Last season was historic for the Minersville Battlin’ Miners.
The Blue and White lifted their first Schuylkill League championship trophy before conquering the District 11 Class AA field and reaching the second round of the PIAA playoffs.
The Miners’ freshman class lived up to expectations last year, with Emily Mealey and Abby Schoffstall averaging double-doubles and Adrienne Kroznuskie coming off the bench to rescue the district title.
Minersville’s squad this season is made up entirely of sophomores and freshmen. It’s remarkable, yet the youth the Battlin’ Miners boast and the quality of talent they bring back is a microcosm of the Schuylkill League this season.
The Miners’ Reighly Melochick and Pine Grove’s Becky Evans — senior Co-Players of the Year last season — are gone. But returning are seven of the 10 players selected to the Republican-Herald All-Area teams, Rookie of the Year Mealey and five of the 12 honorable mentions.
“We want to get last year out of our minds as quickly as we possibly can,” said Minersville coach Jared Homa, the reigning All-Area Coach of the Year. “Every year, something changes. Our kids know that in order to play in the Schuylkill League, you have to get yourself ready for each game.
“It’s a drag-down, tear-down league. There’s some very competitive teams in there.”
Which one will hoist some hardware this year?
We’ll get that answer — and many more — over the course of the winter.
Division I
North Schuylkill is a heavy favorite to win Division I and reach the Schuylkill League championship.
Sounds familiar right?
That was the case last season, when the Spartans and coach John Rizzo had a great mix of senior leadership, talented guards and big forwards.
Not much has changed going into this season with junior point guard Tiffany Lapotsky — a 2014 All-Area second-team selection — and senior forwards Carly Gregas and Nina Marone.
What North Schuylkill lost to graduation was replenished. Nadya Spotts and Lauren Damiter anchored the squad as seniors a year ago, but freshman newcomers Samantha Shinkus and Averi Jordan will help plug those holes and provide some scoring depth.
North Schuylkill is also hoping to put last year behind it, when the Spartans couldn’t get past Marian’s stout defense in the league semifinals before falling in the opening round of districts.
North Schuylkill dropped down from Class AAA to AA this season, making for a crowded group with Marian moving up from Class A.
“We had the target last year and I don’t think, mentally, we were ready for some of that,” Rizzo said. “At the end, we thought it was going to be easier than it was. As coaches and players, we learned a lot from that.”
One lesson they didn’t need to learn was the depth of Division I. The Spartans got through the league schedule unscathed, but know it will be a challenge to do so again in 2014-15.
“Our division looks tough with Pottsville, Blue Mountain and some of these other teams that have younger kids coming up,” Rizzo said. “That’s never easy.”
The Crimson Tide lost just one starter last year and bring back junior guard Sadie Cresswell,an All-Area first-team selection and the league’s sixth-leading scorer in 2013-14.
Alyssa Kondrack drew most of the top defensive assignments last year and will likely do so again this year as a senior, but the Crimson Tide want to get better as a unit defensively.
Pottsville is also adding more Class AAAA teams to its schedule to not only help its seeding in the District 11 tournament, but also better prepare it for the teams it will meet there and in the Schuylkill League playoffs.
The Tide aspire to get back to both playoff tournaments this year.
“Having a taste of the league playoffs last year was monumental to our program, to get us back on track and for the girls to have that experience,” Pottsville coach Rick Wojciechowsky said. “We would definitely like to get back to that stage.”
The difficulty for North Schuylkill and Pottsville will be avoiding trap games. And Division I will provide a lot of those.
Blue Mountain graduated five players who saw significant time but bring back junior guard Abigail Fanelli and add a lot of depth.
Pine Grove graduated Evans but brings back four starters — Jen Kaufman, Morgan Edge, Carlee
Conrad and Brittanie Whitman — and a ton of bench players.
Both the Eagles and Cardinals expect no less than district playoff berths year-in and year-out and will give both North Schuylkill and Pottsville a run for their money.
Jim Thorpe and Tamaqua took lumps last season, but those lumps should heal quickly. The Olympians have a talented freshman class joining Alexys Naranjo and Gabbie Binder.
Tamaqua didn’t graduate anyone, and Paige Demetriades and Vanessa Solt both cracked the top tier of the scoring list last year.
Newcomer Lehighton has improved year-by-year and, much like we saw during the fall season, moving to a league that better suits its size could help even more.
Coach Eric Gidney and the Indians finished 8-14 last season, 3-9 in the Mountain Valley Conference.
