Palmerton’s Leister tops 1,000 points

For what seems like an eternity, Palmerton High School girls’ basketball and Linnaea Leister have been synonymous.

If there is talk about one, the other comes into the conversation — and for good reason.

The four-year starter busted onto the varsity basketball scene her freshman season and has been a mainstay in the Bombers’ lineup ever since, starring as a scorer, ball-handler, and leader.

On Feb. 2 against Southern Lehigh, Leister took a feed from Taylor Hirochek and sank a basket to record the 1,000th point of her career.

“I was shaking so much afterward, I could barely feel my legs,” Leister said. “It’s a feeling that I’ll never forget, and even though it would have been nice to do it at a home game, I’m glad it happened  when it did.”

The 1,000-point plateau is a culmination of many years of hard work for Leister.

“Linnaea was just one of our offensive options in her freshman year because she played alongside Jade Farquhar, Abby Reimer and Madison Mummey,” Palmerton head coach Ralph Andrews reflected. “From that point on, she has been our offensive focus.

“I think watching Jade, really set an example for Linnaea.”

Over the next three years, Leister has been the Bombers’ top offensive weapon, as opposing teams would often game plan against her.

“As a sophomore, we had lost a lot of experience and talent, and I had to step up as a leader and keep a positive attitude,” Leister said.

“The last three years, coaches have planned games around stopping her and yet, she still found ways to score,” coach Andrews said. “She handles the ball extremely well, she has a perimeter shot, and can also create space going to the basket. So she has been a every big part of our offense.”

At the beginning of this, her senior year, Leister needed over 200 points to attain her personal scoring goal. But that wasn’t her main focus heading into the season.

“I was aware of the goal and knew it was possible, but I also knew we needed other girls to step up and score in order to get wins for our team,” Leister said. “It was definitely a balancing act, but we got it done. I’m really happy about qualifying for districts as a team.”

As the years passed, Leister’s role may have changed on the court, however, her attitude, work ethic, and overall personality have not.

“Linnaea might not be a vocal type of leader, but she does lead by example,” Andrews said. “The only time she misses any workouts are in the summer, when she has traveled to play in some kind of showcase or tournament.

“She will never take off in a particular drill or possession, and she has led the team in assists, steals and scoring for three years, and even rebounding last year.”

Leister realizes the importance of her coaches, teammates and family over the years, whom she wanted to thank.

“First and foremost, coach Andrews has always believed in me,” she said. “His door was always open, and with coach Ashley Andrews, and coach Dan Beck, their support during practices and games has been amazing. Coach (Don) Delich and coach (Rodney) Strohl have also been mentors for me and my basketball over the years. Also, my mom and dad have gone above and beyond to provide me with the opportunities to be successful. Really, the whole town of Palmerton has provided great support each and every year.”

As the Bombers await their first-round game in districts, expect this Steph Curry idolizer to continue to work hard toward bigger and better goals.

“I know how much time he (Curry) puts into being the best player that he can be, but also, it helps me realize that it’s okay to make mistakes, too, as long as you can go back out there and make  something happen.”