Oley Valley can’t afford injuries due to limited numbers

Lynx still expect to compete well in Berks III division

While the Lady Lynx basketball team was 6-4 (league) and 12-12 overall last year, and the team has a total of 12 players for both varsity andjunior varsityheading into the 2015-16 season. The one thing that the Lady Lynx can’t afford injuries this season if they want to be able to compete in the Berks County League. But the seasonis long, and health could be an issue.

“We have had two scrimmages against Berks Catholic and Donegal High.School,” saidcoachJeffCardinal. “I felt wevastly improvedbothoffensively and defensively since the first Berks Catholic scrimmage. We expected a transition due to the mix of upper and underclassmen.”

The only change that coach Cardinal would make this early in the season would be to have more numbers for his teams. The reason he would make that change is simple is because of simply because of sickness and injuries.

“But even with our low numbers, hopefully, we will be able to compete on the JV level,” saidCardinal. “It is critical for our younger girls and to build our program for the future.”

Even with the small numbers, coach Cardinal and the teamstillhas veryhigh expectations. They compete for adivision playoffspot and qualify for county and district playoffs. Hedoes feel that the team can reach these expectations for the 2015-2016 season. The LadyLynxhavefour returning starters back with a wealth of experienceplus a couple freshmen that could make an impact, according to coach Cardinal.

Coach Cardinal feels they have a mixed team this year in terms of experience.

Returning for the Lady Lynx are Amanda Aulenbach (12.6), who is a forward and leading scorer; guard Emily Moyer (2.4), forward Paige Sonon (3.5) and junior center Taylor Renninger (8.4). The big thing the coaching staff is looking for fromthe returning players is team leadership.

There are a lot of young players who are looking to make an impact this season. They are junior forward Kolby Bushong, sophomore forward Lindsey Moyer, sophomore guard Maddie Kauffman sophomore center Autumn Meunier, sophomore forward Jill Schlegel, freshman guard Lindsey Williamson, freshman forward Maddie Kline and freshman center Tessa Freed.

“Because we have some younger players that will give us a little more depth than in the past,” said Cardinal.

Cardinal feels that Wyomissing is the team to beat in theBerks III division thisyear. However, Hedoes feel that the team can compete in its division. He said the reason the division is so tough is because of the rivalries and parity.

Phil Haddad is a free lance writer for the Times. You can follow him on Twitter @writersprtsBT.

DFM FILE PHOTO

Oley Valley’s Taylor Renninger throws an arm over York Catholic’s Hannah Laslo as she goes to the hoop during the District 3Class AA girls’ quarterfinal basketball game at York Catholic High School Friday, February 20, 2015.

DFM FILE PHOTO

Gettysburg’s Morgan Soliday battles for a rebound with Oley Valley defenders Brandi Vallely (25) and Miranda Krott (50) during Wednesday night’s District 3basketball championship in Hershey.

DFM FILE PHOTO

York Catholic’s Anne Lehr runs into Oley Valley’s Paige Sonon during the District 3Class AA girls’ quarterfinal basketball game at York Catholic High School Friday, February 20, 2015.