Addy Fritz has grown into one of the most dynamic players in the area — and one of the leaders of a Marian Catholic squad that reached the state quarterfinals for the second year in a row.

The junior guard led the Fillies with 14.2 points per game, and also averaged 5.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.7 steals per contest. Her efforts earned her a spot on the Pennsylvania Sports Writers Class 2A All-State Third Team — a recognition that reflects not only her talent, but also her relentless drive to improve.

Fritz poured in 398 points on the season, finishing sixth in the Times News area in scoring average. She was second in the area in three-pointers made, knocking down a remarkable 70 triples — a major jump from her sophomore season, when she made 32. Her shooting percentage from beyond the arc also improved from 26% (32-for-125) to 36% (70-for-197), a testament to her offseason work and commitment to refining her game.

“Anytime you get an opportunity to coach a kid that has passion for the game like she does, it’s a blessing for a coach,” said Marian head coach Damian Fritz. “Bonus — she happens to be my daughter. To see her growth year after year is something special. And that’s something I cherish each and every day.”

That growth has been hard-earned. Addy had to work her way into the rotation as a freshman, earning every minute on the floor through offseason dedication and a determination to separate herself.

“She has had to work for everything she’s earned in our program,” said Damian. “It hasn’t been easy. Sometimes she’s had to work even harder than anyone else, because I’m both her coach and her father. And for that, I’m extremely proud.”

Her junior season helped propel Marian to a 23-5 record and a runner-up finish in the District 11 Class 2A tournament. In the state playoffs, Fritz was a key contributor during a three-game run that saw the Fillies defeat MaST Charter School 76-11 and Elk Lake 47-45, before falling to eventual state champion Berlin Brothersvalley 57-46 in the quarterfinals.

Fritz averaged 14.3 points across the three state playoff games and 14.2 points over six total postseason contests, continuing to deliver in key moments.

She was part of a deep and dangerous Marian backcourt that helped the Fillies lead the Times News area in three-pointers made as a team (178), and rank third in free throw percentage (60 percent). Sophomore Deanna Pugh (40 threes) and freshman Addy Marek (33) also finished among the area’s top 10 in three-pointers made, ranking sixth and seventh, respectively.

Marian averaged 52.86 points per game this season — third best among area teams — but it was their defense that truly set them apart. The Fillies held opponents to just 28.82 points per game, the best scoring defense in the area.

The program’s success this year continued a long tradition of excellence. Marian has now qualified for the state tournament 32 times in school history — and 22 times in the last 30 seasons — showcasing the program’s consistency as one of the premier small-school programs in the state.

“I think her fire for the moment — the want to compete — is contagious with her teammates,” Damian said. “To be honest, she’s surrounded by really good players. I know she would tell you that she wouldn’t be where she is today without them. They drive each other to be the best and have such a great relationship on and off the floor.”

“I think at times we overlook the impact teammates have on an individual’s success,” he added. “We have a great bunch of girls who embrace the challenge and work hard to improve.”

That collective effort has helped Marian remain one of the top programs in Class 2A — and Addy Fritz is right at the center of it.