The Lacey Kriebel Interview (South Williamsport, PA)

May 30, 2023

The Lacey Kriebel Interview (South Williamsport, PA)

Name: Lacey Kriebel

Hometown: South Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Height: 6 Feet

Position: Shooting Guard/Point Guard

High School: Loyalsock Township (PA)

Graduation Class: 2025

AAU Club: Sideline Cancer S40

GPA: 4.0

Status: COMMITTED (Lock Haven University - 8/22/24)

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, PA -- Lacey Kriebel is a 6-Foot Combo Guard from South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. She's a rising junior and transfer at Loyalsock Township Senior High School, and runs with Sideline Cancer on the Select 40 circuit. As a sophomore, Kriebel was named an All-State guard in 2A by averaging 14.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.1 steals per game to lead the Mountaineers to a 22-7 record, District 4 championship and state playoff berth.

As I have previously mentioned before, Williamsport Area has some of the toughest athletes in the state. We all know that the small Northern PA town has a distinguished history with the Little League Baseball® World Series, but what if I told you that Kriebel has a chance to rewrite history itself? Being one of the top guards in the state, Kriebel is a very skilled prospect who gets better by the year. She can score efficiently from all three levels, can direct an offense with her leadership and passing ability, and isn't afraid to be aggressive on the defensive end through her defensive play. Having a stellar 4.0 GPA, being in the National Honor Society and a top 10 student in her class is one thing, but with how it translates on the court is a thing of beauty. Kriebel is looking forward to a big summer with Sideline Cancer, but to tackle a bigger accomplishment in eclipsing the 1,000 point mark in her junior year. But, for now let's see what Kriebel has been up to this offseason.

I caught up with the 2025 prospect in an interview on her sophomore campaign, the switch to Sideline and preparation heading into junior year.

Lacey Kriebel Interview

When did you first start playing basketball?

"I started playing when I was in 4th grade. Both of my parents played college basketball, so I was naturally brought into the sport. I started by dribbling in the driveway with my dad. I played up a grade on the Y League team, so that’s when it all started."

Describe your game from the skill standpoint.

"The best aspect of my game is my high basketball IQ. I like to distribute the ball and get my teammates involved, I see the floor well, and I am an unselfish player. I can drive and finish at the rim, pull up for a short mid-range jumper, and I can shoot the 3. I am a versatile player who can play, and guard many positions. I dive on the floor and sacrifice my body whenever it is needed."

How was life growing up in South Williamsport?

"We are a very small school that produces good sports teams in softball, girls soccer and basketball, as of recently. It is a laid back community and unlike Pittsburgh or Philly, we don’t have many things going on. We don’t even have Chick Fil A or Wawa *laughs*. Even within the town, I like it because I am able to do things that I enjoy such as hunting, fishing, boating, riding bikes and more. We also have a beautiful community park, which makes my running and conditioning a little easier!"

You had one helluva year for the Mountaineers in leading them to states and earning All-State honors along the way. From your point of view, how was your sophomore season?

"We had big expectations going into the season since we reached the elite 8 in states last year, but we lost our center which was a huge loss. Individually, I had goals set for myself. For example, I wanted to be named first-team in my conference, and local area newspaper selection, which I obtained both. I also wanted to get All-State at any level, and I got that too. As a team, I wanted us to be conference champs, but we fell a little short. However, that boosted us, and we came back on fire to win districts. Along the way, I was box-and-one’d throughout games, but I helped my team in other ways. In the district championship, I had the best game of my high school career thus far. I hit eight threes going 8 for 13, and finished with 26 points. It was an unforgettable season for sure especially since I won it with my parents coaching us!"

You were previously on the UAA circuit last year, but now have made the switch to regional club, Sideline Cancer. You have been playing pretty well with them throughout the spring, but what factors led to you in “coming home,”?

"I switched to Sideline Cancer because traveling to Philly, twice a week, was a financial burden on my parents. Plus, it was hard to take care of my brother. This traveling experience is a lot easier for my family. Sideline Cancer is different from the Comets, but we all get along and I love my teammates. I see a lot of good things happening."

You’re still at a very early stage of your career. What kinds of things are you doing to make yourself the best player you can be?

"Three to four days a week, I workout with my dad on various things. Two days a week I am practicing with my AAU team. I try to at least workout with Josh Aarons twice a week to improve my driving and ball handling. I also train with Mary Mazzante for speed and agility. I also have been running twice a week to keep my cardio up for the live periods."

Who are your favorite players and why?

"I have three with Nikola Jokic, Jayson Tatum and Steph (Curry). With Jokic I like his court vision, and the way he facilitates the ball as a big man. He gets his teammates involved, and makes things happen. That’s what I feel one of my strongest qualities is. With Tatum he is a long athletic guard who can do a little bit of everything. And, I feel that’s the way I play. I can post up, but I can also shoot, and take someone off the dribble and use my length as an advantage. With Steph he is an unbelievable shooter, and I am a shooter so I try to model my game after his. The way he runs and moves without the ball is something I try to imitate when I’m playing, so I get easier and more open shots."

Who would you consider your role model?

"I really don’t have a role model, but when I play it’s always in the back of my mind that my special needs brother can’t play, so I play for him. I play for the people who can’t and that motivates me."

What do you believe are the greatest challenges most players are facing today?

"I think the transfer portal is greatly affecting high school recruitment. High school players are getting slighted by the chance because schools would rather get someone with more experience from another school. There is no loyalty anymore. and people hop around schools all the time. Additionally, there is no loyalty in college or AAU. That goes for both players and coaches."

As you’re now at the age where you’re starting to look for college opportunities, what do you ideally look for in a college?

"I want to go somewhere where I feel wanted, and a place that I can call home. Location is a big for me because I want my parents, and my brother to be able to come to my games, so I have to be within 3 to 4 hours away. I want to make lifelong friendships, and bonds with my teammates, so I would like a family culture. And, of course, I want an awesome education, so I can get a good job and start off my life."

What are your expectations heading into junior season?

"Right now I’m so focused on AAU, and trying to get attentions from colleges, I haven’t really thought about team goals, or individual goals yet. But, my long term goal is to score 1000 points, and get 500 rebounds. I’m already getting close, and should hit 1000 my junior season."

Thank you Lacey for taking the time to talk with me. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation? Any last words?

"My best advice is don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone has their own path, and different ways of achieving their goal. Your time will come, so just keep working hard and believing in yourself. Thank you for having me!"