Nittany Valley Youth Basketball

The Nittany Valley Legends Blue team played three high scoring gains, scoring over 100 points, but finished 1-2 after tiring in their third game.

The Legends received strong play at every position. Shae Dwyer (6 assists, 5 rebounds, 7 steals, 1 block, 10 points), Elise “The Beast” Bechtel (5 assists, 3 rebounds, 8 steals, 1 block, 24 points) and Emma Ritchey (3 assists, 1 rebounds, 2 steals, 13 points) played point guard for the Legends. Dwyer led the team in assists and steals. Bechtel was second in assists and points and led in steals. Ritchey played two games and provided strong scoring and tenacious defense. Emma Kaniecki (2 assists, 6 rebounds, 7 steals, 1 block, 11 points), Kacie Kempf (2 assists, 7 rebounds, 5 steals, 10 points), Everly Wendle (1 assist, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 2 points) and Eliana Vinca (5 assists, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 blocks, 27 points) played on the wing. Vinca led the team in scoring and was second in assists. Kaniecki and Kempf scored in every game. Kaniecki was third on steals. Wendle had strong games and made a big impact on defense. Juliet “Violette” Jones (1 assist, 9 rebounds, 1 steal, 6 points), Kaelyn Miller (4 rebounds, 1 block, 2 points in 2 games) and Zobrist (5 rebounds, 2 points in one game) played post. All three had strong games on the glass.

In game 1, the Legends got off to a very slow start after the long drive and quickly fell behind by 16. They stormed back to pull within 5 in the second half before falling. Bechtel led the team with 14 points on 7-12 shooting while Kempf, Miller, Vinca and Ritchey also found the basket. Vinca led the team with 3 assists. Kempf had a strong all around game with 3 rebounds, 2 steals, and assist and 2 points.

In game 2 the Legends scored 49 points and won big. Ritchey and Vinca hit double digits with Vinca leading the way with 17 points on 5-6 shooting from the floor. Dwyer, Ritchey and Kaniecki each had two assists. Kaniecki was a perfect 3-3 from the floor, and Jones, Dwyer, and Kempf also scored. Zobrist grabbed 3 rebounds.

In game 3 the Legends held the lead early and fell down by 4 at the half. In the second half the Legends went cold, and despite scoring 28 points lost. Eight Legends scored led by Vinca and Dwyer with 6, and assists by Dwyer and Bechtel with 3. Vinca and Jones led with 5 rebounds. Miller created several scoring chances and blocked a shot.

The Nittany Valley Legends White Team played three games at the White Rose Shootout in York, PA. All The Legends had their moments, and the team played its most exciting game of the season, albeit in a loss its final thrilling game.

The Legends were led at point guard by Harlie “Easy Rider” Bowersox (1 assist, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block and 7 points) and Brighid “Hot Dog” Duffy (5 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 2 points) with help from Everly Wendle (4 rebounds, 5 points), Kacie Kempf (3 rebounds, 4 steals, 4 points) and Shae Dwyer (2 assists, 12 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block, 5 points) for one game each. Bowersox scored in every game and Duffy played big finishing third on the team in rebounds. Eliza Stover (6 assists, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 points) and Iksha Singla (1 assist, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 point) played on the wing. Stover led the team in assists and Singla made contributions in all aspects of the game. The posts for the Legends, Amelia Zobrist (1 assist, 13 rebounds, 4 steals , 1 block, 15 points) Hadleigh Desmarias (3 rebounds) and Isabella Rodriguez (19 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 points), along with Kaelyn Miller (3 rebounds, 1 steal), had their best games of the season. Zobrist, who played in two games, led the team in scoring and was second in scoring. Rodriguez led the team in rebounds. Miller played in one game and impacted the game on the boards and on defense.

In game one, the Legends were led by Rodriguez with 5 rebounds while Wendle grabbed 4 and Duffy and Zobrist 3 each. Stover led the team with 3 assists. Zobrist led with 2 steals and Duffy had a block. Zobrist led the team with 6 points and Wendle added 5. Rodriguez, Bowersox and Singla also scored for the Legends.

In game two, the Legends were led in rebounds by Miller and Rodriguez and Bowersox in scoring.

