Spotlight: Interview with the Top Player in the PA Class of 2023 Rodney Gallagher

<p>Recently I had the pleasure of conducting an interview with the top-ranked player for the class of 2023 in the state of Pennsylvania, [player_tooltip player_id="991329" first="Rodney" last="Gallagher"].  The young standout from Laurel Highlands has division 1 offers in basketball, as well as football heading into his sophomore season.  Also, Rodney plays for Wildcats Select, a national AAU program that participates in the Adidas gauntlet.  Even though he had the opportunity to play with LeBron James’ son Bronny in AAU and the success he had this year winning the WPIAL championship, this young man continues to stay humble and hungry.  This rising star will make you believe that there still are some high school athletes who can perform well in the classroom, on the basketball court, and support their community by never forgetting where their journey began...</p> <p><strong>Here is the interview with [player_tooltip player_id="991329" first="Rodney" last="Gallagher"]:</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>1)  As a young boy when your mom passed away, how did that change your outlook on life when you were old enough to understand what happened?</p> <p><strong>RG)  It was very hard at times, but now every time I hit the court it’s for my mom.  Everything I do will be for her in my life.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>2)  Have you always grown up in the Laurel Highlands School District?</p> <p><strong>RG)  I have always been in the Laurel Highlands School District.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>3)  How did it feel getting to know LeBron James and what did you learn from that experience?</p> <p><strong>RG)  It was a great experience and I was taught a lot of new things from LeBron that have made me a better player.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>4)  Do you still keep in touch with LeBron and/or his son Bronny?</p> <p><strong>RG)  I keep in touch with his son Bronny to make sure he is doing well.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>5)  Your community seemed to rally around you and your team this year after winning the WPIAL championship.  What motivates you to stay at Laurel Highlands when there are many options to transfer in and out of state?</p> <p><strong>RG)  I want to be a loyal person and it would be good for people to say we want to be like him.  Also, I want people to remember me as one of the best to ever come out of here.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>6)  Do you have any brothers or sisters and how has your family supported you in all of your success?</p> <p><strong>RG)  I have two sisters and they have fully supported me and the same goes for my dad.  He has been there for me since day one.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>7)  Does AAU or High School basketball mean more to you right now?</p> <p><strong>RG)  It’s all equal to me because I want to go out and play my best.  Then I can work at achieving my goals and to get where I want to be in my career.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>8)  Many younger kids look up to you.  What does that mean to you?</p> <p><strong>RG)  I was once a little kid who looked up to many people.  Now that I am in this position, I want to be a role model and do my best to take advantage of opportunities.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>9)  You are a good student and well respected within your school.  Is there any jealousy from anyone that comes along with your success?</p> <p><strong>RG)  I don’t really worry about what anyone has to say about me. I just want to focus on my goals and to work hard to accomplish them.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>10)  Is your ultimate goal to play in the NBA and if that doesn’t work out what is your secondary plan for a career?</p> <p><strong>RG)  My goal is to make it to college and to make the professional league, but if that doesn’t work out I would like to be a coach somewhere.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>11)  Outside of basketball and football you are still a teenager, so do you have any hobbies other than sports?</p> <p><strong>RG)  I love to hang out with my family all the time. They keep me busy and I appreciate them so much.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>12)  Who is your role model?</p> <p><strong>RG)  My role model is my dad because he has been through a lot in his life.  My dad has always kept me on the right path and pushes me harder day by day.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rodney is a humble and hard-working young man who we wish all the success in his young career.  Make sure you follow him this season in Pennsylvania as he embarks on his sophomore campaign looking for a repeat WPIAL championship at Laurel Highlands High School.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>