When Curt Ziegmont took over the Pottsville girls’ basketball program in May, he was familiar with the Crimson Tide’s recent successes, but had otherwise been occupied with his previous duties as head boys’ coach at North Schuylkill.
Now, after spending some time with the Pottsville girls during open gyms and the first few practices, the team’s potential is certainly apparent to the Tide’s new coach.
“There’s obviously some talent there. That goes without question,” Ziegmont said.
Senior guard Sadie Cresswell, who averaged 15 points a game last year, headlines a large group returning for Pottsville. Joining her are fellow seniors Alyssa Kondrack and Hannah Burnhauser, juniors Madison Sherakas and Kyra Schenk and sophomore Sadie Comfort.
The seniors have been especially instrumental in transforming Pottsville’s program from bottom-dweller to title contender. The Tide qualified for back-to-back Schuylkill League and District 11 Class AAAA playoffs under previous coach Rick Wojciechowsky, but a postseason win continues to elude them.
During the last two years, Pottsville is 0-4 in playoff games, losing those contests by an average of only three points.
“They’ve been making a nice little run, but now it’s time to finish,” Ziegmont said. “What happened in those games that we lost? When it comes down to one or two points, there’s only one or two things that we need to improve on, offensively and defensively.”
With so much talent back for Pottsville, this could be the year to get the playoff monkey off its back. It also provides an opportunity for the Crimson Tide to win the Division I title, and many Schuylkill League coaches have predicted them to do so.
In order for Pottsville to win a division title, however, it has to do something it hasn’t done in nearly eight years — beat North Schuylkill.
The Spartans have won 15 straight games against the Tide, dating back to 2007.
“That’s one of the things we’re going to need to do to make the next step is finding a way to beat North Schuylkill,” Ziegmont said. “How we’re going to do that, I’m not sure yet. But we’ll come up with a game plan with the staff.”
Division I
Pottsville isn’t the only team having trouble beating North Schuylkill.
The Spartans haven’t lost a divisional game since Feb. 4, 2013, and their senior class is 36-2 in the division during the last three seasons.
At the forefront of that senior class is reigning All-Area Player of the Year and tenacious two-way player Tiff Lapotsky, who averaged 15.8 points per game last season.
“She’s been making kids better, and that’s what you expect out of a point guard, a four-year starter,” North Schuylkill coach John Rizzo said. “You expect a kid like that to make kids better on both ends of the ball. She has that killer instinct that, to me, is uncoachable.”
Lapotsky will start the season as the spearhead of the Spartans’ trio of scorers with sophomores Averi Jordan and Sam Shinkus, both of whom had impressive freshman campaigns. They’ll need similar production this season to keep the Spartans atop the division.
Jordan will take on a new role inside for North Schuylkill after big forwards Carly Gregas and Nina Marone graduated last year. She has already impressed in the preseason by bringing a diverse attack to the paint.
Waverly Snyder, a dangerous 3-point shooter and another good ball defender behind Lapotsky, was injured during the offseason, but should be cleared to start the year. Until she’s 100 percent, Rizzo said the offense will flow through Lapotsky, Jordan and Shinkus.
Pottsville and North Schuylkill were among the league’s top five in offense and defense last year, and they’ll need to continue that trend to fend off the other teams gunning for a league playoff spot — because the field is crowded.
“On paper, what we have coming back could be very exciting,” Ziegmont said. “But also looking at some of the other teams in the league on paper, not just in our division, a lot of people have a lot coming back.”
Abby Fanelli (12.3 ppg) and Julia Kutz (8.7) lead an experienced group returning for Blue Mountain, third-place finishers in the division a year ago. Also back are seniors Erin Ebling and Angelica Kaledas, both key contributors to the Eagles’ defense, and juniors Jillian Moyer and Christie Challenger.
Always fundamentally sound and difficult to defeat, Blue Mountain is a perennial challenger for the Schuylkill League playoffs — and don’t expect this year to be any different.
Pine Grove developed a
young team into a District 11 Class AA playoff qualifier last season and will certainly be a player in the league playoff picture this year under first-year coach — and former assistant — Bill Evans.
Returning for the Cardinals are Rachel Edge (9.2), Morgan Edge, Carlee Conrad, Jen Kaufman and Cayleen Conrad, all of whom played pivotal roles last year. They’ll also get sophomore Stephanie Boyer back after missing last year due to injury.
Jim Thorpe returns last year’s Schuylkill League leading scorer and All-Area Rookie of the Year Kayley Kovac (24.6), as well as starters Alexys Naranjo, Rebecca Cressman and Jordan Waselus.
