The Palmerton girls’ basketball team knows its capabilities.

The evidence can be found in what the Bombers were able to accomplish a year ago when they posted a 23-3 record, captured a District 11 championship, and qualified for the PIAA State Tournament.

Head coach Dan Beck believes the success the Bombers enjoyed a year ago will provide extra incentive heading into the 2022-23 season.

“I think that experience, and knowing what’s expected from them, will guide them a long way,” Beck said. “I mean they know we’re here to compete in every game.

“A lot of returners are coming back, and they know our system very well. We expect another really good season this year.”

If Palmerton is going to match or exceed the success it enjoyed a year ago, it will have to find a way to replace two key members of that squad - Brianna Moore, who averaged a team-leading 14.92 points per game, and Raegan Nemeth (8.81 ppg.).

According to Beck, both Moore and Nemeth helped set the bar high for the program a year ago when the Bombers went 18-0 during the Colonial League regular season and eventually reached the second round of the PIAA State Tournament.

But, he believes there is enough talent there to continue that success.

Among the key returnees Beck will be counting on are senior captains Bethie Morgan (point guard, 13.48 ppg) and Kelsey Balliet (forward, 1.61), along with juniors Sydney Frantz (guard, 5.37) and Megan Matsko (forward, 4.74).

“I think our biggest strength is how athletic these girls are,” Beck said. “A lot of them play multiple sports. Whether they play field hockey, soccer or softball for our school, they all utilize their talents in other sports. They’re just good all-around athletes.”

Also expected to play key roles for the Bombers this season are juniors Hannah Barry (shooting guard, 3.65 ppg) and Hailey Andrews (forward, 1.41), and sophomores Mikayla Pengelly (guard) and Ella Baumgardt (guard) - all of whom saw action in multiple games a year ago.

“We need some kids to step up and make up for the points that Bri and Raegan gave us a season ago,” Beck said. “We have some girls who got experience last year, and also some younger girls who could possibly get some varsity time.

“It’s an exciting time for Palmerton girls basketball, and we’re looking forward to the season.”

While most team members played a lot of ball in the offseason (the Bombers had 18 girls attend team camp), Beck cited one particular player who made a noticeable improvement since last season.

“The big key coming back - and people are going to realize this - is Hannah Barry,” Beck said. “She didn’t get a whole lot of time last year, but she played a lot of AAU ball and in a lot of tournaments offseason, and she’s really improved her game. I see good things happening with Hannah.”

Beck said despite the two key graduation losses, the goals remain the same.

“We’re going to have the same goals,” he said. “We want to compete hard every night, contend for a league championship, and make another run in districts.

“It’s going to be a different team this year. It’s not going to be the way it was last year. But I’m confident that doesn’t mean we will be any less successful. We’re going to have to be a little better defensively, and a little more patient offensively, but I’m excited about our potential.”