Two years have passed since Jake DiMichele, hailing from McKees Rocks and a standout at Our Lady of Sacred Heart, dominated the high school basketball courts. Today, his alma mater is overflowing with pride as he steps onto the national scene in the NCAA Tournament.
“Seeing him succeed is no surprise, but it fills us with immense pride,” shared Mike Rodriguez, DiMichele’s high school coach.
Sister Francine, an OLSH Math Teacher, expressed her astonishment, “It’s hard to believe. He just burst onto the scene this year and has already carved out a significant reputation for himself.”
DiMichele’s journey to success is marked by his relentless drive and dedication, leading the Chargers to four consecutive WPIAL titles, two PIAA State Championships in a row, and matching a state record with 68 consecutive victories.
Rodriguez highlighted the unseen efforts of DiMichele, “Many don’t realize the amount of work Jake puts in behind the scenes.”
“He’s an incredibly hard worker. After a two-hour practice, while everyone else left, he’d strap on a weight vest, lay down a ladder, and start sprinting alone in the gym. Then, he’d shoot 100 shots from the same spot,” Rodriguez added.
Now a freshman with the Dukes, DiMichele continues to embody the selfless, lead-by-example attitude he displayed in high school.
Al Lesh, the Voice of the Chargers, noted, “He’s the player everyone looks up to.”
“Even when others are seeking attention, they would eventually turn to Jake and ask, ‘What should we do?'” Lesh observed.
Sister Francine reminisced about DiMichele’s signature stance, “His hands-on-hips pose dates back to high school. He still does it, surveying the court and deciding the next move.”
For DiMichele, a former two-time Class 2A Player of the Year, playing in the tournament he always dreamed of is a realization of his dreams.
“It’s hard to express in words,” DiMichele said. “Growing up watching Duquesne and now representing my city here is truly a blessing.”
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