After graduating Madison Blasko, Panther Valley will have to scrap for every win it can get. But the Panthers can rely on Macey Markovich for an offensive boost and a young, quick defense will give them the chance to improve their win total.
Blue Mountain
Head coach: Ruth Weidman (9th season)
Last year: 14-9, 7-5 D-I. District 11 Class AAA quarterfinalist
Returnees: Madeline Connors (sr., G), Emily Smith (sr., G), Emily Steinhilber (sr., G), Erin Ebling (jr., F), Abigail Fanelli (jr., G), Angelica Kaledas (jr., G), Julia Kutz (soph., F), Jillian Moyer (soph., G)
Newcomers: Christie Challenger (soph., F), Mallory Sanders (soph., G), Emily Renninger (soph., G), Kaitlyn Steinhilber (soph., F), Zara Albertini (fr., F), Kasey Dean (fr., F), Taylor Martin (fr., G)
Outlook: Eagles graduated five quality players but return Fanelli and add a young, athletic group around her. With Weidman’s direction, Blue Mountain will challenge top-tier teams in Division I and be a tough team to score against.
Jim Thorpe
Head coach: Rob Kovac (8th season)
Last year: 6-16, 3-9 D-I
Returnees: Alexys Naranjo (soph., G), Gabbie Binder (sr., F), Rebecca Cressman (jr., G), Brea Bush (jr., G), Kaitlyn Ohl (soph., F), Brittany Doughty (sr., G)
Newcomers: Kayley Kovac (fr., G), Payton Kovac (fr., G), Jordan Waselus (fr., G), Sarah Gabel (fr., F), Jackie Condly (fr., G), Devon Lignore (fr., F), Shayla Rivera (fr., G), Sam Sterner (fr., F), Noelle Fasolino (fr., G)
Outlook: Highly-anticipated freshman class finally arrives, joining Naranjo and Binder. Inexperienced, but very talented. Olympians will certainly play a bigger role in Division I than last season.
Lehighton
Head coach: Eric Gidney (12th season)
Last year: 8-14, 3-9 Mountain Valley
Returnees: Allie Rossino (jr., G), Riley Durishin (sr., G), Brooke Scott (sr., G), Jada Whiteman (soph., G), Celina Fital (sr., F), Brooke Blasiak (sr., F), Holly Bollinger (jr., F)
Newcomers: Sam Muffley (jr., F), Aubrey Blasiak (fr., G), Jenna Beck (jr., F), Christina Drofich (jr., F), Skylynn Faust (fr., F), Savanna Buchinsky (fr., G/F), Skye Koshuta (soph., G/F), Julia Frey (fr., G/F)
Outlook: Indians have improved year-by-year and perhaps a move to a league more befitting their size is just what the doctor ordered. May take time for Lehighton to adjust to new setting, but it shouldn’t struggle in Year 1.
North Schuylkill
Head coach: John Rizzo (4th season)
Last year: 20-4, 12-0 D-I. Division I champ, Schuylkill League semifinalist, District 11 Class AAA quarterfinalist
Returnees: Nina Marone (sr., F), Carly Gregas (sr., C), Leanne Long (sr., G), Chase Stokes (sr., F), Tiffany Lapotsky (jr., G), Kelly Damiter (jr., F), Rachel Bell (jr., F), Waverly Snyder (jr., G)
Newcomers: Averi Jordan (fr., G), Samantha Shinkus (fr., F), Abbey Peleschak (jr., F-G), Leanna Gregas (soph., F-G), Vanessa Ferriola (soph., G)
Outlook: Lapotsky, Grigas and Marrone are three of many returnees that put the Spartans among the league favorites again. Keeping up with the fast offense will be difficult for most teams. Early playoff exits last season and deep division schedule should help the growing process.
Panther Valley
Head coach: Brad Hurley (2nd season)
Last year: 6-16, 2-10 D-I
Returnees: Macey Markovich (sr., G), Kailee Smith (sr., F), Taylor Vance (sr., G), Megan Marouchoc (sr., G), Amy Corby (sr., G), Brianna Picht (jr., G), Chloe Markovich (soph., G), Johnna Weaver (soph., G-F)
Newcomers: Christina Dacey (fr., G), Myana Elam (soph., G), Rachael Knoblauch (fr., G), Molly Sheridan (fr., G-F), Chloe Miller (fr., G), Abigail Hoben (fr., G), Tia Ketchledge (fr., G), Alexis Kerestes (sr., F)
Outlook: Panthers lost majority of their scoring in Madison Blasko, but Markovich is a solid returnee who should lead team in scoring. Young, quick lineup could pressure some teams into turnovers.