The Olympians narrowly missed a District 11 Class AAA playoff spot last year, but should make it this year if they improve on their defense, which allowed an average of 52.6 points per game last year — second to last in the area.
Lehighton also made great strides a season ago thanks in large part to then-freshmen Aubrey Blasiak (10.1) and Skylynn Faust (7.4). After losing only three seniors from last year’s squad, the Indians will be eyeing a spot in districts this season and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Both Tamaqua and Panther Valley are under new direction this year, two of six new coaches in the league.
Erika (Barron) Davis, Tamaqua’s all-time leading scorer with 2,317 career points, takes over the Blue Raiders’ bench. Tamaqua finished 3-19, 2-10 D-I last season and will have to make up for the graduation of Paige Demetriades, its leading scorer the last two seasons.
William “Dapper” Lynn will try to get the Panthers back on the winning track after last season’s 4-18, 0-14 D-I performance, and bringing back sophomore point guard Christina Dacey (6.4) will certainly help. Lynn was an assistant and junior high head coach in the program for nine years before the 2013-14 season.
Blue Mountain
Head coach: Ruth Weidman (10th season, 25th overall)
Last year: 15-8, 10-4 D-I. District 11 Class AAA qualifier
Returnees: Angelica Kaledas (fr., G), Christie Challenger (jr., G-F), Abby Fanelli (sr., G), Jillian Moyer (jr., G), Kasey Dean (soph., G-F), Julia Kutz (jr., F), Erin Ebling (sr., G-F)
Newcomers: Erin McQuillan (fr., G), Taylor Martin (soph., G), Maddie Gordon (fr., F)
Outlook: Good mix of scorers and defenders back from district qualifier team a season ago. Eagles should challenge Pottsville and North Schuylkill for a league playoff spot and be right back in the district playoffs.
Jim Thorpe
Head coach: Rob Kovac (9th season)
Last year: 10-12, 5-9 D-I
Returnees: Kayley Kovac (soph., G), Payton Kovac (soph., G), Jordan Waselus (soph., F), Jackie Condly (soph., G), Devon Lignore (soph., F), Kaitlyn Ohl (jr., F), Alexys Naranjo (jr., G), Rebecca Cressman (sr., G)
Newcomers: Natalia Richards (fr., G), Sarah Gabel (soph., F), Noelle Fassolino (soph., F)
Outlook: Kayley Kovac led the league in scoring as a freshman last season and has a complement of proven scorers around her. If Olympians clean up their defense, there’s no reason they can’t qualify for districts.
Lehighton
Head coach: Eric Gidney (13th season)
Last year: 7-15, 5-9 D-I
Returnees: Allie Rossino (sr., G), Samantha Muffley (sr., F), Jada Whiteman (jr., G), Aubrey Blasiak (soph., G), Julia Frey (soph., F), Jenna Beck (sr., F), Christina Drofich (sr., F), Skylynn Faust (soph., F), Savanna Buchinsky (soph., G-F), Holly Bollinger (sr., F)
Newcomers: Lilly Brown (fr., G), Cheyenne Pettit (jr., G), Brenna Long (fr., F), Emily Miller (fr., F), Alexis Pantella (fr., F), Cera Gaston (jr., G), Ally McGinley (fr., G)
Outlook: One of the dark horses in the division this season after a great finish last year, when Blasiak and Faust emerged as quality scorers. If last year’s momentum carries over, we could see the Indians in the district playoffs.
North Schuylkill
Head coach: John Rizzo (5th season)
Last year: 25-4, 14-0 D-I. Division I champion, Schuylkill League champion, District 11 Class AA runner-up, PIAA Class AA second round
Returnees: Tiffany Lapotsky (sr., G), Waverly Snyder (sr., G), Kelly Damiter (sr., F), Rachel Bell (sr., G), Anya Spotts (sr., F), Abbey Peleschak (sr., F), Leanna Gregas (jr., F), Lizzie Zimmerman (jr., F), Samantha Shinkus (soph., G-F), Averi Jordan (soph., G-F)
Newcomers: Carly Bonomo (sr., G), Schuyler Ossman (fr., G), Emma Green (fr., F)
Outlook: Spartans have dominated Division I during last two seasons and won’t be easy to dethrone. Look for Lapotsky, Snyder, Jordan and Shinkus to help keep North Schuylkill in contention for the league and district title.
