At Jim Thorpe, Olivia Smelas spent four productive years with best friend Leila Hurley, and the duo had some intuition that their relationship on and off the court could continue in college at Kutztown University.

“Leila had already committed to Kutztown,” recalled Smelas recently. “I went to visit, and I loved everything. When I talked to her about it, I was happy to see how excited she was, and she encouraged me to commit there.

“And then we knew we had another four years together.”

Now, as juniors, both Smelas — a center — and Hurley — a wing/guard — are starters and integral parts of the Golden Bears squad this winter.

Like they did as members of a successful Olympians’ program in which they both became 1,000-point scorers, Smelas and Hurley continuously feed off each and often mirror each other’s production.

Through their first 11 games this season, Smelas is averaging 7.1 points and 5.5 rebounds as she logs an average of 23.5 minutes per game. Hurley is averaging 7.6 points and 2.0 rebounds, and plays 21 minutes per game.

They are easily recognized as two integral pieces on the court for Kutztown. Smelas became a starter last season and gained second-team All PSAC East honors, and Hurley came off the bench before she took on a starting role this season.

Hurley also ranks 10th in the program’s history in three-point shooting percentage (36.1). This season, she has hit on 20-of-56 (.357), and she has made 72-of-200 for her career.

Off the court, both women have been named to the college’s Dean’s List, as well as to the CSC Academic All-District Team and have been PSAC scholars.

Kutztown head coach Janet Malouf has cherished every one of their moments.

“We are thrilled to have Olivia Smelas and Leila Hurley on our team,” said Malouf. “Olivia was thrust into the starting role last year when our center got hurt. She has continued to improve her game and has become a solid player. She’s a great teammate who is a leader on and off the floor.

“Leila came off the bench last year to provide a spark for us. She is our best three-point shooter. Leila worked extremely hard this summer and fall to earn a starting position. Her willingness to shoot the ball and play tough defense has made her an impact player on the floor. Leading by example, she is supportive of her teammates and brings a great attitude to practice.

“We are so proud of the improvement in both Olivia and Leila’s game and look forward to their continuing impact on our team and program.”

Their relationship dates back to playing basketball together in third grade, and they are currently roommates. Both of them have provided the spark for each other throughout the years.

Their strong bond is quite evident, and it has not deviated over time.

“Every chance I get to step onto the court with Olivia is a memorable one,” said Hurley. “We started for Jim Thorpe since our freshman year, and now we are starting through our junior year (at Kutztown).

“I am very grateful for that and will never take it for granted. Not many people get the opportunity we have gotten.”

“Every game there’s a moment where me and Leila get each other the ball,” added Smelas. “Then it feels like high school, and it is just us out there.”

Both women acknowledged their parents for their continuous support throughout the years, and they quickly recognized and adapted to the college game.

“The biggest challenge coming into my freshman year was probably adapting to the physical style of play,” said Smelas. “All the girls were so strong, no matter what position. You had to match the physical aspect, or it wasn’t going to go well for you.”

“There have been a few challenges playing college basketball, but I think the biggest one is trying to maintain the physical and mental demands of the sport,” added Hurley. “You will face a lot of adversity throughout your career, but most athletes here and at all levels are going through the same thing.

“So, I have to remind myself that I am not alone. It is also important to take care of your body first.”

Kutztown recently improved its record to 4-7 overall with a 81-31 victory over Wilmington College. Hurley had eight points, and Smelas added six in the victory.

Both of them are confident the team can reverse its slow start. Last season, the Golden Bears finished 15-15 overall and 12-10 in the PSAC. They were fourth in the conference in defense (56.1 points per game) and second in blocked shots per game (4.67).

“Looking ahead, I see the rest of the season as a great opportunity for the team to grow and build on what we’ve already accomplished,” said Hurley. “We have learned a lot from our prior losses, and we have a lot of younger players on the team who are developing.

“We can only go up from here,” said Smelas. “We had seven freshmen come into the program this year, so we are helping them develop.

“We are a new team this year, so we are figuring out who plays with whom the best.”

Over the past 13 years, Smelas and Hurley have truly solved that issue.

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Pleasant Valley grad Samantha Merklin recently gained United Soccer Coaches Division 2 All-Atlantic Region Third Team honors at Bloomsburg University.

The junior earned her spot recording 96 saves in 19 games over 1,710 minutes played. Merklin recorded a .684 goals against average and a .881 save percentage in net. The goalkeeper picked up her second career All-PSAC East honors and first at Bloomsburg with her first-career first-team nod.

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Marian graduate Hunter Shimko will be playing in the NCAA Division 3 football semifinals this weekend.

Shimko is a starting offensive lineman for Susquehanna University, which defeated Brthel University (Minnesota) by a 24-21 score in this past Saturday’s quarterfinal contest.

The River Hawks (12-1) will face North Central College (Illinois) for the right to play in the D3 championship game.

Shimko, a graduate student, has played in all 13 of Susquehanna’s games this season.

College Corner will be a review of local athletes who are excelling and extending their career at the next level. Please submit your thoughts on any college athlete to tnsports@tnonline.com