Jim Thorpe girls basketball coach Rob Kovac and his team expect to make not only the playoffs, but also a deep run through districts and even beyond.

Led by the Times News Player of the Year and top scorer, Kayley Kovac, the Olympian starting lineup brings experience and talent onto the court.

“We have a backcourt that can score a lot of points,” said Kovac. “Payton (Kovac) can knock it down and Natalia Richards plays well off Kayley and has three years of quality playing time.”

Thorpe will look to run the court every chance they get, but Kovac feels his team will be much improved in their half court game as well.

“We have good size in the backcourt, which will benefit our shooting range.” he said. “I think with our athleticism we can wear teams down, too.”

Kayley Kovac, who averaged nearly 26 points a game last year, will be joined in the starting lineup by her sister, Payton, Richards, Devon Lignore and either Jackie Condly or Sarah Gabel. Rob Kovac is also excited about freshman Brandy Montemuro.

He expects opposing defenses to double and triple team Kayley, but she will dish the ball off to her teammates, who figure to have good looks.

Defensively, the Olympians are somewhat undersized in the frontcourt, but that shouldn’t be a problem because most teams in the Schuylkill League do not feature big girls who require to be fronted in the high and low post. Thorpe will mix and match schemes, using their signature 1-3-1 zone, as well as man-to-man.

“We’ll pressure the ball sometimes,” said Kovac. “We know that defense wins games, especially in the stretch run of the season and for us to beat really good teams in close games in the Schuylkill League, we will have to get a stop at big moments late in these games. Block a shot, cause a turnover, take a charge.”

After going 13-10 a year ago, Thorpe is looking for even bigger and better things.

As they have in the past two seasons, the team will center around Kayley Kovac, who recently signed to play for St. Francis University. She is committed to make her final season at Jim Thorpe her best, which could prove to be troublesome each night for league opponents.

“I tell Kayley and Payton that playing basketball for their school is a privilege, and this year is their last chance to appreciate that privilege.”

Kayley flashes a visual swagger at practice, but she remains humble knowing she will be in the spotlight every night.

“She will still be our go-to scorer, but she has improved her passing game to open up opportunities for her teammates to put the ball in the net.

“Everyone is optimistic going into this season. But we understand that every game in this league will be a war.”

Going into battle with an all-state player, complemented by experienced and skilled teammates, might just have this year’s edition of Lady Olympian basketball raising numerous double digit victory flags during their march toward postseason play.