Austin girl 'up'; moving on in playoffs

Austin's Rayna Valenti goes high against Northern Potter's Casey Martin during Thursday's playoff game. Valenti scored 28 points to lead Austin to a 54-28 win. Paul Burdick photo

It has been an up and down season for the Austin girls' basketball team.

Coach Dick Logue's Panthers were way up for Thursday's playoff game against Northern Potter, and it showed in a impressive 54-28 win. Austin (15-10) now has a home game on Saturday against DuBois Central Catholic (14-12), hoping to earn a berth in the District 9 semifinals and a guarantee of at least three more playoff games.

A win on Saturday would likely mean a meeting with Coudersport next Monday or Tuesday on a neutral court, as well as a guaranteed berth in the 32-team state tournament.

Outside of a slump in the second quarter, Austin was in complete control of Thursday's Panther fight. Northern Potter (17-8) chopped a 13-point deficit to 23-16 at the intermission, but faded in the second half.

Rayna Valenti led the hosts with 28 points. Cassey Stuckey, Hilary Gordnier, Lisa Fowler and Whitney Crosby helped Austin to dominate the boards, while Casey Boucher handed out six assists.

"Rebounding and solid defense were the keys," Logue said. "We controlled the boards, especially on the defensive end."