The girls basketball team is undergoing something of a youth transformation, with freshmen getting key time in most games.
Leading the charge is standout freshman Anna Lucarelli. Not only is she playing varsity as a freshman, but she is looked upon as one of the leaders on the team as a captain.
“One of my goals for the year is to definitely hustle and be a leader,” Lucarelli said.
The team will be looking for a bounce-back year after a disappointing season last year.
“We will do well if we work hard and always stay positive,” Lucarelli said.
Other freshmen playing key roles this year include Nina Dongilli and Kayla Radomsky, who have been getting playing time in prime moments of the game.
Providing balance for the youth movement are seniors Teia Swiger and Abbey Larkin. Larkin expects the younger players to give a spark to the team and for them to play with energy.
“A lot of them have been doing well, going against mature players in our section. They really go after it,” Larkin said.
Larkin also expects Lucarelli to be an important piece of the team in her freshman year.
“She will have a big impact on the team this year, mostly because of her intensity on the court, Larkin said. “In the future she will be really successful.”
Swiger had some similar praise for Lucarelli.
“She is a big scorer, really quick and has really good basketball instinct,” Swiger said. “She can go far with basketball and will be a big leader for the next few years.”
Lucarelli will be ready for the moment and the role that she has put all of her time in to.
“It’s amazing. I have been working all summer and fall for this,” Lucarelli said.
The team will go through adjustments as would any team with a lot of freshmen on the varsity roster.
“They are definitely getting used to playing varsity and are a big asset,” Swiger said.
Larkin will also be looking for a big year as a senior leader whom the younger players can look to. Larkin committed to Mercyhurst to play basketball in college.
Larkin, Swiger and the freshmen are all working to fill the void left by 1,000-point scorer Lauren Gilbert, who graduated and now plays at Washington & Jefferson.
The young Highlanders seem likely to develop and mature as the season goes on and compete with energy in one of the toughest sections in the WPIAL.