MIKE SHERRY

SCHOOL: Chartiers Valley

WHO IS HE? A 6-foot-1 senior guard on the boys' basketball team and one of the top scorers in the WPIAL.

THE PAST WEEK: In a win against Elizabeth Forward, Sherry scored 38 and in a loss against West Mifflin two days later, he pumped in 36.

LAYOFFS!, LAYOFFS! Chartiers Valley is 6-3 overall, 3-1 in Class AAA Section 4. The Colts will be in the stable until Jan. 5, going 15 days without a game.

"We went to Florida on Dec. 12 and played three games, and that sort of served as our Christmas tournament," Sherry said. "Is it tough sitting around? It definitely is. I'm so used to playing every couple of days that I can't wait to get back out there."

STARRING ROLE: Sherry's duties increased this year after Adam Braithwaite, a senior who would have started at guard, had a season-ending knee injury.

"I kind of knew that I was going to have to do more," Sherry said. "It isn't really what I would call a burden because I like the expectations people have of me."

THE FUTURE: Sherry is being courted by several Division II and III schools. He is a standout student.

"I'd love to play Division I basketball," Sherry said. "But I don't know what is going to happen with my recruiting. I'm just going to be satisfied with whatever school welcomes me in and gives me a chance and, right now, that will probably come at the Division II level."

TAJA WILSON

SCHOOL: Penn Hills

WHO IS SHE? A 6-foot-2 senior forward on the girls' basketball team, who has led the Indians to a 6-2 record, including a 2-0 mark in Class AAAA Section 2. Wilson has helped the Indians beat formidable opponents Kiski Area, Pine-Richland, Gateway, Plum and Hempfield.

THE PAST WEEK: Wilson scored 34 points in a 57-44 win against Plum and 20 in a 55-53 non-section victory against Pine-Richland.

SEASON AND CAREER: Wilson entered the week averaging 21.5 points a game. She eclipsed the 1,000-point mark for her career earlier this month.

THE FUTURE: Wilson will play at Michigan State next season. She chose the Spartans in September after also considering offers from Purdue, Vanderbilt, Boston College and Virginia Tech.