Northern Tier girls teams looking ahead

Cameron County's Bethany Dunsmore moves updourt against Oswayo Valley last week. Oswayo Valley won, 42-37.

Several Northern Tier Girls' Basketball League teams are starting to look ahead to the PIAA District 9 playoffs, which open in early February.

One likely playoff contender, Austin, has struggled in NTL play but still has plenty of time to right the ship. Coach Dick Logue's Panthers fell to Oswayo Valley (11-6) in a tough one, 56-53, Thursday night to drop to 9-7 after a promising 7-1 start this season.

Rayna Valenti scored 20 points and Emily Wambaugh added for 13 for the Panthers.

Austin faces a stiff challenge at Coudersport Monday, but could start its turnaround on the home floor next Wednesday against Port Allegany.

District 9 playoffs operate under an open format, but many school districts are reluctant to enter their teams without a record of .500 or better.

In other action Thursday, a rejuvenated Smethport team (11-4) topped Cameron County (6-11), 59-41. Bre Dunsmore led the Red Raiders with 10 points and Bethany Dunsmore had eight. Northern Potter (13- 4) beat Port Allegany (9-8), 47- 34.

Standings: Coudersport 7-0, Northern Potter 5-2, Smethport 5- 2, Port Allegany 3-4, Oswayo Valley 3-4, Cameron County 2-5, Austin 2-5, Otto-Eldred 1-6.

Monday: Austin at Coudersport, Cameron County at Port Allegany, Smethport at Northern Potter, Oswayo Valley at Otto-Eldred.

Wednesday: Coudersport at Smethport, Port Allegany at Austin, Otto-Eldred at Cameron County, Northern Potter at Oswayo Valley.

Friday: Cameron County at Coudersport, Smethport at Otto- Eldred, Oswayo Valley at Port Allegany, Austin at Northern Potter.

Next Saturday: Austin at Elkland (non-league)