Panther Valley
Head coach: William “Dapper” Lynn (1st season)
Last year: 4-18, 0-14 D-I
Returnees: Johnna Weaver (jr., F), Rachel Knoblauch (soph., G), Brianna Picht (sr., F), Abigail Hoben (soph., G), Molly Sheridan (soph., G), Christina Dacey (soph., G), Chloe Markovich (jr., G), Tia Ketchledge (soph., G), Chloe Miller (soph., F-G)
Newcomers: Cailey Iudicell (fr., G), Brianna Stehle (fr., F), Sarah Giordano (fr., G), Richelle Filer (fr., F), Emiline Markovich (fr., G), Benitta Bruce (soph., F), Robin Krajcir (soph., F), Samantha Williams (soph., G)
Outlook: Lynn will be the program’s third coach in four years, but could help build for the future with only one senior on this season’s team. Chloe Markovich, Weaver, Picht and Dacey are all experienced players.
Pine Grove
Head coach: Bill Evans (1st season)
Last year: 11-12, 8-6 D-I. District 11 Class AA qualifier
Returnees: Morgan Edge (sr.), Breanna Mabry (sr.), Margarita Parker (sr.), Lindsey Zimmerman (sr.), Carlee Conrad (sr.), Hunter Flick (jr.), Jen Kaufman (jr.), Faith Shiffer (jr.), Rachel Edge (soph.), Faith Sleva (soph.), Stephanie Boyer (soph.), Sierra Blough (soph.), Cayleen Conrad (soph.)
Newcomers: Brianna Betz (fr.), Autumn Felty (fr.), Amanda Schaeffer (fr.), Tessa Derr (fr.), Rachel Frew (fr.), Olivia Hunkapiller (fr.)
Outlook: An athletic sophomore class and a good group of senior and junior leaders should keep the Cardinals where they usually expect to finish — contending for the league playoffs and qualifying for the district playoffs.
Pottsville
Head coach: Curt Ziegmont (1st season, 13th overall)
Last year: 19-5, 12-2 D-I. Division I wild card, Schuylkill League semifinalist, District 11 Class AAAA qualifier
Returnees: Sadie Cresswell (sr., G), Hanna Burnhauser (sr., G-F), Alyssa Kondrack (sr., F), Madison Sherakas (jr., G), Kayla Drasdis (jr., G-F), Kyra Schenk (jr., F), Catie Coyle (soph., G), Megan Skosnik (soph., G), Autumn Tarconish (soph., G-F), Olivia Eckert (soph., F), Sadie Comfort (soph., G), Olivia Eagan (soph., G)
Newcomers: Lexi Plachko (fr., F)
Outlook: With four starters back, the Tide have their best chance to claim the division title and make an impact in the postseason. A balanced team and a new coaching system might provide the recipe to do it.
Tamaqua
Head coach: Erika Davis (1st season)
Last year: 3-19, 2-12 D-I
Returnees: Courtney Hoffman (soph., G), Alexa Hromyak (jr., G-F), Kirstin Jones (soph., F), Kaitlyn Stauffenberg (soph., G-F), Kaelyn Boran-Smith (sr., G), Mackenzie McVicker (jr., C-F), Samantha Shomonsky (sr., G), Abbigale Agosti (soph., G), Isabella Ligenza (jr., F), Mady Coccio (soph., F)
Newcomers: Allison Pedersen (sr., F), Kayla Sherry (fr., G), Emily Amershek (fr., G), Angela Ceci (soph., G-F), Pearl Boonyanuwat (sr., G), Meghan McArdle (soph., G)
Outlook: Raiders need to find new source of offense to make up for graduation of Paige Demetriades. New coach Davis could be breath of fresh air program needs to get back on winning track.
Division II
For the second straight season, there are no seniors on Minersville’s roster. And yet again, the Battlin’ Miners are still among the favorites for the league title.
Junior guard Abby Schoffstall (17.4 ppg last year) was the area’s second leading scorer last season and cemented her position as one of the area’s best point guards.
Junior center Emily Mealey (12.1) proved just as difficult to deal with as a sophomore as she did her freshman season, when she won All-Area Rookie of the Year.
Junior 3-point ace Adrienne Kroznuskie (11.0) excelled in a starting position last year, while junior Sarah Nawrocki became one of the league’s toughest ball defenders and Maggie Wigoda grew well into an inside role to supplement Mealey.
Junior Maura Bentz and sophomore Emily Kriston also played big roles for the Miners.
“It’s a luxury to have,” Minersville coach Jared Homa said.
It’s a luxury that has resulted in a Schuylkill League title and back-to-back District 11 Class AA championships the last two years.
And it’s made things a lot easier on the coaching staff.
