NTL GIRLS' BASKETBALL: YOUTHFUL TROY TAKES STEP FORWARD IN 2021 (2021-03-27)

Northern Tier Sports Report
It was the start of a new era for Troy girls’ basketball this season. Coach Marshall McNeal took over, and the Trojans were able to make districts as they went 7-12 overall.

“I was very proud of the Troy girls this year,” said McNeal. “They found themselves with a new coach, and had to deal with Covid and snow days. They kept their focus on improving, and I feel we did that. They never quit, and continued to come to together with each game.”

They swept the season series with Canton and Williamson while also beating CV, NP-Mansfield and district semifinalist NP-Liberty.

They also had a few close losses to playoff teams such as Wyalusing and Towanda, and led Athens at the half up at their place.

All-NTL First Team all-star Sydney Taylor proved to be one of the better all-around players in the area with her ability to drive to the basket and pick up steals in the passing lane. Underclassman Rachel Kingsley had a coming out season in the post, earning a Second Team All-NTL nod.

Seniors Hannah Zimmerman and Olivia Call provided leadership, with Zimmerman also playing the point, while MaKenna Matthews turned into one of the better 3-point shooters in the league. Freshman Katie Lackey came on strong as a threat down low as well with Bailey Johnson developing into a role player off the bench.

“Good luck to the three seniors, and I appreciated their work work they did for the team,” said McNeal. “They helped the underclassman to be better, and believe in themselves. We are looking forward to keep improving.”

The Trojans return four of their five starters, including three that are either sophomores or freshmen. That, combined with adding a few players from their junior high team that just went undefeated on the year, gives them a bright outlook for the future.