After the girls basketball season ended last spring, Coach Jamal Woodson got in touch with Lynsey Bernotas to share some great news: She had made first-team all-section as a sophomore.
“This felt very good because I accomplished something I’ve been working for,” Bernotas said.
Bernotas was one of the top scorers and game managers in the WPIAL last year. This season, Bernotas, who is now a junior, is a guard in her third year as a starter on the varsity basketball team.
Basketball is like a lifestyle to Bernotas. She was introduced to it by her dad when she was in third grade, and she hasn’t stopped since.
“My dad got me into basketball, and he is very passionate about the sport,” Bernotas said.
The experience she gained in her younger years has been an obvious factor in her success. But having her sisters, Alia, a freshman, and Laci, a senior, on the team helps her keep her head up through the season, she said.
“It is very cool and fun to play with my sisters, and they push me through the season and offseason,” Bernotas said. “My sisters are important to my playing because they are very supportive, so it helps a lot.”
The Highlanders had a strong season last year, reaching the second round of the WPIAL playoffs before losing to South Fayette. In the state playoffs, Baldwin lost to Cathedral Prep in the first round.
“I was very impressed last season with how far we got and how well we played together,” Bernotas said.
Sophomore forward Hannah Prilla experienced firsthand what it is like to run with Bernotas.
“She is a very hard worker, and she shows what it means to be a leader on a team,” Prilla said. “She does what it takes to win. She has helped me in practice over and over again.”
Senior guard Bella Niles praised her high-energy game.
“Lynsey is very aggressive and isn’t afraid to put her body on the line. She hustles every play and always gives 100 percent,” Niles said.
Bernotas is excited and ready for the upcoming season.
“I think I’m going to do well with having energy and bringing positivity. I also think I will contribute to scoring and getting to the basket,” Bernotas said.
Bernotas is not stopping there; she wants it all for the Highlanders.
“I hope to make it to a WPIAL championship and go far in the states this year,” Bernotas said.