“From a coaching standpoint, the way I always look at it, you’re going to adjust depending on what kids you have,” Homa said. “We’ve been fortunate because, for the last few years, the kids have been the same.”
Also like last year, Lourdes will likely be the team in Minersville’s rear-view mirror for much of the season. The Red Raiders couldn’t keep the Miners close for long last season — finishing five games back at the end of the year — but used a good postseason run to reach the District 4 Class A championship and PIAA quarterfinals.
Like Minersville, Lourdes is bringing back its own young guns in junior guard Carmella Bickel (15.2) and sophomore center Selina Albert (6.7), but they’re also adding a talented group of freshmen.
“Their eighth-grade team was good last year,” Homa said of Lourdes. “Those are things that a lot of people don’t even look at, those eighth-grade teams.”
Williams Valley was the last team Lourdes beat last season in the PIAA second round, and the Vikings will prove a challenge again this season under first-year coach Chuck Rodichok.
Point guard Rayanne Hawk (13.4) and shooting guard Kate Whelski (12.3) will lead the offense this year. Also back is senior center Jenna Daniel, who had a coming out party last postseason. Add seniors Alyssa Schadle and Cassandra Schorr to the mix, and Williams Valley could see a similar run to last season’s.
Tri-Valley returns leading scorers Reagan Newswanger (13.2) and Paige Doyle (10.5), as well as leading rebounder Kelly Romberger, and should be right back in the District 11 Class A playoff mix again.
The Dawgs only graduated three seniors from last year’s club and have a fairly experienced group returning, with seniors Brianna Pacenta and Kori Deibert expected to play more of a pivotal role this season.
Josh Wank takes over at Schuylkill Haven this year after head coaching stints with Weatherly and Panther Valley and, most recently, assisting at Minersville. The Hurricanes gained a lot of ground last year with seven wins and should continue improving under Wank with a solid core returning this season.
Lourdes
Head coach: Mike Klembara (32nd season)
Last year: 20-8, 8-5 D-II. District 4 Class A runner-up, PIAA Class A quarterfinalist
Returnees: Kristen Komara (sr., G), Kendall Krebs (sr., G), Jessica Milewski (soph., F), Carmella Bickel (jr., G), Kelsey Conner (jr., C), Selina Albert (soph., F), Mary Komara (soph., G), Cherisse Kulik (jr., F), Peyton Baskin (soph., C)
Newcomers: Gia Candelora (fr., G), Riley Trell (fr., G), Siera Coleman (fr., G), Lilly Bickel (fr., C), Madison Munson (fr., G), Frances Czeponis (fr., C)
Outlook: Raiders may be young, but they will be talented. Good freshman class joins proven scorers Bickel and Albert. Will chase Minersville for Division II title and certainly make a splash in District 4 Class A playoffs.
Minersville
Head coach: Jared Homa (6th season)
Last year: 26-3, 13-0 D-II. Division II champion, Schuylkill League runner-up, District 11 Class AA champion, PIAA Class AA second round
Returnees: Maura Bentz (jr., G), Adrienne Kroznuskie (jr., G), Kristen Lowe (jr., G), Emily Mealey (jr., C), Sarah Nawrocki (jr., G-F), Abby Schoffstall (jr., G), Tobi Garrity (soph., F), Gabi Hoban (soph., G), Emily Kriston (soph., G), Maggie Wigoda (soph., F)
Newcomers: Paige DeWald (soph., F), Erica Huntzinger (soph., F), Emily Graeff (fr., G), Theresa Tellez (fr., G), Jada Williams (fr., F)
Outlook: The Miners are the team to beat on all levels — the division, the league and the district. Schoffstall, Mealey and Kroznuskie are just the tip of the iceberg. Offense, defense, a couple players off the bench, Minersville has it all.
Schuylkill Haven
Head coach: Josh Wank (1st season, 7th overall)
Last year: 7-15, 2-11 D-II
Returnees: Rebecca Werez (sr., G-F), Amanda Farr (jr., G-F), Sarah Donati (jr., G), Alyssa Gerber (jr., F), Olivia Schweigert (soph., G), Julie Nester (soph., F)
Newcomers: Mackenzie Werez (fr., G), Kyla Umbenhaur (fr., G-F), Desiree Rossi (fr., G), Alyssa Pruden (fr., G), Taylor Phillips (fr., G), Logan Dougherty (fr., F), Ila Boulhanna (fr., F), Bella Bernitsky (fr., F)
Outlook: Hurricanes should continue their progress this season under Wank, who previously coached at Panther Valley and Weatherly. Quality athletes and a big freshman class should allow team to build for the future.
