During his time playing basketball at Jeannette, Keith Rockmore was part of multiple Jayhawks’ postseason runs. After a break from the hardwood following high school, Rockmore has emerged this season a key contributor for Penn State New Kensington. Rockmore is featured in this installment of the Westmoreland Alum Q&A.

When Rockmore was a freshman at Jeannette in 2017-18, the Jayhawks put together a special season. Jeannette went 11-1 in section play, earning a bye in the first round of the WPIAL Class 2A bracket. In the quarterfinals, Jeannette ousted Shenango, but then fell to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in the semifinals. However, the Jayhawks qualified for the PIAA postseason. In that tournament, Jeannette defeated Purchase Line and Cambridge Springs, but came up short against Sewickley Academy in the quarterfinals to finish the campaign at 21-5.

The next season, Jeannette compiled a mark of 13-11 overall, including 8-4 in the section. Back in the WPIAL Class 2A postseason, the Jayhawks knocked off Springdale in the first round, but again fell to Sewickley Academy.

In 2019-20, Jeannette went 15-8 overall, including 11-1 in section action. The Jayhawks returned to the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs and garnered a bye, but then were upset by Shenango in the quarterfinals to end the season.

In Rockmore’s senior campaign in 2020-21, he paced Jeannette in scoring and 3-pointers made. That year, the Jayhawks went 15-5, including 7-2 in the section. In the WPIAL Class 2A postseason, Jeannette defeated Burgettstown and Winchester Thurston, but lost to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in the semifinals to end the season.

After Jeannette, Rockmore initially joined the basketball team at Bluefield State, but did not play.

He returned to basketball with Penn State New Kensington in the 2024-25 season. With the Lions, he appeared in 15 contests, averaging 2.1 points and 0.7 rebounds, while adding five assists and three steals. Collectively, New Kensington went 10-12 overall, including 7-10 in the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC). The Lions reached the PSUAC Tournament, but came up short against Penn State Greater Allegheny in the quarterfinals.

This campaign, Rockmore has become one of the most important components of the team. He has played in all eight games, including five starts, averaging 10.3 points and 3.3 boards per game, while compiling 17 assists, one steal, and one block. Thus far, New Kensington is 1-7, including 1-6 in the PSUAC.

Keith set aside time to answer questions about his team and individual goals for the season, his fondest memories at Jeannette, and an impressive talent he possesses.

Q: How have you evaluated your performance so far this season?

A: I got off to a slow start, but I started to understand why I wasn't playing to the level I was capable of. I began to believe in the work I put in during the offseason. But overall, I think I am playing decent so far, but I have a lot more to prove

Q: What is an underrated aspect of your game?

A: I think the most underrated aspect of my game would be my quickness or ballhandling. A lot of people look at me and have their minds made up that I'm slow and can’t dribble the basketball, but quickly find out that's not the case.

Q: You played exclusively off the bench last year but have started most games this season. What are the biggest adjustments to that change?

A: I think being in the gym nonstop over the offseason played a big part, along with believing in those extra reps and, most importantly, being ready for whatever opportunity is given and making the most of it.

Q: What team and individual goals have you established this season?

A: As a team, I think we have the ability to win it all when we are 100 percent healthy, so definitely the main goal is to win a championship for the school's last year. As for me, I try to push myself to the limit every time I step on the floor, so being able to maintain that on a daily basis would help me for this season and the hopeful future of my basketball career.

Q: What are the best qualities of your head coach, Brant Mack?

A: Motivating, good, down-to-earth person.

Q: How did you keep your basketball skills sharp between the time you played at Jeannette and when you joined the team at Penn State New Kensington?

A: I was able to do this because of my work ethic and the people I surrounded myself with. I constantly stayed around people who were hungry and always looked to get better. I also took as much knowledge from some college vets to help me prepare for the college level, which made the transition, as far as knowledge and skill, become a lot easier.

Q: What led to your decision to attend Penn State New Kensington?

A: It's funny because my first year, I was actually at Bluefield State first. But I didn't fit the style of play, and I had already talked to Coach Mack a few times about coming to Penn State New Kensington. So when I came to the school, I didn't know what to expect. I realized that it was a family culture with a group of people willing to do whatever it takes to win. That's what sold me. I definitely had a unique college experience to say the least, but I'm glad I ended up where I am.

Q: What is your major and ideal future profession?

A: I'm majoring in marketing management and would love to help market a professional sports team or even some kind of clothing brand.

Q: What has been your favorite college class?

A: I really enjoyed some of my management classes because they were mostly hands-on learning.

Q: What was your fondest high school memory at Jeannette?

A: Looking back at it, I really think any time Coach Batts would yell at me in a game. I didn't understand it at the time, but as I got older, I realized that those were the moments that made me so much better as a basketball player and as a person; or it could have been the game winner I had against GCC.

Q: Do you still follow Jeannette athletics or WPIAL basketball?

A: Of course. I love watching the Jeannette team beat up on other teams because it just makes me think “those were the same kids in middle school that would ask to go to the gym together.” Love seeing what they have going on, because it just shows that the culture that Jeannette has doesn't change, regardless of who has that J on their chest.

Q: If you could play a game of one-on-one against anyone, past or present, who would you choose? What would be the score in a game to 11?

A: It would have to be Kyrie Irving. That's my goat, and to play against him would be insane. The score would have to be like 11- 8. Who wins, I'll leave that up to you guys.

Q: Who is your celebrity dream date?

A: I don't have one, honestly. My girlfriend would be my dream date.

Q: What is a little-known fact about you or a hidden talent you possess?

A: I can sing a little, and I have a song that came out on all platforms last year called Late Night Conversations.