Pine Grove
Head coach: Chris George (5th season)
Last year: 14-9, 8-4 D-I. District 11 Class AA semifinalist
Returnees: Brianna Felty (sr., G), Faith Shiffer (soph., G), Hunter Flick (soph., G), Margarita Parker (jr., G), Jen Kaufman (soph., G), Lindsey Zimmerman (jr., G), Morgan Edge (jr., F), Hayley Wolff (sr., F), Carlee Conrad (jr., G), Cierra Geiger (soph., F), Brittanie Whitman (sr., F), Breanna Mabry (jr., F)
Newcomers: Cayleen Conrad (fr., G-F), Alyssa Pierce (fr., G), Rachel Edge (fr., G-F), Sierra Blough (fr., G-F), Faith Sleva (fr., G), Jazmyn Snedden (jr., F), Caitlyn Becher (fr., G-F), Steph Boyer (fr., F)
Outlook: Making up for Becky Evans won’t be easy. Cardinals won’t have one person to replace her, but instead a host of young talent. Having four starters and a bevy of bench players returning should help Pine Grove get back to the district playoffs.
Pottsville
Head coach: Rick Wojciechowsky (4th season)
Last year: 15-9, 9-3 D-I. Schuylkill League semifinalist, District 11 Class AAAA qualifier
Returnees: Olivia Connors (sr., C), Meghan Cleary (sr., G), Nicole Eckley (sr., G), Jodecie Hook (sr., F), Ashley Purnell (sr, F), Hanna Burnhauser (jr., G), Sadie Cresswell (jr., G), Alyssa Kondrack (jr., F), Madelyn Tarconish (jr., G), Kayla Drasdis (soph., G), Kyra Schenk (soph., F), Madison Sherakas (soph., G)
Newcomers: Sadie Comfort (fr., G), Catie Coyle (fr., G), Olivia Eagan (fr., G), Olivia Eckert (fr., G), Kassie Kuperavage (fr., F), Kaelen McMullin (fr., F), Rileigh McPhillips (fr., F), Bree Shrom (fr., F), Megan Skosnick (fr., G), Autumn Tarconish (fr., F)
Outlook: Cresswell is one of the area’s best scorers and ball handlers; Kondrack one of the best defensive players. If Pottsville can bring the rest of the team up to their level, it can be very dangerous and make runs in both the league and district playoffs.
Tamaqua
Head coach: Joe Berezwick (18th season)
Last year: 1-20, 1-11 D-I
Returnees: Alexa Hromyak (soph., F), Alexis Baddick (jr., F), Bailey Hartung (sr., G), Brianna Wittig (sr., G), Emily Pratka (sr., F), Isabella Ligenza (soph., F), Kaelyn Boran-Smith (jr., G), Mackenzie McVicker (soph., C), Paige Demetriades (sr., G), Vanessa Solt (sr., F)
Newcomers: Courtney Hoffman (fr., G), Kirstin Jones (fr., F)
Outlook: Blue Raiders had a rough year last year but are all the better for it. Demetriades and Solt put up solid numbers despite Tamaqua’s record. Expect more wins from the Raiders in 2014-15.
Division II
The Battlin’ Miners may be young, but a big target will still be on their backs.
Bringing back Mealey, Schoffstall and Kroznuskie will help in Minersville’s attempt to defend its first league title.
But losing Melochick and defensive staples Alyse Ryan and Leah Leshko leave some big holes in the Miners’ roster.
“They’re holes that we’re going to try and fill but I don’t know that you can go out and replace any of those kids,” Homa said. “Each year, the personality of your team is going to change somewhat. I think the group we have, with their athletic ability, the transition will be fairly easy for them.”
Minersville won Division II comfortably over Lourdes (five games back) and Williams Valley (six games) in 2013-14.
This year, expect Division II to be more contested.
The Red Raiders bring back seniors Bailey Trell and Caitlyn Funk and sophomore Carmella Bickel. Trell and Bickel topped the scoring charts last year, but Lourdes struggled defensively. The Red Raiders were in the top five in offense through much of last season, but among the bottom five in defense.
They’ll have to narrow that gap this year without Rachel Schultz — last season’s fifth-leading scorer and an All-Area first-team selection — who graduated.
Williams Valley’s sole departure came in the form of another first-teamer, Cassidy Pinchorski.
Despite losing one of the better two-way players in the league, the Vikings bring back starters Kate Whelski, Rayanne Hawk and sisters Hannah Nestor and Haley Nestor.
Brian Unger returns to the bench in Tower City to lead Williams Valley after a few years away from coaching.