Tri-Valley
Head coach: Clark Romberger (2nd season)
Last year: 14-9, 7-6 D-II. District 11 Class A qualifier
Returnees: Paige Doyle (sr., G), Kelly Romberger (sr., F), Brianne Pacenta (sr., G), Kori Deibert (sr., G), Reagan Newswanger (sr., G)
Newcomers: Alyssa Connell (sr., G), Madison Maxwell (jr., F), Shaylin High (soph., G), Kaleigh Bolich (soph., F), Emily Romberger (fr., G)
Outlook: Dawgs may be a small team, but they have plenty of scoring returning. Newswanger and Doyle led team in points last year and Kelly Romberger led TV on the glass. Should remain in district playoff picture.
Williams Valley
Head coach: Chuck Rodichok (1st season)
Last year: 17-9, 7-6 D-II. District 11 Class A runner-up, PIAA Class A second round
Returnees: Jenna Daniel (sr., C), Rayanne Hawk (sr., G), Alyssa Schadle (sr., G), Cassandra Schorr (sr., F), Kate Whelski (sr., G), Morgan Updegrove (soph., F), Bryanna Wright (soph., F)
Newcomers: Karen Ramos (jr., C), Bailee McNeal (soph., G), Mya Achenbach (fr., G), Ociana Browell (fr., F), Gracie Hoffman (fr., G), Jamie Neiman (fr., F), Hannah Ulsh (fr., G), Brianna Ludwig (fr., C)
Outlook: Solid core returning in Hawk, Whelski and Daniel, all of whom were instrumental in getting Vikings to District 11 Class A title game and PIAA second round last year. May not be able to catch Minersville, but will certainly be among district favorites again.
Division III
Mahanoy Area coach Tom Scheeler knows that his Golden Bears won’t be taking anyone by surprise this season.
When Mahanoy Area ended a seven-year playoff drought last year by making the District 11 Class A playoffs, the rest of the league took notice. With a large group returning, the Bears can’t hide from their division title contender position.
“I like that. I’d rather be that than the team that everyone looks past,” said Scheeler, last year’s All-Area Coach of the Year. “To me, that’s what it’s all about, to go face that challenge of being a better team. That’s the position we want to be in. That’s what it’s all about.”
It’s not just how many the Bears bring back, it’s also who they bring back. Mahanoy’s top five scorers — Kelsey Conroy, Megan Bisco, Laura Bisco , Megan Babinsky and Kiera Van Horn — all return.
And then there’s the defense. Babinsky and Van Horn are also quality defensive players for the Bears, who averaged the lowest points allowed per game in the area last year with 31.8.
“If you can do that, you’re going to be in every game,” Scheeler said. “And that’s what happened last year.”
As usual, anyone wanting a crack at the Division III title will have to go through Marian first. The Fillies have had a stranglehold on the division for the last four years, though they needed a tiebreaker game to fend off Shenandoah Valley last winter.
Senior forward Savanna Krusinsky (10.0 ppg her freshman year) is back healthy for Marian after a preseason injury sidelined her for all of last season. Vanessa Whitecavage and Brenna Karnish will complete Marian’s scoring trio, and make the Fillies just as much a threat as they have been in the past.
Marian also returns most of a large group of underclassmen who all saw significant time last year with so many team injuries. But beyond that, the bench is short, so the Fillies need to avoid another injury-plagued season like last year’s.
Shenandoah Valley begins its District 11 Class A title defense without leading scorers Abby Snitzer and Kristina Nieddu, both of whom graduated last year.
The Blue Devils, however, do return diverse center Marcella Creasy and top ball defender Alaina Demalis, so look for Shenandoah to chase Marian and Mahanoy in the division and set their sights on a return to the district playoffs.
Nativity will need to find a way to make up the offensive production of Allison Warren, who moved out of the area following last season.
Seniors Jordyn Simons, Rachael Souchak and Ashley Strausser and junior Maddie Ulsh all have significant experience for the Golden Girls and have potential to fill that role.
Weatherly will be under the direction of Kevin Kringe for the second season, and the stability could go a long way for the Wreckers. Most of the team’s top scorers are back, so expect a couple more wins this year.
