Anthony Thomas knew exactly what he was up against when he took the opportunity to become the head girls’ basketball at Jim Thorpe.

He came into a program that just a few years ago made school history by winning a district title and semifinal finish in the state tournament, but lately has fallen on hard times.

Thomas comes to JT with 23 years of experience coaching both boys and girls teams in the area. This season he faces the challenge of improving a winless team from a year ago with a roster of 12 players who are high on potential but low on experience.

“We have some new faces that have come along with mine,” he said. “With the roster at 12, many of the girls will play both JV and varsity.” Thomas has yet to determine his starting five, but did name those who are in the mix. “Nothing is yet set in stone. Our team is very young, and we’ll have starters who either didn’t play last year or are brand new to the team.”

Only two seniors are on the squad. One is Brianna Snisky who returns after a year off. A skilled volleyball player, Thomas likes her athleticism. “Brianna will play center. She’s multi-talented and when given the shot in the paint, she finishes at the rim. We will count on her for leadership as well.

Freshman Ciara Lees will play the point guard position. “She can handle the ball, and she’s up for the task. Ciara is very quick, and she’ll help us defensively, too.”

The shooting guards will be Ryah Confer, another freshman, and sophomore Stacy Bos, who also didn’t play last year. “Stacy is a relentless defender,” said Thomas. “She will make it hard for the opposing point guard to see the court.”

Sophomore Jaylah Yeakel brings size and strength to the power forward position. She will be expected — along with Snisky — to use her physicality to rebound on both ends of the court.

Senior Brinn Harwood comes from the soccer field to the hardwood to play center and forward. Also in the mix to play forward are junior Makena Scherer, and freshman Brooklyn Yuhas. “Both Makena and Brooklyn are physical players. They can rebound and help us get pressure on defense.”

Junior Avery Balliet, along with freshman Isabella Roman, will play guard. “Avery has a nice shot and Isabella is athletic, aggressive, and very fast.”

The Olympians’ combination of speed and athleticism will fuel a fast-paced offense and with a man defense, will look to force turnovers and transition them into points. Thomas likes to put pressure on the ball. “Depending upon the team we play and the situation in the game, we will utilize some half- and full-court presses.”

Thomas’ goal is to create a new culture and in his own words, have everyone in the program “put their best foot forward.” He will also make sure his players understand that this is their team — and not his.

“We will study our opponents on film,” he said, “but instead of me telling the team what they can do to improve, I will be asking each of them that when she sees herself on film — what do you see you can do to improve your game. That’s taking ownership, and it’s all part of the learning process.”

With a difficult Colonial League schedule, Thomas likes the fact that his team is under the radar. “Nobody in the league will know anything about us. I’m new, as is most of the team.”

With fresh names and little court experience, Thorpe could struggle against opponents with veteran teams. “All I can ask for is that we fight to the final buzzer. And every game starts 0-0, so if we keep a positive attitude, we can upset some of the teams on our schedule.”