Tri-Valley is also under new direction — if you can call it that. After eight years as an assistant for the Dawgs, and many more for the boys’ team, Clark Romberger begins his head coaching stint in Hegins.
He has with him a some experienced players in guards Paige Doyle and Katie Dietrich and forwards Taylor Header and Madison Scheib, back from a season ending injury early last year.
After a winless finish in the league last year, Schuylkill Haven could also prove difficult in Division II. Emma Schweigert is back and is joined by Keegan White, a transfer from Nativity.
Lourdes
Head coach: Mike Klembara (31st season)
Last year: 11-11, 8-5 D-II. District 4 Class A qualifier
Returnees: Chrissy Komara (jr., G), Bailey Trell (sr., G), Kendall Krebs (jr., G), Maya Khanna (jr., F), Carmella Bickel (soph., G), Kelsey Conner (soph. C), Caitlyn Funk (sr., C), Olivia Dobson (soph., F), Chreese Kulick (soph., F)
Newcomers: Jessica Milewski (fr., F), Selina Albert (fr., F), Mary Komara (fr., G), Peyton Baskin (fr., C)
Outlook: Solid trio back in Bickel, Trell and Funk. Raiders will need increased production from team, particularly on the glass, to make up for loss of Rachel Schultz. Should apply pressure to Minersville and Williams Valley in Division II standings.
Minersville
Head coach: Jared Homa (5th season)
Last year: 26-2, 13-0 D-II. Division II champ, Schuylkill League champ, District 11 Class AA champ, PIAA Class AA qualifier
Returnees: Maura Bentz (soph., G), Mallory Ebert (soph., G), Adrienne Kroznuskie (soph., G-F), Kristen Lowe (soph., F), Emily Mealey (soph., F-C), Sarah Nawrocki (soph., G-F), Alli Polinsky (soph., F), Abby Schoffstall (soph., F)
Newcomers: Tobi Garrity (fr., F), Gabi Hoban (fr., G), Emily Kriston (fr., G), Erika Nettles (soph., F), Kaylene Raczka (fr., G), Maggie Wigoda (fr., F)
Outlook: The youngest team in the league, but still one of the most dangerous. Despite losing Reighly Melochick, Alyse Ryan and Leah Leshko, Battlin’ Miners will be in mix to reach the league and district championships on the backs of Mealey, Schoffstall and company.
Schuylkill Haven
Head coach: Nick Reichert (4th season)
Last year: 3-19, 0-13 D-II
Returnees: Emma Schweigert (sr., G), Rebecca Werez (jr., F), Calista Carl (soph., F), Sarah Donati (soph., G), Alyssa Gerber (soph., F), Sarah Personette (soph., G), Cierra Reichert (soph., G), Nikki Schnoke (soph., G)
Newcomers: Keegan White (sr., G, transfer from Nativity), Amanda Farr (soph., G, transfer from Nativity), Julia Nester (fr., F), Olivia Schweigert (fr., G)
Outlook: White and Emma Schweigert are developing great chemistry, which can help the Hurricanes set up their offense — something they struggled doing last year. Given some of its talented sophomores, Haven instantly becomes a more competitive team this season.
Tri-Valley
Head coach: Clark Romberger (1st season)
Last year: 13-11, 5-8 D-II. District 11 Class A semifinalist
Returnees: Katie Dietrich (sr., G), Taylor Header (sr., F), Madison Scheib (sr., F), Paige Doyle (jr., G), Kelly Romberger (jr., F)
Newcomers: Olivia Harner (jr., G), Brianne Pacenta (jr., G), Reagan Newswanger (jr., G), Kori Deibert (jr., G), Amanda Pacenta (jr., G), Alyssa Connell (jr., F), Madison Maxwell (soph., F)
Outlook: Dawgs are more experienced than they appear. Dietrich, Header and Doyle saw significant minutes last year and Scheib is healthy after major injury last season. Perhaps bigger issue is depth. Romberger knows team well after assisting Bob Felty.
Williams Valley
Head coach: Brian Unger (1st season, 14th overall)
Last year: 14-10, 7-6 D-II. District 11 Class A semifinalist
Returnees: Hannah Nestor (sr., G), Haley Nestor (sr., F), Maura Kreiser (sr., F), Kate Whelski (jr., F), Rayanne Hawk (jr., G), Olivia Ancheff (sr., C), Alyssa Raho (sr. F-C), Jenna Daniel (jr., F-C), Cas Schorr (jr., G), Caitlyn Pinchorski (soph., G)
Newcomers: Alyssa Schadle (jr., F), Brenna Minnich (jr.), Morgan Updegrove (fr.), Bryanna Wright (fr.), Emma Imboden (fr.), Jandi Wiscount (fr.)