Mahanoy Area
Head coach: Tom Scheeler (2nd season)
Last year: 13-11, 5-8 D-III. District 11 Class A semifinalist
Returnees: Kiera Van Horn (sr., F), Laura Bisco (sr., F), Kelsey Conroy (sr., C), Jayda Byrne (jr., G), Karin Scalamonti (jr., F), Megan Babinsky (soph., G), Megan Bisco (soph., G), Ashley Yakimovich (soph., G)
Newcomers: Jade Palacios (jr., F), Allison Scheeler (fr., C), Cierra Abrachinsky (fr., G), Ashley Walker (fr., G), Asia Jackson (fr., G), Abbey McGee (fr., G), Morgan DeWitt (fr., F), Maddie Byrne (fr., G), Madison Cavenas (fr., C), Kendall Bernardyn (fr., F)
Outlook: The Bears won’t surprise anyone this year. After making districts in Scheeler’s first season last year — and with many key starters returning — expect Mahanoy to get a shot at the Division III title and the District 11 Class A crown.
Marian
Head coach: Paul Brutto (25th season, 30th overall)
Last year: 17-8, 10-3 D-III. Division III champion, Schuylkill League semifinalist, District 11 Class AA quallifier
Returnees: Savanna Krusinsky (sr., F), Vanessa Whitecavage (sr., G), Jillian Correale (jr., G), Brenna Karnish (jr., G-F), Brianna Raabe (jr., F-C), Madison Stoyer (jr., F), Gianna Agosti (soph., G), Reese Erbe (soph., G)
Newcomers: Maggie Joseph (fr., G), Isabella Schwabe (fr., F)
Outlook: With Krusinsky back healthy and Whitecavage and Karnish returning, the Fillies will again be in the race for the Division III title. Underclassmen got a lot of experience with a ton of injuries last year, and will be all the better for it.
Nativity
Head coach: George Forney (11th season)
Last year: 8-14, 3-10 D-III
Returnees: Jordyn Simons (sr., F), Rachael Souchak (sr., G), Ashley Strausser (sr., G), Maddie Ulsh (jr., G), Madison Clarke (soph., F), Julia Klembara (soph., G), Bayley McClure (soph., F)
Newcomers: Mallory Sanders (jr., F-G), Ana Ozorio (jr., F), Jourdan Starr (soph., G), Madison Hayes (fr., G), Mikee Tobash (fr., F), Hayley Zimerofsky (fr., F-G), Emily Carpentino (fr., F), Mykenzie Malacusky (fr., G)
Outlook: Golden Girls will need to find a new top scorer after Allison Warren moved out of the area following last season. Simons, Souchak, Strausser and Ulsh are all experienced candidates to do so.
Shenandoah Valley
Head coach: Chris Conroy (9th season)
Last year: 22-5, 10-3 D-III. District 11 Class A champion, PIAA Class A second round
Returnees: Alaina Demalis (sr., G), Marcella Creasy (sr., C), Julia Najera (sr., F), Carly Teaschenko (jr., G), Molly Michalik (jr., G), Allison Wargo (soph., F), Olivia Gallo (jr., F), Kayla Moncrief (jr., F), Skye Parker (jr., G), Madisyn Kowalick (soph., G), Joie Monahan (soph., G)
Newcomers: Ali Stevens (soph., G), Emily Demalis (fr., G), Madison Snitzer (fr., F)
Outlook: Blue Devils will have a tough time defending their District 11 Class A championship without Abby Snitzer and Kristina Nieddu, who accounted for roughly 75 percent of their offense last season. Creasy’s offense and Demalis’ defense will be their biggest weapons.
Weatherly
Head coach: Kevin Kringe (2nd season)
Last year: 3-17, 0-13 D-III
Returnees: Kate Ache (soph., G-F), Shelby Berger (sr., G), Christina Caravella (jr., G), Sami DeSpirito (jr., G), Jackie Gillott (sr., G-F), Morgan Gower (jr., F), Lexi Hartz (sr., G-F), Jackie Henry (jr., G-F), Gabby Obert (jr., F), Gillian Hinkle (soph., G-F)
Newcomers: Kathy Graham (fr., G-F), Abby Hernandez (fr., G-F), Lindsey Hoffman (fr., G), Megan Peifer (fr., G-F), Necarlly Serrata (fr., F), DeAnna Strouse (fr., G), Emily Zoscin (fr., G)
Outlook: Wreckers made progress by the end of last season, Kringe’s first in charge. Having most of its top scorers back should help Weatherly continue to build this year. A few more wins might be in the cards.
Berks League
It’s another season in perhaps the toughest division in the Berks League for Hamburg. Playing Berks Catholic, Conrad Weiser and Fleetwood night-in and night-out hasn’t done the Hawks any favors.
