“We want to play every game like our last,” Head Coach John Kaercher said at the beginning of the season. That inspiration pushed the girls to their ultimate goal of reaching playoffs.
“Serving as a captain of the teams, I’m glad that I got to lead the team to playoffs,” Senior Sydney Kaercher said.
This was the first time that the girls’ basketball team made playoffs in 14 years. Their playoff game was played on Feb. 14 at Keystone Oaks High School.
At the game, ”we worked hard and never gave up,” Senior Joanne Baralmas said.
In the end, the girls lost 49-46.
“I am hoping that the team next year will come in hungry and look to advance further in the playoffs. Hopefully that loss leaves a bitter taste in their mouths and they realize the potential they possess,” John Kaercher said.
Overall, the girls’ Varsity basketball team came out with a final record of 10-13, including playoffs. Junior Varsity finished with a record of 5-7.
On Jan. 16, Seniors Kayla Angeline, Barlamas, Sydney Kaercher and Salena Ritorto played their last high school basketball game together. Because of injuries, Angeline and Ritorto weren’t able to finish the season with their team in the playoffs, but both Barlamas and Sydney Kaercher played their last high school game on Feb. 14.
“Although our outcome in the playoffs wasn’t what we expected, just making it there was an accomplishment. This season was by far the best season of my four years of high school, and I owe that to every teammate and coach,” Barlamas said.
Throughout the season, the girls faced off against teams and expanded on their basketball skills. All season, the girls focused on different plays and ways to score against the opposing team.
“Playing in that type of situation was an experience of a lifetime, and I’m thrilled that I got to experience it,” Sydney Kaercher said.
During the season, three players got the honors of being put on the All-Tournament Team: Angeline, Barlamas and Junior Madison Daubenspeck.
“To the underclassmen, we fulfilled the dream this year and proved that we belong in playoffs. I wish you guys the best of luck, and I know you’ll do great and make it further than we did this year,” Barlamas said.
“I know we made it to playoffs, but this is just the beginning,” Sydney Kaercher said. “There is a lot further to go.”