NTL GIRLS' BASKETBALL: NEB HAS ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON (2023-03-18)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
It was another championship season for the Northeast Bradford girls’ basketball team. They went undefeated in the division, and became the first Small School team to win the NTL Showdown title.

However, they came up short in the district playoffs, losing two tough games to end the year.

“It was another successful year, just didn’t turn out how we would like,” said NEB coach Ben Beebe. “We had some ups and downs, and we played some very competitive teams that, even if you lose, make you better. It was a fun season.”

They opened up by winning the Millville Tournament title, but lost their home opener to Troy. 

The Panthers would win the next three league games before falling at Tunkhannock over Christmas Break. 

After that they had a 7-game win streak, including two close ones over Athens and Wyalusing.

They would go 4-4 down the final stretch of the season, including tough losses to district playoff teams Bloomsburg, Muncy, Mt. Carmel, and Towanda.

However, they would get revenge on their two league losses, beating Troy and Towanda in the NTL Showdown.

The Panthers opened with a win over Canton, but lost close games to Line Mountain and Northwest in the district semifinals and third place game.

They were led by their three senior captains: Kayleigh Thoman (14.5 PPG), Alena Beebe (9.0 PPG), and Kate O’Connor (7.4 PPG).

 They will return two starters in juniors Lani Thomas (4.5 PPG) and Emma Neuber (4.8 PPG), along with freshman back-up Leah Beebe.

Sophomore rotation players Lillie Maynard, Anna Towner, Becca VanDeMark, Lilah Hughes, and Abby O’Connor will look to have bigger roles next year, too.

“I’m going to miss my three seniors, but look forward to what next year will bring,” said Beebe.