The third game was thrilling. The Legends jumped out to a 4-0 lead, fell behind 8-4, and then went on a 5-0 run to take a lead they would hold until the final minutes of the game. Zobrist simply dominated the early action scoring 5 early points. Dwyer and Bowersox ran fast breaks each scoring and feeding Duffy who hit a pull-up 15 footer. The Legends exploded to a 17-14 half time lead. The Legends were active on the boards and on defense. Three girls had career highs in rebounds – Dwyer with 12, Rodriguez with 11 and Zobrist with 10. Desmarias added 2 offensive rebounds as did Singla. Stover again led the team with 3 assists and hit a big basket in the first half. In the second half the Legends battled hard but tired. They eventually lost the lead with 2 minutes to go, and fell by three points as several three pointers would not fall.

A record for the 5th grade team

The Nittany Valley Blue Team split a pair of games at the Summitt to punch their ticket to the playoffs and clinch the second seed.

In game one the Legends played the Panthers who were one game behind the Legends in the playoff hunt. The Legends started cold and fell behind 5-0. Halfway through the first half the Legends still trailed 7-5 after Eliana Vinca (1 assist, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 points) scored on a pass from Juliet “Violet” Jones (4 assists, 3 rebounds) and Elise “The Beast” Bethel (1 assist, 3 rebounds, 15 points) and Aryeana McCleary (1 assist, 4 rebounds, 5 steals, 16 points) hit foul shots. The Legends then went on a 17-4 run to finish the half up 22-11. Emma Kaniecki (2 rebounds, 4 points) hit a basket and McCleary and Bechtel exploded for a combined 15 points. In the second half the Panthers closed the gap to 7 before the Legends took over finishing the game on a 14-3 run to win 43-21. Kacie Kempf (1 assist, 1 rebound, 1 steal, 2 points) got into the scoring column with a long jumper. Kaelyn Miller (1 rebound) came in to shake things up on defense and Emma Soyster gave Jones a rest. The game ended with a beautiful lob pass from Brighid “Hot Dog” Duffy (1 assist) to Amelia Zobrist (2 points) who finished the drop step.

In game 2 the Legends played the Pirates who came in undefeated and who gave the Legends their lone loss in a game that was tied with under a minute to go. The Legends started fast jumping out to a 5-2 lead behind a Kaniecki (1 rebound 5 points) three pointer and a McCleary (1 assist, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, 6 points) basket. The Legends then went cold and were hit with an injury and foul trouble. The Pirates cashed in and took a 5 point lead to the half. The Legends could not get closer despite multiple three pointers from Vinca (1 assist, 6 points) and Bechtel (2 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 6 points) and two long jumpers from McCleary off passes from Jones (1 assist, 5 rebounds) and Kempf (1 assist, 1 point).

The Nittany Valley Legends White Team played two exciting games at the Summitt. They dropped both games but had many highlights.

In game one against the Pirates the Legends got off to a fast start and took the lead off the strength of an explosive start by Emma Soyster (4 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block, 6 points) who scored 4 quick points off a steal and a nice pass from Brighid “Hot Dog” Duffy 1 assist). The Legends were active on the boards led by Amelia Zobrist (5 rebounds, 1 steal), Soyster, Hadleigh Desmarias (3 rebounds), and Iksha Singla (3 rebounds 1 steal, 2 points). Kaelyn Miller (2 rebounds, 1 steal) was her usual active self all over the court. Isabella Rodgriguez (2 rebounds, 1 steal, 3 points), Soyster and Singla added baskets for the Legends in the second half. Everley “Cuz” Wendle (2 rebounds) made her return to the court and hit the boards. Eliza Stover (2 rebounds) and Lily Jackson (1 rebound, 1 steal) also had rebounds. Hannah Russler (1 block) ran point guard for the Legends.

In game two the Legends took on the Bear Cats who needed a win to qualify for the playoffs. The Bear Cats came out strong. The Legends again were aggressive on the basketball led by Soyster (5 rebounds), Wendle (4 rebounds), Russler (3 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 points), Zobrist (3 rebounds, 2 blocks, 4 points) and Stover (1 assist, 3 rebounds, 1 steal). Jackson (2 rebounds) and Singla (2 rebounds) were also active on the boards and generated scoring chances. Miller (2 rebounds, 2 points) hit a foul line jumper and Desmarias (1 rebound, 2 points) hit a corner jumper to end the first half. In the second half Russler hit a pull up jumper and Zobrist had a strong showing scoring 4 points. Duffy and Stover had assists for the Legends and Rodriguez had an offensive rebound.

