NTL GIRLS' BASKETBALL: NEB CONTINUED STRONG PLAY ON THE COURT IN 2021 (2021-04-01)

Northern Tier Sports Report
The Northeast Bradford girls’ basketball team had another successful season.

They went undefeated in their division to repeat as Division-II champions, got two big non-league wins over Sullivan County and Athens and made it to the District IV, Class AA semifinals. Their win over Athens was the first for any of the girls in their high school careers.

“First off I’m glad we got a season in, even though it was crazy with the changes day to day, and had to wear masks,” said NEB coach Ben Beebe. “The girls loved being able to get on the court and play ball. We felt our season was a successful one, we learned a lot about our team, and what we are capable of.”

Despite having just one senior the Panthers didn’t skip a beat from last year’s team.

Junior Maisie Neuber turned into one of the best all-around players in the league, adding a complete offensive repertoire to her already strong defensive prowess, leading the team, and the league, at 20 points per game.

Senior Lauryn Jones provided shooting - she led the league with 46 3-pointers made - experience and high basketball IQ as sophomores Kayleigh Thoman and Alena Beebe exerted themselves on varsity. Thoman became one of the top one-on-one defenders in the area, with Beebe running the offense while also turning into a good shooter in her own right.

Junior Julia Brown became a strong defender and rebounder as she stepped into that fifth starting spot. Off the bench Kate O’Connor also stepped into her own as a rebounder and shot blocker, while Meg Russell was a strong role player off the bench.

With how much they dominated the Small School Division, and with most of their team returning next winter, don’t expect the Panthers to go anywhere.

“With 4-of-5 starters coming back, and ‘hopefully’ getting an off-season, we will be back stronger than last year,” said Beebe.