Rebels' Kibby targets Gannon

Crestview's standout player also is class valedictorian.
& lt;a href=mailto:kovach@vindy.com & gt;By JOHN KOVACH & lt;/a & gt;
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
EAST FAIRFIELD -- Katie Kibby relishes a challenge.
She expects to get one at Gannon University.
But given her basketball and academic achievements at Crestview High, the 6-foot-3 senior center and class valedictorian who sets the bar high in everything she does has an excellent chance to become an outstanding NCAA Division II player.
Kibby, who averaged 19 points, 10 rebounds, four blocks and three assists for the Rebels last season for coach Tanja Simione, has accepted a full athletic scholarship to Gannon, of Erie, Pa.
Gannon is a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Association.
"Everyone has room to improve and I felt like I want to take it to the next level," said Kibby, a four-year letter winner and three-year starter for Crestview with a 4.0 grade-point average. "As long as you apply yourself, you will get something out of it."
Biggest assets
She said she believes her biggest assets as a player are "having a positive attitude and being a solid post player."
But she also has other outstanding characteristics as she led the Rebels to a 17-3 record last season, including 12-2 in the Tri-County League to share the title with Columbiana.
Simione said Kibby was both an offensive and defensive force and leader for the Crestview team, but will have to prepare to meet greater demands at Gannon.
"Her size was a major asset. She controlled the paint for us all season," Simione said. "She led the team in scoring and also with a defensive force. She stopped the penetration from opponents and forced them to shoot from the outside. She controlled the boards."
But, Simione pointed out, "[Kibby] needs to become a stronger player to compete at the next level."
Gannon coach Cleve Wright is confident she can do it.
"He does see a lot of potential in her and room for improvement," Simione said. "Her best games are yet to come.
"Wright could see that she won't let him down. She has been in the weight room and running and will do whatever she can to compete at the next level."
Wright, a former Northwestern assistant who will be in his third year at Gannon, guided the Knights to an 18-11 record last season, including 10-7 in the GLIAC.
Simione said Kibby is multi-dimensional and well-rounded with the capacity to learn, grow and excel in anything she attempts to do.
"She sets high standards for herself and has priorities, and academics are extremely important to her. She puts them first and works hard," Simione said. "Her personality stands out. She has a wonderful personality and she is fun to be around. She is dependable and dedicated. "
Attracted to Gannon
Kibby said she considered other colleges, "but Gannon just had [what I wanted]. It [Erie] is a beautiful city. They had great girls [on the team] and I liked everything about it. I was looking for a smaller school."
She also likes the location.
"There is a lot to do there being on Lake Erie," Kiby said.
The daughter of Bev and Mark Kibby, Katie is considering physical therapy as a major.
Her older brother, Dan, who is a senior at Mount Union and will graduate this month, also played basketball at Crestview.
Her younger sister, Laura, is in the eighth grade at Crestview and plays basketball.
& lt;a href=mailto:kovach@vindy.com & gt;kovach@vindy.com & lt;/a & gt;