Ice cream after a big win!

Scenes from the 2-4th grade Legends.

The 5th Grade Nittany Valley Legends took on unbeaten Greenlawn and came away with an exciting 16-13 victory to extend their winning streak to four games and claiming second place in the regular season.

The Legends scored off the opening tip on a putback by Serenity Shinka (7 rebounds, 2 steals, 4 points). The teams traded leads with the Legends coming out on top 6-5 after the first 8 minutes behind baskets from Maddie Saltsgiver (1 assist, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 points) and Eliana Krentzman (4 rebounds, 2 steals, 4 points). Krentzman’s basket came after Avery Kopac (1 rebound) fed Emma Radio (1 assist, 1 rebound, 1 steal) who fired the ball to Krentzman in the corner who buried the jumper. The Legends added 6 more points before the half to take a 12-7 lead to the break. Serena Mikesic (2 rebounds, 2 points) scored on an inside shot, and after Greenlawn pulled to within 8-7, Sloane “Sly” Shetler (1 assist, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 4 points) went on a personal 4-0 run including an exciting fast break layup.

The Legends were facing a taller opponent but came up big on the boards. Saltzgiver had a season high 11 rebounds while Shinka and Shetler had 7 each. But big rebounds were also grabbed by Mona “Mojo” Jackson (1 rebounds) and Kate Kempf (1 rebound, 1 steal). On defense the Legends were very active coming up with 12 steals led by Saltzgiver with 4. Kempf had a big steal and Grace Lichting and Silvie Crider help stop the big posts.

In the second half, defense ruled. The Legends got a basket on a Shinka fast break and a 15 footer from Krentzman. Krentzman’s basket was the result of another nice sequence of ball movement. Kopac grabbed an offensive rebound and fed Shetler who drove and dished to Krentzman who was open on the perimeter. The Legends held on for the win in the hard fought game and are looking forward to the playoffs.

The 5th grade Nittany Valley Legends are now sitting on a three game wining streak after taking down the Lady Pirates 17-7 in a well-played game. The Legends generated several scoring opportunities early behind strong point guard play by Serena Mikesic (1 assist, 2 rebounds, 2 points) and Sloane “Sly” Shetler (6 rebounds, 3 steals), but could not convert until Serenity Shinka (5 rebounds, 3 steals, 8 points) hit two baskets off passes from Emma Radio (1 assist, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 point) and Mikesic. The Legends played strong defense and had strong defensive rounding led by Shelter, Maddie Saltzgiver (9 reobunds,1 steal, 3 blocks, 6 points) and Mojo Jackson (3 rebounds, 1 steal). Radio hit a foul shot for the Legends and Saltzgiver worked the offensive glass leading to 4 points to give the Legends a 9-2 half time lead.

In the second half the Legends continued to grab offensive rebounds to generate more chances, getting boards from Kate Kempf (2 rebounds) and Grace Lichting (1 rebound). The Legends also were active blocking shots led by Saltsgiver and Sylvie Crider (1 rebound, 1 blocked shot). Shinka had another strong half, scoring 4 points, two off a nice assist from Avery Kopac (1 assist, 2 steals). Salztgiver and Mikesic also scored to extend the Legends lead to 15 before the Pirates had two nice scoring plays to end the game.

Scenes from the 3/4th grade Legends at the JMC.

The Nittany Valley Legends Blue Team took on the undefeated Lady Pirates and Tyrone at the Summit and come away with a split to fall from the ranks of the unbeaten.

In game 1 the Legends played from behind after a slow start against the hot shooting Lady Pirates. The Legends were down 6-0 before Elise “The Beast” Bechtel (4 rebounds, 1 steal, 9 points) hit a pair of free throws and found themselves down 13-4 with 8 minutes to go in the first half. The Legends then went on a 9-3 run to close the gap to 3 as Aryeana McCleary (2 assists, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, 11 points) and Emma Ritchey (1 assist, 1 rebound, 5 points) got hot. Bechtel drained a three and Shae Dwyer (1 assist, 4 rebounds, 4 points) hit a short jumper and then two foul shots. Dwyer and McCleary threaded the needle with some passes as well, and Emma Kaniecki (2 points) was the beneficiary hitting from the corner. The Legends went to half time down 21-16. The Lady Pirates maintained a 5-7 point lead until the Legends pushed hard to tie the game at 25 with 6:30 to go. Bechtel and McCleary continued to score, but the Lady Pirates went back up by 3. McCleary then drove hard to the basket, absorbed contact, and layed in the basket to put her at the line with the Legends down 1 with 1:12 to go. After she made the foul shot to tie the game it was the Lady Pirates that scored an and-1 to take back the laed they would hold on to for the victory in a very exciting game. McCleary led the team with 8 rebounds while Dwyer and Bechtel grabbed 4 and Juliet “Violet” Jones had 3. Amelia Zobrist had a rebound and hit a foul shot for the Legends and Kacie Kempf had a steal.

