BRIANNA PIZZANO
School: Wyoming Area
Year: Freshman
Sport, position: Tennis
Family: Tiffany, mom; Steve, dad
Last week: Pizzano became the first girls tennis district champion in Wyoming Area history (over half a century). To secure the title, the freshman overcame a 5-2 deficit by recording five straight points in the tiebreaker to beat Scranton Prep’s Gabriella Jakubek 6-4, 7-6 (5). Pizzano defeated Prep’s Tatiana Klacko in the semifinals. Pizzano advances to the state tournament which begins Nov. 4 at Hershey Racquet Club in Hershey.
What she says: “It’s really exciting, for my first year. I would have expected (the school record to be broken by) someone who had been playing in districts for a couple of years. … When I was winning 5-3 I had a lot of nerves because I was only one game away and that got to me. … I just had to calm myself down when I was losing 5-2 in the second set and that worked.”
Coach says: “We have never had a district championship at Wyoming Area. Actually my sister was the only other medalist, she got third place back in 2004. After that, no one else has gotten a singles medal. … (Brianna has) been playing for a long time, so coming into the season I knew, because of her ability, and she’s extremely athletic that she could potentially have a great regular season. And once the district tournament came about, I thought she had a chance to go far and possibly winning if she played well.” — WA tennis coach Tiffany Callaio
Favorite color: Blue
Oreos or Chips Ahoy: Chips Ahoy
Favorite song right now: “Closer” The Chainsmokers
Favorite sports team: Philadelphia Phillies
One thing people would be surprised to know about you: Play three sports competitively (tennis, basketball, softball)
Favorite TV show: “Impractical Jokers”
Biggest fear: Clowns
Superman or Batman: Superman
Favorite subject in school: Science
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite Athlete: Serena Williams
Favorite musician/musical act: Luke Bryan
Favorite season: Fall
Favorite book: “The Fault in Our Stars”
A place you’d like to visit: Italy
Favorite holiday: Christmas
If you could have one superpower, what would it be? To fly
iPhone vs. Samsung: iPhone
Future goals: To win states before I graduate
Pirates or Ninjas: Ninjas
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MASON GATTUSO
School: Dallas
Year: Junior
Sport, position: Golf
Family: Kristin, mom; Jim, dad; Tanner, brother; Dalton, brother
Last week: The junior was one of three Wyoming Valley Conference golfers to advance to the East Regional Tournament after shooting a District 2 low 75 last week. He became the first district champion from the WVC since Pittston Area’s Tyler McGarry did it in 2014. Gattuso is the first district champ from Dallas in at least 20 years.
What he says: “On the back nine I felt pretty solid. I had five birdies on the back and I thought if I just continued it would be a good day. (I kept) my head intact all 18 holes, hit one shot at a time and (didn’t) think ahead. … I’m very excited to advance (to the East Regional).”
Coach says: “He was able to be consistent and place the ball in scoring position, followed by strength in his putting that produced great numbers.” — Dallas golf coach Jane Kilduff
Favorite color: Blue
Oreos or Chips Ahoy: Chips Ahoy
Favorite song right now: “X” 21 Savage
Favorite sports team: Cincinnati Bengals
One thing people would be surprised to know about you: I can flip a water bottle pretty good. I flip it and it lands on the bottom.
Favorite TV show: “The League”
Biggest fear: Clowns
Superman or Batman: Superman
Favorite subject in school: Gym class
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite Athlete: AJ Green
Favorite musician/musical act: 21 Savage
Favorite season: Summer
Favorite book: Anything by Bob Rotella
A place you’d like to visit: St Andrews in Scotland
Favorite holiday: Christmas
If you could have one superpower, what would it be? To fly
iPhone vs. Samsung: iPhone
Future goals: To go to states for golf
Pirates or Ninjas: Ninjas
