POTTSVILLE - Leave no doubt.

Jim Thorpe, which came into this season with Schuylkill League aspirations, got one step closer to that goal on Tuesday, routing Division 2 champion Tri-Valley 61-23 in the semis of the Schuylkill League playoffs at Martz Hall.

The game was never in question, as the Olympians (22-1) sent a message from the outset that they were ready to play.

Senior guard and two-time Times News Girls’ Basketball Player of the Year Skyler Searfoss got it going early as well. Searfoss scored all 13 of her points in the first quarter as Thorpe raced out to a 17-0 lead.

Tri-Valley didn’t get its first bucket – a three from Cassie Huntzinger – until the 17-second mark in the first frame.

“We talked to the girls about how we’re here to do a job, and that is to win a Schuylkill League Championship. We wanted to send a message that’s what we’re here to do,” said Jim Thorpe head coach Nadia Gauronsky. “Skyler got us going, and I mean what hasn’t been said about her? But she’s just fantastic, and such a strong player as she showed tonight getting in there and rebounding and getting to the basket.”

The Olympians’ message was signed, sealed and delivered after leading 22-5 after one, they kept the pressure on in the second quarter. Thorpe’s full-court pressure gave the Bulldogs issues throughout the night as they committed 14 turnovers in the first half, and shot just 3-for-14 from the field.

In turn, the Olympians were able get efficient offensive opportunities because of their pressure, and it showed in the stat line as they shot an impressive 18-for-32 in the first half to carry a commanding 37-7 lead into intermission.

“I thought the girls came out and did a great job and set the tone early with our pressure, and then we were able to get out in transition,” said Gauronsky. “Like I said, we wanted to come out here and send a message, and I think we delivered that.”

Thorpe’s reserves saw significant of action in the second half with the game starting in the mercy rule in the third, and that group delivered on the evening as well, outscoring the Bulldogs 24-16.

Gabby Cinicola, Sarah Hartman, Briana Snisky, Kiara Ginopolas and Amara Robinson all scored late buckets for the Olympians.

“It was great to see those girls get in and get some valuable experience at Martz Hall in this atmosphere, and then they went out there and played really well,” said Gauronsky. “I’m definitely proud of that group, because they go up against our starters every day and work hard, so it was great to see that tonight.”

NEXT UP

... Jim Thorpe will face North Schuylkill for the third time this season at 6 p.m. on Friday in the championship game at Martz Hall.

LEADING SCORERS

... Olivia Smelas led all scorers with 16 points, and once again was a force on the boards. Hope Colahan led Tri-Valley with eight points.

TRI-VALLEY

Header 0-0-0-0, L. Snyder 0-0-0-0, H. Colahan 2-3-4-8, F. Colahan 1-0-0-3, Canfield 0-0-0-0, Raulston 0-0-0-0, Kroh 1-0-0-3, Huntzinger 2-0-0-5, A. Snyder 1-0-0-2, Poletti 1-0-0-2. TOTALS: 8-3-4-23.

JIM THORPE

L. Snisky 1-0-2-2, Hurley 4-0-0-8, Searfoss 6-1-2-13, O. Smelas 7-1-1-16, Yuhas 4-0-0-9, H. Smelas 0-0-0-0, Cinicola 2-0-0-5, Hartman 1-0-0-2, B. Snisky 1-0-0-2, Ginopolas 1-0-0-2, Robinson 1-0-0-2. TOTALS: 8 3-4 23.

Tri-Valley 5 2 8 8 - 23

Jim Thorpe 22 15 11 13 - 61

Three-pointers: Tri-Valley - H. Colahan 1, F. Colahan 1 Kroh 1, Huntzinger 1; Jim Thorpe - O. Smelas 1, Yuhas 1, Cinicola 1.