Lehighton girls hope to reverse record

Flip and Beyond.

Those three words have become Lehighton’s rallying cry heading into the 2017-18 season.

After a 9-13 record a year ago, the squad is hoping to reverse those numbers and begin a new era in the program.

New head coach Joe Berezwick, who led Tamaqua for 18 years, is not only excited about a chance to return to the bench, but also believes the squad’s goal can become a reality.

“When you look at the season from a year ago, I’m sure a break here or a play there could have made it a different story,” said Berezwick. “Our goal coming into the season, and our motto we’re approaching, is flip and beyond. We want to go 13-9 and better than that if we can.

“We definitely have the kids that are capable of doing it. What do we need to get that done? Certainly one is confidence ... We’re still somewhat of a newcomer to the league so to have the confidence in believing that you belong in what is traditionally a very strong league is something you need to have. We want to make our mark that we’re here and not going anywhere. We want to show that we belong and have people see that and respect that.”

Opposing coaches certainly have respect for the Indians’ top two players. Seniors Aubrey Blasiak and Skylynn Faust have both scored over 700 points in their career. Faust averaged 15.5 points per game last season and hit 29 three-pointers, while Blasiak finished at 11.0 ppg and hit 20 shots from long range.

“They’re two kids that opposing teams know they have be concerned with,” said Berezwick, who won three district titles at Tamaqua. “They’re our two captains. Both will be four-year starters, so certainly coming in as a new coach and having those two kids returning to work around, I couldn’t ask for anything better. Their play is outstanding, and their leadership is even above that so it certainly made things easier in my return.”

Speaking of returning, the Indians have more than just Blasiak and Faust coming back. Julia Frey, a senior, and Emily Miller, a junior, return to the starting lineup.

Frey could play in the frontcourt or backcourt, while Miller will be inside.

“(Julia) is a tremendous athlete and can do a lot of different things for us on the court,” said Berezwick. “She’s quick enough to play as a guard, but big enough and strong enough to be able to mix it up inside. (Emily) has been working really hard, and she’s probably going to be our featured post player. She’s doing all the little things in there that are going to pay dividends for us.”

The last starting spot is up for grabs and could go to a number of players, including Savanna Buchinsky, Lillian Brown, Brenna Long, Alexis Pantella, or Thera Hibbler. Those who don’t start will still see plenty of time and add to the team’s depth.

“I think the four positions are pretty solidified, and the fifth spot is open,” said Berezwick. “There are a number of players that can step in there at any moment and contribute, so it’s not really a worry there of filling that spot because whoever it’s going to be is going to give us quality play.

“Our strength is our experience with the four starters coming back, and of the nine kids we’ve talked about, five are seniors and four are juniors. So experience is definitely in our favor.”