New coach working to get young Highlands girls roster up to sped

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, November 23, 2025 | 9:13 AM

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Nia Thomas got a late start taking over the Highlands girls basketball program. The La Roche graduate has been eager to get going since taking the reins in October.

Thomas, a 2017 Highlands graduate, played four seasons with La Roche, making 87 appearances and averaging 5.7 points per game.

“I feel a little bit behind,” Thomas said. “The girls are great. They are all young, and they have a good future. We have a few extra girls out for the team, and I’m excited to see how they play.”

This is Thomas’ first time leading a varsity program. She was previously a volunteer assistant coach at La Roche after her career ended in 2022.

Highlands will have a major challenge in trying to replace the scoring of Tyarah Woody, who averaged 20.1 points and 11.7 rebounds per game.

The Golden Rams lost their first eight games last season before rallying to reach the playoffs. Highlands was bounced in the Class 4A preliminary round by Yough, losing 53-47 in double overtime.

One benefit for the Golden Rams is that many of their returning players received on-the-job training last season.

Sophomores Jasmine Owen, Brooke Walker, Lailah Jones and Kailah Jones saw significant playing time on a roster that had only one senior.

The Golden Rams averaged 39.8 points per game last season and allowed 52.1.

“One thing I noticed is that girls have needed more time with the fundamentals,” Thomas said. “They’re smart and have caught on quickly.”

Highlands was also able to bring in a player who has excelled in another sport. Addison Arms will play for the Golden Rams this season.

Arms, who has committed to Bloomsburg to play volleyball, hasn’t played basketball since she was in fourth grade.

“She’s trying out for the flag football team they are starting,” Thomas said. “She has a lot of potential. She can play at all five positions.”

Highlands will open the season with a nonsection game Dec. 1 at Armstrong. The Golden Rams have four consecutive road games to open the year, including their section opener Dec. 11 at Burrell.

Highlands again will face stiff competition in section. The Golden Rams are in a section with defending WPIAL champion Oakland Catholic. North Catholic also reached the WPIAL semifinals last season.

The Golden Rams also will have to worry about Burrell, Derry, Freeport, Knoch and Valley.

Thomas said she is going to do her best to have everyone prepared to be off and running.

“First and foremost, they need to understand what they are getting themselves into,” Thomas said. “We want to have them ready to go against tough competition. I want them to understand how to rally together and stay together.”

Highlands girls at a glance

Coach: Nia Thomas

Last year’s record: 6-16 (5-9 Section 1-4A)

Returning starters: Jasmine Owen (So., G), Brooke Walker (So., F), Lailah Jones (So., G), Kailah Jones (So., G)

Others to watch: Addison Arms (Sr., F)

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

12.1, at Armstrong, 6:30 p.m.

12.4, at Leechburg, 6:30 p.m.

12.5, TBD^, TBD

12.6, TBD^, TBD

12.8, at Yough, 7:30 p.m.

12.11, at Burrell*, 7:30 p.m.

12.15, Oakland Catholic*, 7:30 p.m.

12.18, Knoch*, 7:30 p.m.

12.22, at Derry*, 7:15 p.m.

12.26, TBD+, TBD

12.27, TBD+, TBD

1.5, North Catholic*, 7:30 p.m.

1.8, at Freeport*, 7:30 p.m.

1.12, Valley*, 7:30 p.m.

1.15, Burrell*, 7:30 p.m.

1.19, at Oakland Catholic*, 7:30 p.m.

1.22, at Knoch*, 7:30 p.m.

1.26, Derry*, 7:30 p.m.

1.29, at North Catholic*, 6:30 p.m.

2.2, Freeport*, 7:30 p.m.

2.5, at Valley*, 7 p.m.

2.6, Kiski Area, 7:30 p.m.

*Section game

^Freeport tip-off tournament

+Apollo-Ridge holiday tournament

Tags: Highlands