In game 2 the Legends took an early lead but needed a shot of energy from their bench to finish strong to beat Tyrone by 14. The Legends were leading 9-4 at the mid-way point of the first half behind the scoring of McCleary (3 assists, 8 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block, 15 points) and Ritchey (1 assist, 2 rebounds, 6 points), and extended that lead to 18-8 at the half behind baskets from Kaniecki (3 rebounds, 2 points), Kempf (2 rebounds, 2 points) and Emma Soyster (4 points). These baskets came off nice feeds from Dwyer (1 assist, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 points) and McCleary. In the second half Tyrone cut the lead to 7got some energy from Kaelynn Miller and Brighid “Hot Dog” Duffy who grabbed rebounds. Ritchey, Bechtel, Dwyer and Soyster all scored as the Legends pushed the lead to 12 before Tyrone score 4 quick points. The Legends responded with a 6-0 run to end the game as Jones (2 assists, 5 rebounds) started ripping down offensive rebounds. She hit McCleary with two nice kickouts to put the game away.

The Nittany Valley Legends White took on Tyrone and BG at the Summit and dropped the pair. Each game had some highlights.

In game 1 the Legends scored on a nice back door cut by Lily Jackson (1 steal 2 points) on pass from Amelia Zobrist (1 assist, 5 rebounds, 1 point) and Kaelyn Miller (4 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 points) scored on a pass from Hannah Russler (1 assist,1 steal, 1 block) early on. Isabella Rodriguez (2 rebounds, 2 points), Eliza Stover (2 rebounds) and Brighid “Hot Dog” Duffy (2 rebounds) generated some scoring changes but could not convert. In the second half the Legends were outscored 12-9 in very competitive play. The Legend posts led the way as Zobrist drew a foul and made 1-2 from the line and Rodriguez scored on an offensive rebound. Emma Soyster (2 rebounds, 6 points) had a big half scoring 6 points, one off a nice pass from Iksha Singla (1 assist). Russler and Harlie “Easy Rider” Bowersox (1 steal) ran point for the Legends.

In game 2 the Legends started out very strong on defense training by 1 point after 5 minutes. Eventually BG started to generate points. Every player on the Legends grabbed a rebound led by Soyster (3 rebounds, 2 points) and Rodriguez with three each and Bowersox (1 assist, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block) and Jackson with two each. Russler (1 rebound, 1 steal) and Bowersox had steals and Zobrist (1 rebound, 1 block, 1 point) and Bowersox blocked shots. The game ended on a nice pass from Bowersox to Soyster who hit a lefty layup.

4th/5th grade highlights!

The 4/5th grade Nittany Valley Legends and Tyrone provided their own northern lights as they played a thrilling game that came down to the buzzer. The Legends won 11-10 as a last second shot by Tyrone would not fall.

The Legends got on the board on an offensive putback by Maddie Saltzgiver (6 rebounds, 2 steals, 7 blocks, 6 points) and both teams then settled in to play strong defense. At the 8 minute mark the game was tied at two before Tyrone went on a 4-0 run to hold a 6-2 lead late into the half. Sloane “Sly” Shetler (3 rebounds, 2 steals, 3 points) drew a foul on a strong move to the basket and converted one of her free throws before Saltsgiver scored again right before the end of the half to pull the Legends within one at half time. The Legends played strong defense led by Emma Radio’s (2 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block) three steals and Saltsgiver’s 7 blocked shots. Kate Kempf also blocked a shot and Serenity Shinka (4 rebounds, 1 steal) and Grace Lichting (1 steal) came up with big steals. Sylvie Crider was very active on defense. The Legends point guard play of Eliana Krentzman (1 assist, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 points), Serena Mikesic (1 steal) and Shetler was at its best. Mona “Mojo” Jackson and Avery Kopac did a nice job getting the ball inbounds for the Legends.

