NTL GIRLS' BASKETBALL: WYALUSING BATTLES THROUGH TOUGH SEASON (2023-03-18)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
It was a bit of a hard luck season for the Wyalusing girls’ basketball team, but one that they were able to make something of.

“It was our first year together as a team, and we were pleased with how it went,” said Wyalusing coach Nick Reynolds. “We had our challenges, but the record doesn’t justify how far we came in a short amount of time. We started a sisterhood throughout our program, which was led by four outstanding seniors.”

They went 8-14 on the year to make districts despite losing starting center, Olivia Leichliter, to a season ending injury nine games in.

“Going into the season we knew we were going to be the underdog in every game,” said Reynolds. “We had dog fights with some of the league’s best teams. The league is very competitive, and is stacked with some really good players and coaches. It was fun going up against some of the greats.”

After opening with a loss they won their next three games. Three tough losses followed, but then they had maybe the win of the year, a shorthanded 56-52 triple OT victory over NP-Mansfield.

Then came the 45-36 loss to Towanda, a game where they were leading to start the fourth quarter, but saw Leichliter go down.

After winning their next game they lost their next eight games to put their season on the brink. A 3-1 finish to the year pushed them back into the playoffs.

They would lose a tough one to eventual district champions South Williamsport in the first round.

They were led by Layla Botts at 15.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.5 APG, and 1.7 SPG.

“Senior Layla Botts was a fearless competitor who led the way for us,” Reynolds said. “Layla had a great instinct of getting to the foul line. She shot 65-percent, going 148-out-of-226 on the year.”

Leichliter was averaging 8.7 PPG and 11.6 RPG when she went down with her injury.

“Senior Olivia Leichliter had one of the best work ethics underneath,” said Reynolds. “She was getting better and better until we lost her in the Towanda game. She was a player you can’t replace, but sophomore Rachel Wilson stepped up for us, averaging 8.0 boards a game.”

Elana Jennings chipped in with 4.7 PPG and 5.4 RPG to also go with 1.9 SPG.

“Elana Jennings is a senior who played a bigger role than stats show,” said Reynolds. “She was a true leader that will be missed by many. She always stepped up in moments of need, whether it was scoring 19 in a triple overtime win, or playing great defense in big games.”

Fellow senior Sydney Friedlander brought hustle whenever she was on the court.

“Sydney Friedlander came out for her senior season, and was our go to defender,” said Reynolds. “She held her own against some of the league’s best players.”

Chloe Bennett was their number two scorer at 9.1 PPG to go with 1.8 SPG.

“Sophomore Chloe Bennett came on strong for us this season,” Reynolds said. “Setting the school record for most 3’s in a game, she continued to gain confidence and shot the ball well.”

They also got some good minutes from Treanna Nickeson off the bench.

“Freshman Treanna Nickeson is one we are excited about next year,” said Reynolds. “Her athleticism is fun to watch as she continues to get better.”

They lose the core of the team but will look to bounce back next season.

“The eighth grade class has some really good talent come up,” Reynolds said. “We are extremely eager to see the sisterhood continue to build.”