High hopes for Austin girls

Pennsylvania's smallest school district should turn out one of the best girls' basketball teams in the region this season.

Austin's Panthers open at the West Branch Tournament this weekend and return for back-to-back home games next Tuesday and Thursday against Galeton and Brockway, respectively.

Senior Rayna Valenti and junior Whitney Crosby return to lead the charge for veteran coach Dick Logue. They averaged a total of more than 30 points per game last year. Valenti was a Northern Tier League all-star last year and Crosby made the second team.

Senior guard Casey Boucher is a scrapper and a solid ballhandler. Senior Lisa Fowler (5-9) brings strong rebounding ability.

Juniors Hilary Gordnier and Cassey Stuckey figure prominently in Coach Logue's plans. Sophomore Emily Wambaugh and junior Cree Flory also return with varsity experience.

Last year's Panther squad posted a 15-9 record that could have been 19-5 with a few breaks. This season, most observers believe Austin will be able to take the next step with a potential 20-win season and some success in the District 9 playoffs.