Observer-Reporter Athlete of the Week
Name: Tajah Gordon
School: Washington
Year: Senior
Sport: Basketball
Gordon’s week: The Prexies’ forward scored a game-high 18 points in a 61-17 win over Carmichaels last Monday in a Section 4-AA game, then helped Wash High grabbed one of its biggest non-section wins in recent memory.
Gordon scored 16 points, including nine in the second half, and grabbed 16 rebounds to help Wash High defeat Chartiers-Houston, 47-37, last Thursday at home. She was pivotal in the Prexies allowing only 15 second-half points.
“Everyone doubted us like always,” Gordon, who is avering more than 16 points per game, said. “Everyone doubts Wash High because we’re so young, but it was a really good confidence boost. All of the younger girls can see what they can do. Almost every player got in and in one way or another, they got in the (scorebook).”
Leading the way: After the graduation of three seniors from last year’s team and an influx of freshman joining the Prexies, Gordon, a four-year starter, wanted to take a vocal leadership role.
It was necessary because Wash High (8-1, 14-4) has two freshmen starting as guards and a host other underclassmen playing key roles off the bench.
“At first it was frustrating. They didn’t know what they were doing or how fast the game was,” Gordon said. “Over time, they started getting better and realizing their role is much bigger than it was in eighth grade. They keep progressing. Their attitude was kind of bad at first, but it’s gotten better as the season has gone on.”
As the underclassmen’s attitude improved, so has Gordon’s ability to lead. Along with Mikala Maltony and Nicole Hoffman, Wash High’s other seniors, Gordon has been proactive in helping the Prexies’ coaches make decisions.
Two days ago, the group suggested a different situational defense and the coaches listened.
“We have such a young squad that her leadership has helped out a lot,” Wash High head coach Mike Maltony said.
“We have a running joke in practice that we call her coach because she’s outspoken and able to help out a little bit more that way.
“It makes our job a whole lot easier when our seniors are thinking about Xs and Os, not just points, rebounds or getting their name in the newspaper.”
Playoff bound: Wash High is headed to the WPIAL playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. Though the Prexies have won three preliminary round games, their season has ended with blowout losses in the first round.
A victory over Chartiers-Houston, which reached the PIAA quarterfinals last season, has opened the Prexies’ eyes to what is possible.
“It is kind of surreal. Almost every year we get into the playoffs, make it to the second round and pretty much get beat by a catholic school that runs us over,” Gordon said. “Beating Chartiers-Houston, which just beat Bishop Canevin, shows that we have a chance to beat Canevin or give them a run for their money. We should go far. Hopefully, we do.”
Compiled by Lance Lysowski