Outlook: Strong contingent of district semifinalist team back under Unger’s direction again should lead to success for Vikings. Good size also present to replace loss of Cassidy Pinchorski. Division II and District 11 Class A contender.
Division III
Division III will no doubt be the most up-for-grabs division in the Schuylkill League this season.
Marian won the District 11 Class A title last season after championing Division III and reaching the league final. But this year’s Fillies’ squad is far different.
Guard trio Gabby Green, Lindsay Nemeth and Emily Sofranko graduated and junior forward Savanna Krusinsky — the Fillies’ leading scorer and rebounder last year — is out for the season with an injury.
That leaves All-Area honorable mention Abbey Whildin as the only returning starter from last season.
But coach Paul Brutto is prepared.
“Every team experiences that at some point,” he said. “So we have some experienced kids coming back. They’ve just got to find their way.
“With Savanna going down, we’re looking at some not-so-experienced players to seize the moment,” Brutto added. “I don’t think they’re going to be able to fill her shoes because she was our leading scorer and leading rebounder, but we need somebody to approximate her shoes anyway.”
The Fillies got their fair share of bench players time on the court in 2013-14 — Vanessa Whitecavage, Ashley Fannick and Brenna Karnish, just to name a few. That should help make up for the losses they sustained.
About 12 miles to the west, Chris Conroy’s Shenandoah Valley Blue Devils are primed for a run at the Division III title.
The Devils’ dynamic duo of seniors Abigail Snitzer (15.1 ppg) and Kristina Nieddu (11.1) pushed Shenandoah to the District 11 Class A title game and the PIAA playoffs in March and are capable of doing more this time around.
With Marian moving up to Class AA, the Blue Devils are among the favorites to reach the district title game again.
Even Brutto called Shenandoah Valley “clear-cut” favorites.
Still, Conroy knows they have to go through the Fillies if they want to claim the Division III crown.
“(Marian) dusted us three times last year and none were really close, so we’ve been working hard to try to close the gap,” Conroy said. “Although it will be no easy task.”
Shenandoah’s chances are even better with a Nativity squad that took a hard hit from graduation.
The Golden Girls lost both forwards Erin Luckenbill and Emily Field and guard Olivia Andrefski to graduation and lost White to transfer. Only Allison Warren remains for coach George Forney from last year’s starting five.
Both Mahanoy Area and Weatherly have new coaches.
Long-time Mickey Holland assistant Tom Scheeler takes over the Golden Bears, who have their third coach in as many years. Kevin Kringe is the new coach at Weatherly, who had just one win in league play last season.
Mahanoy Area
Head coach: Tom Scheeler (1st season)
Last year: 8-14, 3-10 D-III
Returnees: Katie Babinsky (sr.), Erin Davidson (sr.), Maddie Lawrence (sr.), Courtney Levy (sr.), Kelsey Conroy (jr.), Laura Bisco (jr.), Kiera Van Horn (jr.), Jayda Byrne (soph.), Karin Scalmonti (soph.)
Newcomers: Nikita Deesing (jr.), Zoelle Strouphauer (soph.), Jess Waldron (fr.), Megan Babinsky (fr.), Megan Bisco (fr.), Decoda Brill (fr.), Ashley Yakmovich (fr.)
Outlook: After years coaching under Mickey Holland, Scheeler will bring Bears good direction. May be buried under Marian and Shenandoah, but a good junior class could help plan for the future in Mahanoy City.
Marian
Head coach: Paul Brutto (24th season)
Last year: 25-3, 12-1 D-III. Division III champ, Schuylkill League runner-up, District 11 Class A champ, PIAA qualifier
Returnees: Ashley Fannick (sr., G), Bethany Shaud (sr., F, sat out 2013-14), Abbey Whildin (sr., F), Savanna Krusinsky (jr., F, out for season), Kaylee Mahon (jr., G), Vanessa Whitecavage (jr., G), Brenna Karnish (soph., F-G), Brianna Raabe (soph., C), Madison Stoyer (soph., F)
Newcomers: Kayla Knepper (sr., G-F), Jillian Correale (soph., G-F), Nicole Salerno (soph., G-F), Gianna Agosti (fr., G), Tina Capparell (fr., F), Reese Erbe (fr., G), Jasmine Mooney (fr., C)
Outlook: Fillies took a massive hit to graduation and injury going into this season, but are prepared with Fannick, Whitecavage and Karnish seeing significant minutes last season. Whildin provides dynamic play in post. Expect to still see Marian in the league and district playoff picture.
