Ramettes wind down season this week
The 6-14 Paper City girls travel to Smethport tonight before ending the season on Friday when they host Kane.
First-year head coach Adam Pfingstler has maintained an optimistic approach while guiding the program. Seniors Ella Lindberg, Emma Myers, and injured Annasophia Stauffer are helping to guide the two juniors, five sophomores, and seven freshmen. The program includes 11 seventh and eighth graders as well.
“Recently, I was talking to somebody and said Rome wasn't built in a day. There's a great nucleus coming back next year, and actually for years to come with the kids down at the lower levels,” said the coach. “I've watched [the younger teams] play this year, and I was impressed with how hard they work, just like all the girls in this program.”
The six wins surpassed last year's five. The Ramettes last appeared in the postseason in 2019.
“We have to build off what our seniors started this year,” said Pfingstler following Friday's 53-35 home loss to Ridgway. “Granted, we didn't have Anna for most of the season, but she's at every practice, on the bus, and in with us at halftime. That says a lot about her and our senior leadership.”
Because of a foot injury, Stauffer has played in just five games. The four-year player scored 37 points in the first three and four before getting reinjured early in the second half in a loss to North Clarion on Dec. 12. She then scored two points but was unable to finish the loss to Ridgway while attempting a comeback on Dec. 30 at the Elk County Holiday Tournament.
Pfingstler praised Lindberg and Myers for the steady presence they provide.
“Ella and Emma have stepped up to be good leaders. They do everything asked of them, and that's great for the younger players to see. So, we're certainly going to miss them.”
Junior Cadence Brechtel hit six threepointers while scoring 20 points in the loss to Ridgway on Friday. She and fellow junior starter Maria Casilio have been consistent and continue to hone their skills, according to their coach.
“Maria is already showing leadership qualities and hustles all the time. Cadence is a bit quieter but has a great shot that the other girls feed off. It was almost like she was unconscious hitting them in the Ridgway game,” Pfingstler said. “They're going to be big next year.”
Sophomore Natalie Dunworth assumed Stauffer's spot in the starting line-up. Her coach is impressed with her growth.
“We think this year, Natalie is one of the best defensive players in this area. It's something she can build on for next year, and the summer will give us time to help her to continue to grow on offense. I can't say enough how willing she has been to accept the challenges we give her.”
Sophomores Zoey Grunthaner, and Ally Notarianni, and freshman Gianna Zimmerman have gotten valuable time at the varsity level. Others playing, mostly JVs for assistant Drew Akers, include sophomores Kendra Freeman and Aliza Jackson and freshmen Mya Allegretto, Ella Halquist, Tessa McCabe, Brooke Santoro, and Ronnie Shall. Kyler Breakey is also an assistant.
“Yeah, the season hasn't gone the way we hoped win-wise, but they've grown together and trust each other,” said Pfingstler. “The girls genuinely get along and support each other. After our threegame win streak, we started losing, and then we lost Anna. They could have packed it in, but they continue to want to play, and they are getting better every day.”
Ten of the losses have been to teams with legitimate shots at district titles, including three to Class A Ridgway (11-8) and two to single-A Elk County Catholic (16-3) and 4A St. Marys (17-3). The Ramettes also fell to Class A, North Clarion (18-1), Port Allegany (15-3), and DuBois Central Catholic (10-10), and to 2A Coudersport (14-4). the other losses were to Class 2A Clarion-Limestone (8-12) and Brockway (6-13), and 3A Kane (8-9).
Tonight's game in Smethport is a rematch. The Paper City girls won the first, 4020, at home on Dec. 16.
No matter this week's results, the team is headed in the right direction. Their head coach is pleased to be with them on the rise up.
“I don't look at them just as basketball players. They're my extended family. I've always been that way as a coach. I'm thoroughly impressed with how this group carries itself. It says a lot about these girls and what good athletes and people they are.”
The junior high Rams cheerleaders ended the high season by claiming the Grand Championship for the scholastic session at the Extreme Athletics Cheermojo Competition held in Warren on Saturday.
"I'm so proud of the ladies this season," said coach Tarra Porter. "They all worked so hard, learned a lot, had tons of fun, and impressed the judges wherever they went."
Bristol Mathis won the jump off and was second in the tumble off. Chloe Baker placed second in the jump off. Members include front l-r, Delaney Dunworth, Kyla McCabe, and Bristol Mathis. Back l-r, Edyn Earnest, Chloe Baker, and Aubrey Rockwell. Johnsonburg senior Kendal Mahalko also helps coach.