The frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping is finished, and the leftovers from Thanksgiving are gone.
As December approaches, it’s time to start thinking about the hardwood. With the start of the girls basketball season, a closer examination of Mid-Penn Conference programs is necessary.
A closer look at the MPC Capital Division can be found below. Before the season began, PennLive polled coaches to predict the preseason MVP and ultimate order of finish. Below is a list of their choices in descending order.
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8. STEEL-HIGH
Marc Jones is the head coach.
On November 13, 2024, Steel High participated in PennLive’s girls basketball media day.
Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)
Last year: 1–16
Key players: G/F Brookline Wilkins, JR; G/F Olivia Clouser, JR; G Ciara Baines, JR; G Yazmyne Muhammed, JR; F Tamara Muhammed, SO; G Joh nae Brooks, SO; F Zhakya Holmes, FR; G Kaibryia Corbin, SO.
Buzz: The Rollers are in a far better position to take the brunt of MPC basketball’s bumps and bruises. Although Jones’ roster is still young, numerous players persevered through a challenging 2023–24 season. The team’s 39% output was pushed past the arc by a number of the Rollers’ returning shooters. A few more victories might result from a little more balance and ironwork.
7. THE CAMP HILL
Camp Hill on November 13, 2024, at PennLive’s girls basketball media day.
Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)
Donovan Taylor-Pollins is the head coach.
Last year: April 18
Important players: G/F Josie Sarf, 5-11, SO; G/F Kate Bruder, 5-8, SR; G/F Elle Shover, 5-10, FR; G/F Kyla Sanderson, 5-10, FR; C/F Anna Shartle, 5-10, SR Lesko, Brynnley, 5-6, SO.
Buzz: Although the Lions are unlikely to contend for the division’s top honor, the theory is that each season will be more successful than the one before. Shartle, the most seasoned player and general on the court for Camp Hill, will be in charge. However, in order to gain momentum for the last stretch, a few freshmen, such as Shover and Sanderson, will need to blend in well.
6. BUCHANAN, James
Coach in charge: Becky Miller
Last year: June 16
Important players: F Lexi Martin, 6-0, FR; G Kendyl Stoner, 5-10, FR; F Ainsley Green, 5-10, JR.
Buzz: The Rockets need to make the appropriate lineup and location changes. It is obvious that senior Green will be entrusted with bringing a youthful roster up to speed, while the veteran Colonial crew is now riding in the Capital ranks. Last season, Green scored six points a game.
5. A HUGE SPRING
Big Spring on Nov. 13, 2024, during PennLive’s girls basketball media day.
Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)
Coach in charge: Amy Davidson
Last year: 12–9
C/F Abby Dyson, SO; G Maria Tandle, JR; G Izzy Fry, JR; F Koya Gutshall, JR; G Ophelia Radabaugh, FR; G Braelyn Lebo, FR are important players.
Buzz: With 12 victories and a close miss on the District 3 4A bracket, the Bulldogs had a strong debut season at Davidson. With Tandle back in the mix after averaging 10 points per game with 102 caroms, 50 assists, and 60 steals, the comeback will be intriguing. Dyson erased 25 shots and pulled down 140 rebounds. When Big Spring needed a spark, two youngsters, Gutshall and Fry, delivered many significant moments. As the Bulldogs transition from the Colonial Division, more is required.
4. Bringing springs to a boil
Boiling Springs on November 13, 2024, at PennLive’s girls basketball media day.
Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)
Coach in charge: Elwood Kimmel
Last year: 12–10
Important participants: G Brownawell Madyson, 5-7, SO; G F Madalynn Weidner, 5-11, SO; F Mia Hemler, 5-11, SR; F Alyvia Barnett, 5-9, SR; F Evelyn Wiedenmayer, 5-9, JR; C Ruthie Tilton, 5-7, SR; G/F Molly Kimmel, 5-9, SR 6-2, FR, Gillian Mandell.
excitement: Although Kimmel, a returning PennLive All-Star selection who is getting close to hitting 1,000 points, should generate the most excitement, her entire team is considering the broader picture. The Bubblers also brought back PSU-Harrisburg prospect Hemler after an injury ended her junior year, while Kimmel’s all-around performance last season included 18.3 points per game. There are also a few of difficult shooters to be concerned about.
3. MCDEVITT BISHOP
Bishop McDevitt on Nov. 13, 2024, during PennLive’s girls basketball media day.
Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)
Sharon Woodward is the head coach.
Last year: 18–8
Important players: G Leilah Horshaw, 5-6, JR; F Brielle Saunders, 5-8, JR; G Bella Jones, 5-6, SO; C Molly Stewart, 5-11, JR; F Elle Osevala, 5-10, SR.
Buzz: The Crusaders return with more than simply an intriguing lineup, even though a few key scorers and defenders have been whisked off to college. A season ago, power forward Osevela led the team in blocks and averaged six points per game. Horshaw will lead the offense after igniting numerous runs in transition for the playoff candidate from the previous season. While Stewart is anticipated to fortify McD’s interior, Jones provides the Crusaders with another skilled shooter. To ignore Woodward’s talented group would be foolish.
2. The township of Susquehana
Susquehanna Twp. on November 13, 2024, at PennLive’s girls basketball media day.
Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)
Coach in charge: NA
23-3 last year
Key players:F Zoe Murray, 5-11, SR; G/F Aaliyah Barnes, 5-9, SR; F Sanai Lester, 6-0, JR; F Kyra Jackson, 5-9, JR; G Rose Mota, SO; G Jaycee Martin, FR.
Buzz: It’s difficult enough to prepare for the start of a new season with great expectations. The gifted Indians must now proceed under a new coach after already losing dynamic guard Ava London (knee) for the season. Hours before Thanksgiving, Terry Clark Jr. resigned from his position after the district formally opened it, leading many to speculate about who would take his place. Hopefully, many of the players who helped Hanna stack 23 wins and work into the state tournament last season can stay engaged.
1. IDENTITY
Trinity during PennLive s girls basketball media day on Nov. 13, 2024.
Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)
Head coach:Kristi Britten
Last year: 15–11
Key players:G Bella Dupes, 5-4, SO; G Ashley Berkheimer, 5-8, JR; G KK Stair, 5-7, SR; F Abby Stair, 5-9, SR; G Emma Kostelac-Lauer, 5-6, JR.
Buzz:When you consider the Shamrocks returning cast, chances are good that Britten will soon join the 300-win club. Dupes, Berkheimer and the Stairs all made serious contributions to last year s PIAA 4A playoff run. Well, the Rocks are back down in 3A for the current two-year cycle, and the return of driveway scorer Kostelac-Lauer (ACL) is a vital component to making another stretch in the postseason.
PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Molly Kimmel, Boiling Springs
Molly Kimmel of Boiling Springs girls basketball. November 14, 2024. Sean Simmers | [email protected]
Buzz:Kimmel did just about everything for the Bubblers during a successful junior season, which includes a sterling 18.3 points per game average. Kimmel also is coming off a season where the 5-9 senior stashed away 274 rebounds, 27 blocked shots and 97 steals.
Follow Eric Epler on X/Twitter — @threejacker
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