Nativity
Head coach: George Forney (10th season)
Last year: 16-7, 10-3 D-III. District 11 Class A quarterfinalist
Returnees: Desiree Reigel (soph., G), Lindsey Lord (jr., F), Maddie Ulsh (soph., G), Rachael Souchak (jr., G), Jordyn Simons (jr., F), Allison Warren (jr., G-F), Ashley Strausser (jr., G)
Newcomers: Morgan Matlock (fr., G), Maddyson Melochick (soph., F, transfer from Minersville), Julia Klembara (fr., G), Cierra Zelanko (jr., F), Emily Yordy (fr., F), Bayley McClure (fr., G-F), Megan Tray (fr., G), Madison Clark (fr., F), Carina Buchel (jr., F)
Outlook: Rebuilding year could be in store for the Golden Girls after losing three starters to graduation and one to transfer. A young team with no seniors, but good leadership and scoring from Warren.
Shenandoah Valley
Head coach: Chris Conroy (8th season)
Last year: 15-11, 6-7 D-III. District 11 Class A finalist, PIAA Class A qualifier
Returnees: Abigail Snitzer (sr., G-F), Kristina Nieddu (sr., G), Marcella Creasy (jr., C), Alaina Demalis (jr., G), Julia Najera (jr., F), Carly Teaschenko (soph., G), Molly Michalik (soph., G)
Newcomers: Olivia Gallo (soph., F), Kayla Moncrief (soph., F), Maryann Morrisey (soph., G), Skye Parker (soph., G), Amanda Lindenmuth (soph., F), Allison Wargo (fr., F), Madisyn Kowalkick (fr., G), Joie Monahan (fr., G)
Outlook: With Snitzer and Nieddu back, Blue Devils can make a run for Division III title and should be favored for District 11 Class A crown. Creasy and Demalis add extra experience but a fifth starter is needed to complete team.
Weatherly
Head coach: Kevin Kringe (1st season)
Last year: 4-14, 1-12 D-III
Returnees: Cat Strizak (sr., G), Sammy Hartz (sr., F), Tea Heister (sr., G), Kelly Parker (sr., G), Jessica Polchin (sr. G-F), Jackie Gillott (jr., G-F), Shelby Berger (jr., G-F), Lexi Hartz (jr., G-F), Sammi DeSpirito (soph., G), Jackie Henry (soph., G-F), Morgan Gower (soph., F), Tina Caravella (soph., G), Gabby Obert (soph, F)
Newcomers: Morgan Mergle (jr., G), Gillian Hinkle (fr., G-F), Dana Scatton (fr., G-F), Katie Ache (fr., G-F)
Outlook: Wreckers didn’t lose much from last year, which should translate to a more competitive role in Division III. Experienced senior class that has good scoring ability. Some early non-league wins could help season along.
Berks League
Hamburg got nearly 26 points a night from Kassidy Lesher and Hannah Shoenly last season.
But they both graduated.
So coach Mike Garman and the Hawks will have to find a new source of offense — no easy task when sharing a Berks League section with Berks Catholic, Fleetwood and Conrad Weiser.
Alicia Pursell is probably the best bet to provide offense for Hamburg this year, though Olivia Essig and Paige Lesher have also gotten good minutes.
Hamburg
Head coach: Mike Garman (6th season)
Last year: 15-8, 5-4 Berks II. District 3 Class AAA qualifier
Returnees: Olivia Essig (jr., G), Esmeralda Klahr (jr., G), Victoria Kissinger (sr., G), Darlene Ruiz (sr., F), Isabelle Caruso (jr., F), Sierra Wannamaker (soph., F), Eliza Kurtz (sr., F), Alicia Pursell (jr., G), Erica Lutz (soph., F), Paige Lesher (jr., F)
Newcomers: Kiara Mariano (fr., G), Haley Bylina (fr., G), KyLeigh Dougherty (fr., G), Kassidy Bonenfant (fr., G), Meredith Roth (jr., F), Hinata Yoshida (jr., G)
Outlook: With Kassidy Lesher and Hannah Shoenly graduated, finding a scoring replacement will be difficult. Rebuilding in any other league wouldn’t be as bad, but Berks II provides challenges every night.
Tri-Valley League
The best news for Upper Dauphin is that the Trojans bring back two of their top scorers from last season — senior guard Taylor Brown and junior center Laura Sweger.
