As the preseason comes to a close for the Tyrone Girls Varsity Basketball team, coaches and teammates are excited to officially begin the season on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 against Bellefonte.

“The girls have worked very hard in the offseason to improve their individual skills, although there is still a lot of work to be done before we are performance–ready,” said coach Luke Rhoades. This is his eighth season coaching for girls varsity.

According to Rhoades, the goal is to finish with a record of at least 18-4, which is a slight improvement from last year’s record of 17-7.

“My greatest concern is that after graduating four starters and a total of five seniors, it leaves lots of holes to fill,” said Rhoades, “we will be playing girls with little-to-no varsity experience.”

Jorydn Swogger, one of the three seniors that are on the team, is the only returning starter from last season.

“[Jordyn] will definitely be one of our most valuable players on the court this year,” commented Rhoades.

“One of our biggest difficulties this season will be our ability to mesh together,” said sophomore Maddie Noll, “we aren’t working as one team yet.”

The team is expecting Bellwood to be their biggest rival this year.  “[Bellwood] has a lot of talent and determination,” said Noll, “they work very hard and the game will be a great challenge to conquer as a team.”

As the Lady Eagles prepare for Wednesday’s opening match versus Bellefonte, there is no telling what they will bring to the table.  “Personally, I have confidence in our ability,” says Noll, “If we work to our full potential and stay united, we will go far.”

For more information on other players, check below for the varsity roster:

Seniors:
Jordyn Swogger          Guard             5’7″
Lucy Raftery                Forward         5’7″
Emily Iuzzolino          Forward         5’9″

Juniors:
Lindsey Kemp            Forward         5’10”
Amber Reese              Guard             5’5″

Sophomores:
Finnley Christine       Guard             5’6″
Marissa Sprankle       Guard             5’6″
Maddie Noll                Forward         5’7″
Amber Gill                   Forward         5’9″

Freshman:
Cherah Mountz           Guard             5’5″
Alexis Cannistraci      Forward         5’8″
Kasey Engle                 Guard             5’6″
Olivia Bietz                  Forward         5’7″
Bobbi Miller                Guard             5’5″