins. … That's when I really reached my peak. I give a lot of credit to him. He made me step out of my comfort zone and really taught me how to be the player that I am today.
Q: Have you and Waterman have been good for each other?
A: People call us the Twin Towers. You can't have one without the other. Somehow we make it work.
Q: How deep does the Westbeld clan go?
A: My uncle John played at Carroll. So did my dad, Jim. My uncle Bill played football at Dayton and was drafted by the Seahawks. My aunt Carol was a volleyball All-American at Wright State. My aunt Michelle played volleyball at Cincinnati. … Sports is definitely a big part of the Westbeld family.
Q: When was your earliest basketball success?
A: When we played for the (AAU youth) Cobras, we had five players who all played for Fairmont my freshman year. It was funny how we all ended up (at Fairmont). We always talked about all going to the same high school and playing together just like old times and it actually happened our freshman year. It was really cool.
Q: How was it that all those great players landed at Fairmont?
A: Makayla and (2013 grad) Alona (Skipper) had the choice of going (to Fairmont) or to Alter. Alona made the first decision to go (to Farimont). We knew (former) Coach (Tim) Cogan had a great program here and we wanted to be a part of it.
Q: What happens if you don't play for another state title as a senior?
A: I don't know. That's our No. 1 goal. I want to do everything in our power and my power to go out on top. That's a big deal to me and I know it is to Makayla because we're been here for so long. I really want to get this last win for our coaches just because it's their first year here and they deserve it.
Q: Was the 60-55 loss to Centerville a wakeup call?
A: It's not a good thing that we lost, but it was definitely a wakeup call and opened our eyes that anything's possible. We have a huge target on our back and we have everything to lose. Other teams don't have as much (to lose) because we're the defending state champs. Everyone's got to bring their 'A' game no matter what.
Q: Why Notre Dame?
A: I want to major in business and it's the No. 1 business school. That opens a lot of doors for me. That was a big thing. My teammates who I'll be playing with, that was a huge part. … Here at Fairmont, it's about family. … It's a home feeling here. When I went there, it was the same thing and atmosphere. It's a homey atmosphere and I love that about them.
Q: How tall are you?
A: With shoes I'm 6-2.
Q: Is there more to you than basketball?
A: I've always taken art classes because I enjoy doing that kind of stuff. I always do the nail polish and designs and the hair. It's a different side of me. I like to dress up and do the makeup thing and look like a girl sometimes.
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