2002

A year ago, State College girls' basketball team reached the state semifinals, captured league and district titles and featured four seniors including Katie Glusko, the school's all-time leading scorer.

This year the Lady Little Lions have the same high aspirations and another four senior leaders but point production could come from as many as seven different players.

"I have six-seven kids that know how to score," coach Bethany Irwin said. "I've got 3-point shooters and I've got post players. Every year is different. I know that this year the kids are really excited about going a little further and I truly believe that we have the talent to do that."

Irwin's 18-member squad includes seniors Suzy Carlson, Liz Gabrielle, Katie Pierce and Nicole Scipione. Carlson saw the most playing time and is the only returning starter.

"Suzy just knows the game," Irwin said. "There are point guards who know what they are supposed to do. Suzy knows what everyone is supposed to do."

Scipione, who recently signed with SUNY-Albany, and Gabrielle were key reserves coming off the bench a year ago. "Liz is going to be that fast break kid," Irwin said of the speedy Gabrielle. Scipione made impressive contributions last year scoring 19 points in State's Sweet 16 victory over Upper St. Clair.

Pierce is a heady player with the intensity and determination to make her final season memorable. "Katie is a good leader and worker," Irwin said.

Irwin isn't worried about her team's point production. "I think Suzy and Nicole kind of sat back last year," she said. "Now this is their year. I can see each one of them giving me 20 (points) if they choose to."

Mismatches created by State College's size advantage will create problems for opposing coaches. "Our post players are strong," Irwin said. "Katlyn Stupar is doing a great job. She got some quality time last year. Monica Fogelsanger is very quick. We'd like to try and get Amber Yearick in so that she can get her feet wet. Then I have Nicole and Sarah O'Shea going in at times at the post spot. And both of those two are great outside shooters."

Irwin gets a boost every year by bringing up players from the junior varsity team. The State College JV program is riding a three-year, 59-game winning streak. Carly Onkotz and Jessie Serafin, both junior guards, and center Amber Yearick, are among those expected to contribute at the next level.

The Lions face a challenging schedule including a trip to state runner-up Oakland Catholic and a rigorous ride through the Mountain High League. "The league competition is going to be extremely strong this year," Irwin said. "Central Mountain has Lindsey Hollobaugh, a great athlete. Hollidaysburg returns everybody from last year and they just came close to beating Cumberland Valley (the 2002 PIAA champions). Altoona's schedule is extremely strong so that's only going to make them better. Because of the athleticism on everybody's team -- you're going to see a lot of good basketball."

State College opens Dec. 5 at Indiana then plays its home opener the next night with Bishop Hoban.