Add junior forward Kelsey Hoffman to that mix and UDA should field a competitive team in the weaker District 3 Class A group.
A couple players are needed from the deep junior class to fill gaps left behind by McKenzie Miller and Whitni Rudisill.
Upper Dauphin
Head coach: Rich Hoffman (4th season)
Last year: 13-14, 9-7 TVL. District 3 Class A semifinalist
Returnees: Taylor Brown (sr., G), Laura Sweger (jr., C), Kelsey Hoffman (jr., F), Maddie Uhler (jr., F-G), Hollen Bellis (jr., G), Jessica Hoffman (jr., G), Amanda Mills (jr., G), Cameron Koppenhaver (jr., F-C), Autumn Walker (jr., F), Terri Shoop (sr., G)
Newcomers: Lexi Weaver (fr., F), Amber Shomper (soph., G), Mickayla Grow (soph., G), Hannah Jury (soph., F), Caitlyn Reed (soph., G), Autumn Wise (soph., F).
Outlook: Bringing back Brown, Sweger and Kelsey Hoffman gives the Trojans a good base on which to build this year’s team. UDA should reach the deeper stages of the District 3 Class A playoffs again.
Schuylkill League
Girls’ Basketball
Final 2013-14 standings
Division I
League Overall
*North Schuylkill 12-0 20-4
#Pottsville 9-3 15-9
Pine Grove 8-4 14-9
Blue Mountain 7-5 14-9
Jim Thorpe 3-9 5-16
Panther Valley 2-10 6-16
Tamaqua 1-11 1-20
Division II
*Minersville 13-0 26-2
Lourdes 8-5 11-11
Williams Valley 7-6 14-10
Tri-Valley 5-8 13-11
Schuylkill Haven 0-13 3-19
Division III
*Marian 12-1 25-3
Nativity 10-3 16-7
Shen. Valley 6-7 15-11
Mahanoy Area 3-10 8-14
Weatherly 1-12 4-14
*Division champion
#Wild card
Schuylkill League Playoffs
Semifinals
Marian 31, North Schuylkill 28
Minersville 46, Pottsville 42
Championship
Minersville 61, Marian 46
District Champions
Marian (District 11 Class A)
Minersville (District 11 Class AA)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16
Lehighton at Panther Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Tamaqua at Jim Thorpe, 7:30 p.m.
North Schuylkill at Blue Mtn., 7:30 p.m.
Pottsville at Pine Grove, 7:30 p.m.
Minersville at Wms. Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Schuylkill Haven at Lourdes, 7:30 p.m.
Shen. Valley at Marian, 7:30 p.m.
Mahanoy Area at Weatherly, 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19
Jim Thorpe at Lehighton, 7:30 p.m.
Tamaqua at Panther Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Pine Grove at North Schuylkill, 7:30
Pottsville at Blue Mountain, 7:30 p.m.
Wms. Valley at Sch. Haven, 7:30 p.m.
Lourdes at Tri-Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Marian at Mahanoy Area, 7:30 p.m.
Weatherly at Nativity, 7:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23
Lehighton at Tamaqua, 7:30 p.m.
Panther Valley at Jim Thorpe, 7:30 p.m.
Pottsville at North Schuylkill, 7:30 p.m.
Blue Mountain at Pine Grove, 7:30 p.m.
Tri-Valley at Minersville, 7:30 p.m.
Williams Valley at Lourdes, 7:30 p.m.
Nativity at Shen. Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Marian at Weatherly, 7:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6
Lehighton at North Schuylkill, 7:30 p.m.
Panther Valley at Blue Mtn., 7:30 p.m.
Tamaqua at Pottsville, 7:30 p.m.
Jim Thorpe at Pine Grove, 7:30 p.m.
Tri-Valley at Williams Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Minersville at Sch. Haven, 7:30 p.m.
Nativity at Marian, 7:30 p.m.
Shen. Valley at Mahanoy Area, 7:30
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9
Blue Mountain at Lehighton, 7:30 p.m.
Pottsville at Panther Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Pine Grove at Tamaqua, 7:30 p.m.
North Schuylkill at Jim Thorpe, 7:30
Lourdes at Minersville, 7:30 p.m.
Schuylkill Haven at Tri-Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Weatherly at Shen. Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Mahanoy Area at Nativity, 7:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13
Lehighton at Pottsville, 7:30 p.m.
Panther Valley at Pine Grove, 7:30 p.m.
Tamaqua at North Schuylkill, 7:30 p.m.
Jim Thorpe at Blue Mountain, 7:30 p.m.
Marian at Minersville, 7:30 p.m.
