An ACL tear requires an eight to twelve month recovery process before an athlete is healthy enough to return to sport, but not if you’re Lorenzo Gardner.  This two-sport NE-CA-HI stud has lettered multiple years in both football and basketball, and is a great leader on the court.  He is known for his unbelievable court vision, his goofy personality, and of course, his moonshot at the Peterson Event Center that almost scraped the rafters and plummeted down through the net.  Prior to his senior season, Zoe (pronounced: Zo, not Zo-ee) suffered a torn ACL while running routes at football.  But the resilient Gardner bounced back just six months after his injury.  We had a chance to catch up with Zoe before he’s officially a high school grad, and we took the opportunity to get to know more about him and his time here at NE-CA-HI.

Question: How does it feel to be a senior?

Zoe: It came quicker than I expected but it feels good to know I’m going to be walking across the stage.

Q: What helped you get through your injury?

Zoe: My family, prayers that were sent, and my faith and friends.

Q: Did you have any teachers you were close to while in high school?

Zoe: Mr. Abe, Coach Cowart, and my grandma (Ms. Bunny, aid).

Q: What was your favorite moment as a Red Hurricane?

Zoe: Winning the WPIAL back-to-back.

Q: What advice would you give to any underclassmen coming up?

Zoe: Be true to yourself and a little self confidence can go a long way.

Zoe is currently undecided as to where he will be attending college but is leaning toward Mount Union.  His clutch play-making ability, leadership, and infectious personality will be missed by his teammates and New Castle fans.  After he receives his diploma and is officially a NE-CA-HI alum, he will be able to proudly call himself a Red Hurricane.  In addition,  Zoe  will be able to show off his back-to-back WPIAL championship rings.