In the second half Tyrone again pulled out to an 8-5 lead before the Legends went on a 6-0 run ignited by Shelter driving to the basket and making a shot through contact to pull the Legends with 1. A short while later Krentzman found the bottom of the net with a 15 foot jumper to give the Legends the lead and followed that with a beautiful lob pass to Saltsgiver who finished with a layup to push the lead to 3. Tyone came back to make it 11-10 with 4 minutes to go. Defense took over that point and the Legends held on as Tyrone’s last shot attempt bounced off the rim.

The Legends are now 2-2 on the season.

The 3rd/4th grade Legends played an exciting game against Greenlawn!

The Nittany Valley Legends 7/8 Grade White Team dropped a pair of games at the Summit but had their share of highlights.

In game 1 the Legend saw Harlie “Easy Rider” Bowersox (1 rebound) make her debut at point guard and move the ball well. Amelia Zobrist (6 rebounds,1 steal), Isabella Rodriguez (4 rebounds) and Emma Soyster (3 rebounds, 4 points) had strong games on the boards. Hannah Russler (1 block, 1 points) was also active at the point. Brighid “Hot Dog” Duffy (2 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 points) had a strong game running down several fast breaks and draining a long 2 pointer. Eliza Stover (1 assist, 1 steal) had a nice assist on an inbounds play. Lily Jackson (2 rebounds) and Hadleigh Desmarias (1 rebound) also worked the boards. The Legends were led by 4 points by Soyster and 6 rebounds by Zobrist.

In game 2 the Legends were quiet in the first half but outscored their opponent 12-4 in the second half. Soyster (1 rebound, 6 points) exploded for 6 second half points and Zobrist (2 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 6 points) had 6 points as well. Russler (1 assist, 1 steal) dished out an assist sharing the PG position again with Bowersox (2 rebounds) and Duffy (1 block). Rodriguez (2 rebounds,1 steal, 2 points) scored after making a steal and taking it coast-to-coast. Desmarais (2 rebounds), Jackson (2 rebounds) and Stover (1 rebound) all had rebounds.

The Nittany Valley Legends 7/8th grade Blue Team swept two games at the Summit to improve their record to 4-0. The Legends received strong contributions from the entire roster.

In game 1 the Legends took on Bishop Guilfoyle in a game that started tight. After 8 minutes the score was 6-6 behind baskets by Eliana Vinca (2 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 10 points), Shae Dwyer (3 assists, 2 steals, 4 points) and Emma Ritchey (1 steal, 12 points). The Legends generated good shots but could not covert early in the game. The Legends found their stroke and finished the half on a 15-4 run to take a 21-10 lead to the half. Aryeana McCleary (4 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 11 points) had 6 points and Vinca, Dwyer and Ritchey all scored again to close out the half. The Legends moved the ball well on the perimeter as McCleary picked up 4 assists and Dwyer 3 in the game. Ritchey, Dwyer, Vinca and McCleary were quick to the ball on defense, and Juliet “Violet” Jones (1 assist, 5 rebounds, 1 steal) controlled the boards. In the second half the Legends built their lead to 18 points. Amelia Zobrist (2 rebounds) and Emma Soyster pitched in at post and Brighid “Hot Dog” Duffy, played relief at guard. BG bounced back and cut the 18 point lead down to 10 before the Legends responded with three pointers by Ritchey, McCleary and Vinca to close out the win 37-27.

In game 2 the Legends played The Huntingdon Bearcats and got off to a fast start led by 5 quick points by McCleary (2 assists, 7 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block, 13 points) and 4 by Ritchey (1 assist, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 20 points). McCleary made a nice feed to Vinca (1 assist, 2 rebounds, 3 steals, 4 points) who drained a jumper and another feed to Jones (3 assists, 6 rebounds, 4 points) who finished at the basket. The Bearcats started hitting leading to a high scoring first half. Dwyer (2 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal, 8 points) had 4 points toward the end of the half to take the Legends the break with a 21-14 lead. The Legends got big contributions from Zobrist and Soyster (1 rebound, 2 points) in the first half as the Legends got into foul trouble. In the second half the Legends increased their intensity to build the lead to 21 behind the hot hand of Ritchey and McCleary. Ritchey had 16 second half points and McCleary drained consecutive threes late in the half, one coming off a nice a assist by Duffy. Dwyer had a strong game with 8 points and 2 assists. Jones played the inside-outside game perfectly getting three assists on kickouts. Soyster finished the scoring for the Legends who took home a 51-32 victory.

