Sewickley Academy, Quaker Valley girls basketball set to start season

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, December 4, 2017 | 11:00 PM

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With all its starters back, the Sewickley Academy girls basketball team looks ahead to a long playoff run.

The Panthers placed fifth in the WPIAL Class A tournament and qualified for the PIAA tournament last season.

Panthers coach Mariam Sy said, because of its experience, the squad will have no excuses not to make states.

At 6-foot-1, senior forward Olivia Ryder stands out.

Also taking to the court will be juniors Alyssa Winters, Tatum McKelvey, Kendall Lightcap, Theresa Wilson and Myra Samuel.

Junior transfer Samantha “Sam” Smith joins the team.

Ryder, who lives in Moon, enjoys being part of a unit that can make a “statement.”

“It's been fun watching my teammates grow,” she said. “I know this season is going to be one to remember.”

The Panthers kick off the campaign Dec. 8-9 in a tournament at Aquinas Academy. Their Section 1-A opener will be Dec. 21 at Quigley Catholic.

A towering senior also will lead a young Quaker Valley team.

Franzi Nace, a 5-foot-11 forward, is the lone upperclassman.

Sophomore Amy Wilson and freshmen Corrine Washington, Bailey Garbee and Claire Kuzma likely will round out the lineup, with freshmen Gina Atwood and Juliana Helkowski coming off the bench.

Quakers coach Jill Brumbaugh said the Quakers have some quick kids, but it will be a learning year.

“We're looking forward to having fun,” Brumbaugh said.

The Quakers open the season Dec. 8-9 in a tournament at Carlynton. Their first Section 2-4A game will be Dec. 14 at New Castle.

Nace expects the Quakers to surprise people.

“Our team may slant young, but we are overflowing with energy,” she said. “Once we hone that energy a little, I think we are going to be a very good team.”

The Quakers last reached the WPIAL playoffs in the 2012-13 season.

Karen Kadilak is a freelance writer.

Tags: Quaker Valley, Sewickley Academy