Weatherly at Williams Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Mahanoy Area at Lourdes, 7:30 p.m.
Nativity at Schuylkill Haven, 7:30 p.m.
Shen. Valley at Tri-Valley, 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16
Pine Grove at Lehighton, 7:30 p.m.
N. Schuylkill at Panther Valley, 7:30
Blue Mountain at Tamaqua, 7:30 p.m.
Pottsville at Jim Thorpe, 7:30 p.m.
Minersville at Weatherly, 7:30 p.m.
Williams Valley at Mahanoy Area, 7:30
Lourdes at Nativity, 7:30 p.m.
Sch. Haven at Shen. Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Tri-Valley at Marian, 7:30 p.m.
MONDAY, JANUARY 19
Panther Valley at Lehighton, 7:30 p.m.
Jim Thorpe at Tamaqua, 7:30 p.m.
Blue Mtn. at North Schuylkill, 7:30 p.m.
Pine Grove at Pottsville, 7:30 p.m.
Mahanoy Area at Minersville, 7:30 p.m.
Nativity at Williams Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Shen. Valley at Lourdes, 7:30 p.m.
Marian at Schuylkill Haven, 7:30 p.m.
Weatherly at Tri-Valley, 7:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22
Lehighton at Jim Thorpe, 7:30 p.m.
Panther Valley at Tamaqua, 7:30 p.m.
N. Schuylkill at Pine Grove, 7:30 p.m.
Blue Mountain at Pottsville, 7:30 p.m.
Minersville at Nativity, 7:30 p.m.
Wms. Valley at Shen. Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Lourdes at Marian, 7:30 p.m.
Sch. Haven at Weatherly, 7:30 p.m.
Tri-Valley at Mahanoy Area, 7:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24
Williams Valley at Minersville, 1:30
Pine Grove at Blue Mountain, 2:30 p.m.
Tamaqua at Lehighton, 7:30 p.m.
Jim Thorpe at Panther Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Pottsville at North Schuylkill, 6 p.m.
Lourdes at Schuylkill Haven, 7:30 p.m.
Marian at Shen. Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Weatherly at Mahanoy Area, 7:30 p.m.
Nativity at Tri-Valley, 7:30 p.m.
MONDAY, JANUARY 26
North Schuylkill at Lehighton, 7:30 p.m.
Blue Mtn. at Panther Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Pottsville at Tamaqua, 7:30 p.m.
Pine Grove at Jim Thorpe, 7:30 p.m.
Sch. Haven at Williams Valley, 7:30
Tri-Valley at Lourdes, 7:30 p.m.
Mahanoy Area at Marian, 7:30 p.m.
Nativity at Weatherly, 7:30 p.m.
Shen. Valley at Minersville, 7:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 29
Lehighton at Blue Mountain, 7:30 p.m.
Panther Valley at Pottsville, 7:30 p.m.
Tamaqua at Pine Grove, 7:30 p.m.
Jim Thorpe at North Schuylkill, 7:30
Minersville at Tri-Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Lourdes at Williams Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Shenandoah Valley at Nativity, 7:30
Weatherly at Marian, 7:30 p.m.
Mahanoy Area at Sch. Haven, 7:30
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2
Pottsville at Lehighton, 7:30 p.m.
Pine Grove at Panther Valley, 7:30 p.m.
North Schuylkill at Tamaqua, 7:30 p.m.
Blue Mountain at Jim Thorpe, 7:30 p.m.
Williams Valley at Tri-Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Sch. Haven at Minersville, 7:30 p.m.
Marian at Nativity, 7:30 p.m.
Mah. Area at Shen. Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Weatherly at Lourdes, 7:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5
Lehighton at Pine Grove, 7:30 p.m.
Pan. Valley at N. Schuylkill, 7:30 p.m.
Tamaqua at Blue Mountain, 7:30 p.m.
Jim Thorpe at Pottsville, 7:30 p.m.
Minersville at Lourdes, 7:30 p.m.
Tri-Valley at Schuylkill Haven, 7:30 p.m.
Shen. Valley at Weatherly, 7:30 p.m.
Nativity at Mahanoy Area, 7:30 p.m.
Marian at Williams Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Girls’ Preseason Power Poll
School LY rec.
1. North Schuylkill 20-4
2. Minersville 26-2
3. Pottsville 15-9
4. Marian 25-3
5. Shen. Valley 15-11
6. Williams Valley 14-10
7. Blue Mountain 14-9
8. Lourdes 11-11
9. Pine Grove 14-9
10. Upper Dauphin 13-14
— Compiled by Mike Wilson