Junior Erica Lutz (8.7 ppg last year) led the team in scoring last season, and headlines a handful of key returnees that will try to keep Hamburg in the District 3 playoff discussion.
Hamburg
Head coach: Mike Garman (7th season)
Last year: 6-16, 2-8 Berks II
Returnees: Kiara Mariano (soph., G), Olivia Essig (sr., G), Kassidy Bonenfant (soph., G), Haley Bylina (soph., G), Isabelle Caruso (sr., F), Kyleigh Dougherty (soph., G), Sierra Wanamaker (jr., F), Erica Lutz (jr., F), Paige Lesher (jr., F)
Newcomers: Allison Bashore (fr., G), Savannah Reichel (fr., G), Halle Gerner (fr., F), Sydney Buchfeller (fr., G), Isabella Dougherty (soph., F)
Outlook: Berks II never gets easier, but some solid upperclassmen and promising freshmen could get the Hawks some more non-league wins and get them into the District 3 playoff picture.
Tri-Valley League
Qualifying for the Tri-Valley League playoffs will remain a realistic goal for Upper Dauphin, which made the league’s first-ever tournament last season.
The Trojans’ first task will be finding someone to take over the offense after Taylor Brown’s graduation. Laura Sweger, Kelsey Hoffman, Jessica Hoffman and Autumn Walker are all good candidates.
Upper Dauphin
Head coach: Rich Hoffman (5th season)
Last year: 10-14, 7-6 TVL East. Tri-Valley League semifinalist
Returnees: Kelsey Hoffman (sr., F), Laura Sweger (sr., G), Jessica Hoffman (sr., G), Cameron Koppenhaver (sr., F-C), Autumn Walker (sr., G), Amanda Mills (sr., G), Hollen Bellis (sr., G), Lexi Weaver (soph., G-F), Maeann Bohner (soph., G), Caitlyn Reed (jr., G-F), Amber Shomper (jr., G), Mickayla Grow (jr., G), Autumn Wise (jr., F), Alison Snyder (soph., G), Lexi Calnon (soph., G), Kaylee Gessner (soph., G-F), Gracie Miller (soph., F), Autumn Czplicki (soph., G)
Newcomers: Madie Miller (fr., G), Emily Fox (fr., F), Reagan Little (fr., F), Lea Lenker (fr., G-F), Jenna Stoneroad (fr., F), Karli Campbell (fr., G-F), Micah Masser (fr., G), Courtney Baker (soph., F)
Outlook: Trojans should remain competitive in the TVL East and compete for a league playoff spot again. Will need senior class to provide more scoring in the absence of graduated Taylor Brown.
Girls’ Preseason Power Poll
Team LY record
1. Minersville 26-3
2. Pottsville 19-5
3. North Schuylkill 25-4
4. Marian 17-8
5. Blue Mountain 15-8
6. Mahanoy Area 13-11
7. Lourdes 20-8
8. Williams Valley 17-9
9. Pine Grove 11-12
10. Jim Thorpe 10-12
— Compiled by Mike Wilson
All games start at 7:30 p.m.unless noted TODAY
Pine Grove at Pottsville, 6 p.m.
Blue Mountain at North Schuylkill
Panther Valley at Lehighton
Williams Valley at Minersville
Lourdes at Schuylkill Haven
Marian at Shenandoah Valley
Weatherly at Mahanoy Area
MONDAY, DECEMBER 14
Blue Mountain at Pottsville
North Schuylkill at Pine Grove
Panther Valley at Tamaqua
Lehighton at Jim Thorpe
Schuylkill Haven at Williams Valley
Tri-Valley at Lourdes
Mahanoy Area at Marian
Nativity at Weatherly
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17
Pine Grove at Blue Mountain
Pottsville at North Schuylkill
Jim Thorpe at Panther Valley
Tamaqua at Lehighton
Minersville at Tri-Valley
Lourdes at Williams Valley
Nativity at Shenandoah Valley
Weatherly at Marian
MONDAY, DECEMBER 21
Pine Grove at Jim Thorpe
Blue Mountain at Panther Valley
North Schuylkill at Lehighton
Williams Valley at Tri-Valley
Schuylkill Haven at Minersville
Marian at Nativity
Mahanoy Area at Shen. Valley
MONDAY, JANUARY 4
Lehighton at Blue Mountain
Panther Valley at Pottsville
Tamaqua at Pine Grove
Jim Thorpe at North Schuylkill
Minersville at Lourdes
Tri-Valley at Schuylkill Haven
