By Tom Robinson, NEPABasketball.com
The players moving up from a championship eighth-grade team create the anticipation of a bright future for the Scranton girls basketball program.
That same group, however, will be faced with some extreme challenges as many of the players will be pressed into immediate duty in significant roles right from the start of their high school careers.
The graduation of all-state center Colette Mulderig, combined with the loss of one potential returnee for the entire season with an injury and another to concerns over competing during the coronavirus pandemic, leaves Scranton with a shortage of experienced players.
“We have five freshmen coming in who could have significant roles starting right from the beginning,” Lady Knights coach P.J. Hughes said. “We could be looking at five freshmen, two sophomores and a senior in our top eight.”
Sophomore Lanee Olson, the point guard and third-leading scorer on last season’s team that went 4-9 in the Lackawanna League and 6-18 overall, is the only returning starter.
“We’ll look to her for more leadership,” Hughes said. “She’s always been a hard worker.”
Forward Zayliah Small, who also made an impact as a freshman, will sit out the season while rehabilitating a knee injury.
Reanna Cleveland, who saw significant playing time at Scranton two years ago before playing at Wallenpaupack last season, has returned to the school for her senior year.
Riley Bittenbender, another guard, is the other sophomore who saw a bit of playing time last season.
The Lady Knights will be heavy on guards.
“Four of the five freshmen coming in are guard-oriented or could play small forward,” Hughes said.
Twins Kennedy and Finley Bittenbender, Riley’s sisters, provide outside shooting and ballhandling in the backcourt.
Cameron Alers and Aniyah Hebron will be asked to contribute defense and rebounding.
Canyah Randle, a 5-foot-11 center, will be relied on as a post presence.
“She’ll be strong posting up and rebounding,” Hughes said. “This is really going to take big steps for her career.”
Scranton had completed six practices in December, so Monday’s return to practice will put the team in position where it could be eligible for competition before the week is over.
OTHER GIRLS PREVIEWS
HOLY CROSS: https://nepabasketball.prestosports.com/2019-20/Articles/HolyCrossGirlsPre21.
WILKES-BARRE AREA: https://nepabasketball.prestosports.com/2019-20/Articles/WBAGirlsPreview21.
PITTSTON AREA: https://nepabasketball.prestosports.com/2019-20/Articles/PittstonAreaGirlsPreview21.
WYOMING VALLEY WEST: https://nepabasketball.prestosports.com/2019-20/Articles/ValleyWestGirlsPreview21.
NANTICOKE: https://nepabasketball.prestosports.com/2019-20/Articles/NanticokeGPreview21.
BERWICK: https://nepabasketball.prestosports.com/2019-20/Articles/BerwickGirlsPreview21.
ABINGTON HEIGHTS: https://nepabasketball.prestosports.com/2019-20/Articles/AbingtonHeightsGirlsPreview21.
WYOMING AREA: https://nepabasketball.prestosports.com/2019-20/Articles/WAGirlsPreview21.
