Last season the girls varsity basketball team had a successful campaign, winning the Mountain League with a record of 17-5.  Unfortunately the team made an early exit from the playoffs, losing to Juniata 44-36 in the opening round.  Individually one of the season’s highlights was standout senior Jordyn Swogger’s 1,000 career point, which was scored late in the regular season at Central.

While the team lost several starters including Swogger, Emily Izzolino and Lucy Raftery, the team is looking forward to another successful 2014-2015 campaign.

The Eagle Eye recently asked head girls basketball coach Luke Rhoades about their upcoming season.

Here’s what he had say:

Eagle Eye: What are your expectations for this year?

Luke Rhoades: I expect to be competitive each game night and get better each day at practice.

EE: How much will the team miss last years seniors?

LR: The seniors from last year will be missed a lot.  They brought a lot of experience, leadership and a will to win that is very tough to replace.

EE: Who do you think is going to be the toughest opponent this season?

LR: Every team on our schedule will be tough. 

EE: Which players do you look to lead the team this season?

LR: I am looking for all of our girls to want to step up each night and do something to help the team.

EE: How do you think the experience from last year will contribute to this year?

LR: We are very young but many of our girls have had significant varsity experience.  That will hopefully benefit us during games.

EE: What are your goals for this year?

LR: We want to compete with every team on our schedule.  We put a lot of time in during the off-season and I am hoping it pays off for us.

Roster:

SENIORS:

                Lindsey Kemp                   Forward               5’10”

                Amber Reese                    Guard                   5’5”

JUNIORS:

                Finnley Christine             Guard                   5’6”

                Marissa Sprankle             Guard                   5’6”

                Maddie Noll                      Forward               5’7”

                Amber Gill                          Forward               5’10”

SOPHOMORES:

                Kasey Engle                        Guard                   5’7”

                Cherah Mountz                Guard                   5’5”

                Alexis Cannistraci            Forward               5’8”

                Bobbi Miller                      Guard                   5’5”

                Olivia Bietz                         Forward               5’8”

FRESHMAN:

                Payton Wagner                Forward               5’6”

                Emily Lehman                   Forward               5’8”

                Tori Crabtree                     Guard                   5’2”

                Erin McKenna                    Guard                   5’2”

                Grace Gensimore            Guard                   5’4