Shenandoah Valley at Weatherly
Nativity at Mahanoy Area
THURSDAY, JANUARY 7
Pottsville at Lehighton
Pine Grove at Panther Valley
North Schuylkill at Tamaqua
Blue Mountain at Jim Thorpe
Minersville at Marian
Williams Valley at Weatherly
Lourdes at Mahanoy Area
Schuylkill Haven at Nativity
Tri-Valley at Shenandoah Valley
MONDAY, JANUARY 11
Lehighton at Pine Grove
Pan. Valley at North Schuylkill
Tamaqua at Blue Mountain
Jim Thorpe at Pottsville
Weatherly at Minersville
Mahanoy Area at Williams Valley
Nativity at Lourdes
Shenandoah Valley at Sch. Haven
Marian at Tri-Valley
THURSDAY, JANUARY 14
Pottsville at Pine Grove
North Schuylkill at Blue Mountain
Tamaqua at Jim Thorpe
Lehighton at Panther Valley
Minersville at Mahanoy Area
Williams Valley at Nativity
Lourdes at Shenandoah Valley
Schuylkill Haven at Marian
Tri-Valley at Weatherly
SATURDAY, JANUARY 16
Pottsville at Tamaqua, noon
Tri-Valley at Nativity
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19
Pottsville at Blue Mountain
Pine Grove at North Schuylkill
Tamaqua at Panther Valley
Jim Thorpe at Lehighton
Nativity at Minersville
Shenandoah Valley at Williams Valley
Marian at Lourdes
Weatherly at Schuylkill Haven
Mahanoy Area at Tri-Valley
FRIDAY, JANUARY 22
Lehighton at Tamaqua, 5:30 p.m.
Blue Mountain at Pine Grove
Panther Valley at Jim Thorpe
Minersville at Williams Valley
Schuylkill Haven at Lourdes
Shenandoah Valley at Marian
Mahanoy Area at Weatherly
SATURDAY, JANUARY 23
North Schuylkill at Pottsville, 6 p.m.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 26
Lehighton at North Schuylkill
Panther Valley at Blue Mountain
Tamaqua at Pottsville
Jim Thorpe at Pine Grove
Williams Valley at Schuylkill Haven
Lourdes at Tri-Valley
Marian at Mahanoy Area
Weatherly at Nativity
Minersville at Shenandoah Valley
FRIDAY, JANUARY 29
Blue Mountain at Lehighton
Pottsville at Panther Valley
Pine Grove at Tamaqua
North Schuylkill at Jim Thorpe
Tri-Valley at Minersville
Williams Valley at Lourdes
Nativity at Shenandoah Valley
Marian at Weatherly
Schuylkill Haven at Mahanoy Area
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2
Lehighton at Pottsville
Panther Valley at Pine Grove
Tamaqua at North Schuylkill
Jim Thorpe at Blue Mountain
Tri-Valley at Williams Valley
Minersville at Schuylkill Haven
Nativity at Marian
Shen. Valley at Mahanoy Area
Lourdes at Weatherly
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5
Pottsville at Jim Thorpe
Blue Mountain at Tamaqua
North Schuylkill at Panther Valley
Pine Grove at Lehighton
Lourdes at Minersville
Schuylkill Haven at Tri-Valley
Weatherly at Shenandoah Valley
Mahanoy Area at Nativity
Williams Valley at Marian
Schuylkill League Girls’ Basketball
2014-15 Standings
DIVISION I
Leag. Over.
North Schuylkill 14-0 25-4
Pottsville 12-2 19-5
Blue Mountain 10-4 15-8
Pine Grove 8-6 11-12
Jim Thorpe 5-9 10-12
Lehighton 5-9 7-15
Tamaqua 2-12 3-19
Panther Valley 0-14 4-18
DIVISION II
Minersville 13-0 26-3
Lourdes 8-5 20-8
Tri-Valley 7-6 14-9
Williams Valley 7-6 17-9
Sch. Haven 2-11 7-15
DIVISION III
Marian 10-3 17-8
Shen. Valley 10-3 22-5
Mahanoy Area 5-8 13-11
Nativity 3-10 8-14
Weatherly 0-13 3-17
Division III tiebreaker
Marian 39, Shen. Valley 28
League semifinals
Minersville 49, Pottsville 48
N. Schuylkill 47, Marian 42
Championship
North Sch. 49, Minersville 41
District 11 champions
Minersville (Class AA), Shenandoah Valley (Class A)
PIAA playoff qualifiers
Class AA — North Schuylkill (reached second round), Minersville (reached second round); Class A — Lourdes (reached quarterfinals), Shenandoah Valley (reached second round), Williams Valley (reached second round)