Keystone Panthers - Girls Basketball
The 2020-2021 Keystone Girls basketball squad looks to improve on its 17-10 record from a season ago. Last year the young Lady Panthers lost to a strong Redbank team in the District IX AA girls Championship and advanced into the state playoffs. The Lady Panthers look to use this as a springboard and a benchmark for the 2021 season.
For head coach Josh Almes, the catalyst for this year's squad will be sr. Point guard, Emily Lauer who averaged 16 points per game as a jr. Lauer just might be the top point guard in the league. She will look to join the 1,000-point club at Keystone this year.
Joining Lauer on the hardwood will be a plethora of players with talent. With only one lost starter from a season ago, the Lady Panthers look to continue its winning ways in 2021. The supporting cast of Lady Panthers include jr, guard/forward Jozee Weaver who averaged 8ppg and 5 rebounds last year; Sr., guard Denae Hurrelbrink who can score from the outside and shot 30 percent beyond the arc last year, Sr., Maddie Dunlap and Soph., Natalie Bowser who averaged 7 points and 7 rebounds per game as a freshman last year. Bowser also looks to clutter up the middle for the Lady Panthers and alter shots. Almes also likes the tenacity and eagerness of the young sophomores who could crack the lineup.
The Lady Panthers have started the season 5-0 as of press time. The Lady Panthers notched an opening win against an up-and-coming Moniteau squad (53-41). Lauer led the game in scoring for Keystone netting 23 and Bowser adding 14. The Lady Panthers continued in the win column a couple nights later by defeating North Clarion 41-30. Lauer netted 19 points, Weaver 8 and Bowser with 6. The Lady Panthers notched its 3rd victory of the season with a 49-25 win against Union. Lauer again led in scoring with 20, Maddy Dunlap 13 and Jozee Weaver bucketed 8 for the solid win. The Lady Panthers upped their record to 4-0 with a tough fought win against C-L, and now 5-0 with a 58 - 20 win Thursday, Jan. 21 against Venango Catholic.
To be successful Almes would like to improve on their decision making with the basketball. We are a senior loaded team so I am hoping this can help in the big games.