Milton Moronta takes over as the head Jim Thorpe girls’ basketball coach and despite low roster numbers, sees the road ahead will be paved for success this season following last year’s 12-11 record.

With just 13 girls and three returning starters, Thorpe will bring talent and relentless energy to the hardwood.

“We’re excited by what we have seen at practice,” said Moronta. “Our starting five at this point will have four seniors.”

With a team that has no players who averaged in double figures last year, Amara Robinson returns and will be expected to be a top scorer. She has “dynamic” skills according to Moronta.

“Amara is a playmaker with a very high basketball IQ. She has great court vision, and has the skill set to score 10 to 15 points a game.”

The outside shooting game will feature senior Kiara Ginopolas. She has experience after playing in 19 games last year, and can hit the three-pointers. “She’s our sharpshooter, and has set a personal goal to eclipse the school record of eight three-pointers in one game.”

Thorpe’s Energizer Bunny is senior point guard, Sarah Hartman, a tireless player with relentless offensive and defensive mobility. Hartman averaged nine points a game a season ago, and will set up the offensive plays with her ball-handling skills. Moronta said she will be a “disruptive” force on defense against opposing top scorers.

Meanwhile, Juliana Bowen will be utilized as a center in the traditional sense.

“She can play down on the block where we can get her the ball at the low post,” said Moronta. “Juliana is a physical presence, and will be counted on for rebounds on both ends of the court.”

The fifth starter might be freshman Jaylah Keakle. At 5-foot, 10-inches tall, she’s aggressive at the forward position, as well as physical and “serious about the game”, according to Moronta.

Depth should be an asset for the Olympians. Sophomores, Avery Balliet and Makena Scherer have shown court presence and hustle. Scherer will be asked to handle some of the rebounding responsibilities when she is sent into play.

Getting plenty of court time will be senior Olivia Rosenberger, who steps from the goal mouth of the soccer field to the basketball hardwood. Freshman Isabella Sully adds to the physical style of play that Moronta will continue to emphasize.

He describes his team’s style of play as up tempo on offense, and “in your face” on defense.

“We will look to steal the ball, and play physical on defense. We want our opponents to be one-and-done when they take their shots with our rebounding efforts. Defense wins games.”

Moronta’s goals are to compete for a league championship, make the districts and play at Martz Hall after the regular season has been completed.

“We understand there will be a few bumps in the road,” Moronta said, “and that we have little overall experience, but we have a good foundation here, and we are up for the challenge.”

Following the rich tradition of Jim Thorpe girls’ basketball, the 2023 Olympian edition hopes to add their mark to the program’s long period of success.