The girls basketball team qualified for States level competition for the first time since we’ve been singing 2016’s “Black Beatles.”
The Warriors played their first game at the States level in nine years against a PIAA District 7 team last Saturday against Thomas Jefferson High School in Western Pennsylvania.
When talking to the girls about the excitement and nervousness leading up to the games, sophomore Kiersten Hollaway was nothing but positive.
“We want to have fun as it is our first overnight trip as a team,” Hollaway said. “Any game now can be our last, so enjoying every moment while working our hardest is how we are going into this game.”
Hollaway spoke more about the demeanor of the team.
“We know we can compete with this team, so throughout the past week, we have been working on perfecting defensive and offensive plays to keep up in this game,” Hollaway said.
Everyone wants to make it to the playoffs, but Holloway gave a sense of confidence while the stakes were high. Coach Alex Fancher speaks highly of this team’s level of dedication this season.
“This group of girls worked incredibly hard for the past 4 1/2 months to get the opportunity to compete at the highest level,” Fancher said. “As an unselfish group that always puts the team first, they are a great example of what can be accomplished when you come together as a family. We couldn’t ask for a better group of girls to coach, and their effort and dedication to the team throughout the season was second to none.”
Fancher gives seniors Erin Jackson, Annie Laubach, Brooklyn Hollaway and Lindsey Sweitzer special words for their terrific season.
“We are all sad that the season is over, but incredibly thankful that we got to experience such an incredible ride into the postseason together,” Fancher said. “This was a special team, and while the wins and postseason games were nice, there are so many more memories of things off the court that are worth remembering too. Wishing our girls the best, especially our seniors. They will be missed.”
Fancher and the team’s work ethic have excelled the girls to be a dominant team in PIAA District 3. All-Stars include Laubach and junior Elena Snyder. Laubach will continue to strive at the next level committing to Penn State Berks. As Laubach concludes her high school career, she had some words to express about her previous playoff success.
“I have been fortunate enough to experience multiple playoff runs throughout high school; however, this one has been not only the most successful, but the most fun one I’ve gotten to play in,” Laubach said. “Our team loves to play together, and throughout this run we got to stay in a hotel, get a coach bus and do some really amazing team bonding on our road to states. We continued to grow closer to each other all the way until our final game.”
Laubach added how an outside connection with teammates can benefit on court play.
“ Our team loves to spend time together both on and off the court,” Laubach said. “We have done multiple team meals and get togethers simply because we enjoy each other’s company. Being able to trust the connection with my teammates off the court has allowed for us to all learn how to play together and understand each other’s strengths.”
Junior Chloe Jackson speaks about how her coaches played an important role throughout this season.
“My coaches have had a big impact on me,” Jackson said. “They have taught me the value of hard work, being a good teammate and never giving up. Their support throughout the season has given me the confidence that I need, and they are always pushing me to be the best I can be. They helped make me a better person on and off of the court.”
The whole girls basketball team showed tremendous grit and determination throughout their season, leaving Warrior nation waiting to see what the future holds for this team.