The 3/4 Legends White team played their best game of the season tonight at the JMC in Altoona in a back and forth thriller against the Lady Pirates that came down to the closing seconds.

Serenity Shinka (1 point, 3 steals, 2 blocks) started the scoring with a free throw to give the Legends a 1-0 lead. Strong defense by the likes of Carly Rhinehart (2 rebounds), Murwat Jalali (1 rebound), Avery Kopac (2 rebounds) and Nora Kaniecki (1 rebound, 1 steal) gave the Lady Pirates fits holding them to just 4 points in the first half. The Lady Pirates were playing tough defense too, but the Legends managed to score 4 more points of their own when Addie Dambach (1 assist, 1 rebound) found Olivia Sosnoskie (2 points, 1 rebound) for a bucket and Lucy Salyards (2 points) beautifully broke the press and dropped an 8-foot transition jumper to help the Legends take a 5-4 lead into the half.

The second half saw more of the same defensively. The Lady Pirates scored first to retake a one point lead before Elaina Krentzman (4 points, 1 rebound) and Clare Snyder (4 points, 1 rebound) each hit shots to give the Legends a 3 point lead. Emma Radio (5 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block) played strong on the boards preventing second shots off misses and strong help defense while Morgan Nyman (1 rebound, 2 steals) showed intense aggressiveness defensively in her Legends debut.

The teams went back and forth and the Legends found themselves with a 13-12 lead with 15 seconds to go when the Lady Pirates press caused a turnover in the backcourt which resulted in a lay-up to give the Lady Pirates the lead. They would add one more free throw with 3 seconds left to seal a 15-13 loss for the Legends.

Tonight was by far the best game these Legends have played this season. They showed a lot of heart and effort through the entire game. They are already showing incredible improvement over just a few short weeks with only a few practices under their belts. They all should be very proud of themselves tonight.

The stars came out again to watch the Legends at the JMC, and they were not disappointed as the Legends 5th grade team came away with a 16-8 victory over the Pirates for their first win of the season. The Legends started fast as Maddie Saltzgiver (1 assist, 7 rebounds, 5 blocks, 2 points) won the opening tip to Eliana Krentzman (2 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 4 points) who hit the layup to get the Legends up fast. Serenity Shinka (3 steals, 6 points) then caught fire hitting her first three shots. The first two came on beautiful passes from Krentzman and the last on a great pass from Saltzgiver from the high post. The Legends turned an 8-4 lead into a 12-4 lead on baskets by Grace Licthing (2 points) on a pass from Sylvie Crider (1 assist, 1 steal). In the second half the Pirates cut the lead to 12-6 but the Legends then played lockdown defense. Kate Kempf (1 rebound, 1 steal) grabbed a steal and forced a second turnover, Sloane “Sly” Shetler (2 rebounds, 1 steal) had a steal as did Crider. Shinka and Krentzman were aggressive on the perimeter grabbing 3 and 2 steals, respectively. The Legends were also big on the boards. Saltzgiver led the way with 7 rebounds while Krentzman grabbed 6, Emma Radio 4 (5 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 points) and Serena Mikesic and Shetler 2 apiece. Avery Kopac got in on the action with a rebound as well. The Legends closed out the game strong as Radio converted a nice pass from Mona “Mojo” Jackson (1 assist) and Krentzman swished a 10 footer to close out the scoring.

Some exciting scenes from the 2-4th grade Legends second game of the year.

The stars came out to watch the 4/5th grade Legends take on Greenlawn at the JMC and it was showtime. The game was a defensive battle in the first half with the Legends trailing by 2 at the break on the strength of 4 points by Maddie Saltsgiver. In the game Saltsgiver and Serentiy Shinka had 2 steals and Sloane “Sly” Shetler, Serena Mikesic, Eliana Krentzman and Emma Radio each grabbed 1. Avery Kopac, Kate Kempf, Mona “Mojo” Jackson, Grace Lichting and Sylvie Crider all played strong defense as well. Despite the active defense the Legends found themselves down by 7 points with 8:00 to play and then started a strong comeback with fast ball movement and good shooting. Saltsgiver made good inside moves to earn foul shots and Krentzman scored 4 quick points to get the Legends back in the game, but they ran out of time and fell by 4. Saltsgiver led with 5 points and 3 blocked shots, Krentzman scored 4, and Radio grabbed 4 boards.

