Seven young ladies from Shanksville-Stonycreek School District’s 7th grade class were a part of the girls junior high basketball team for a winning 2016-2017 season.

This year the Junior High Girls team was coached by Shanksville nativea, Joni Hufford and assistant coach Heather Snyder. These ladies, helped coach the girls to 13 wins and 5 losses in their season. The Junior High Girls’ Basketball Team included an entire group of 7th graders that were just beginning their careers as Lady Viking basketball players. Luckily, Shanksville has strong youth leagues for young kids interested in basketball, which allowed these 7th graders to gain experience playing together before playing at the junior high level.

Throughout their season, they had to face several challenging and older teams, but were able to overcome their experienced opponents. Shade, Windber and Berlin were some of their toughest rivals, but their hard work helped them defeat Berlin.

“I wasn’t expecting to do as well as we did, considering we had a young team, but I a lot of fun with my team throughout the season.” said Rylee Snyder

Along with their regular season games, the junior high girls’ basketball team made sure to take as many opportunities as possible to play altogether on the court. These young ladies started their season off with a junior high girls basketball tournament at Conemaugh Township, with some fierce opposition. Some of the teams that these young ladies faced were North Star, Conemaugh Township, and Ferndale.

“Our season went well for just having seventh graders on the team, and I am definitely coming back next year to play junior high basketball,” exclaimed Josie Snyder

The Seven Dedicated Seventh graders were able to achieve a season with a 13-5 record. Thanks to their knowledgeable coaching staff and earlier experience playing altogether, the Junior High Girls’ Basketball Team was able to finish with a winning season, and develop a love for the game that will carry on for years to come.