The Nittany Valley Legends 7/8th Grade White Team dropped a pair of games to start their season at the Summitt. Several players enjoyed their Legends debut. Everly “Cuz” Wendle (4 rebounds, 1 steal, 5 points) and Hannah “Trash Can” Russler (1 rebound, 2 steals, 6 points) led the scoring for the Legends and shared the point guard duties. Brighid “Hot Dog” Duffy (1 rebound), Isabella Rodriguez (8 rebounds, 1 steal), Harlie “Easy Rider” Bowersox 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block), Lily Jackson (5 rebounds, 1 steal), Iksha Singla (1 assist, 1 steal) and Eliza Stover (4 rebounds, 1 steal) played the wings. Rodriguez had a big day on the boards leading the Legends with 8 while Jackson had 5 and Stover had 4. Amelia Zobrist (4 rebounds, 3 steals), Hadleigh Desmarais (1 rebound) and Kaelyn Miller (6 rebounds, 2 steals) played post. Zobrist and Miller combined for 10 rebounds and 5 steals.

Game 1 was a thrilling contest. The Legends had the ball in a one possession game with only a handful of ticks left on the clock and could not convert. A steal by Southern Huntingdon leading to a last second layup gave SH a 5 point win. Wendle got the crowd excited with a 3 pointer to open the scoring for the Legends and Russler pulled the Legends within one at halftime with two foul shots. In the second half it was again Wendle and Russler scoring to keep the Legends close. Wendle, Jackson and Rodriguez led the Legends with 3 rebounds each, Zobrist led with 3 steals while Miller and Russler each added a pair. Wendle led the team with 5 points and Singla had the games only assist.

In game 2 the Legends fell into a big whole from which they could not escape against the Panthers. Rodriguez led the Legends with 5 rebounds while Miller added 4 more. Bowersox had a strong game with 3 rebounds, a steal and a blocked shot.

The Legends 7/8th Blue team opened their season with a sweep at the Summitt. The Legends got contributions from the entire roster. Aryeana McCleary (29 points, 3 assists, 10 rebounds, 5 steals) had two strong games leading the Legends in points and assists on 50% shooting from the floor. Emma Ritchey (11 points, 2 assists, 1 rebound, 5 steals) also hit double digits in scoring and was active on the perimeter defense grabbing 5 steals. Shae Dwyer (6 rebounds, 6 steals, 6 points) ran point most of the day and led the team with 6 steals. Emma Kaniecki (1 assist, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, 8 points), Kacie Kempf (1 rebound, 4 steals, 4 points) and Eliana Vinca (2 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 4 points) also played guard for the Legends. The three combined for 11 steals. Kaniecki had the only three pointer on the day while Vinca grabbed 6 rebounds. Kempf was stellar on defense with 4 steals. Juliet “Violet” Jones (1 assist, 13 rebounds, 3 steals, 4 points) played big leading the team with 13 rebounds including 9 on the offensive end. Kaelyn Miller (2 assists, 1 steal) had 2 assists from the post and Amelia Zobrist (1 rebound, 1 steal) spelled Jones and controlled the paint. Brighid “Hot Dog” Duffy (2 points) played relief at guard and hit a long jumper.

In game 1 the Legends took on the Cardinals and built a 3 point lead halfway through the first half. The Legends then went on a 9-0 run to close the half. Six players scored in the first half led by 6 by McCleary. The Legends steadily added to their lead in the second half building it to 20 points with 8 minutes left in the game. The Legends moved the ball well dishing out 8 assists versus 4 turnovers, and grabbed 14 steals. The Legends took game one 36-12. The team was led by McCleary with 19 points and 4 steals. McCleary and Ritchie led with 2 assists each. Jones led with 6 boards.

In game 2 the Legends played Southern Huntingdon. The Legends held a two point lead halfway through the first half behind 6 points from McCleary and 2 from Ritchey. They closed the half on a 9-2 run as Kaniecki got hot and Dwyer and Jones added baskets. The Legends turned up the defense in the second half and used baskets from Kempf, Vinca, Ritchey and McCleary to go with a three-ball by Kaniecki to pull away for a 22 point win. The Legends were led by 10 points from McCleary while Kaniecki and Ritchey each added 7. Jones led with 7 rebounds and Dwyer led with 4 steals.