What will the core four do for an encore?

A quartet of juniors on the Jim Thorpe girls’ basketball team have already earned some impressive achievements since they last flashed their talents on the court two years ago.

Starting with an undefeated regular season and Schuylkill League championship when they were freshmen, the Olympians also finished as a district runner up that season.

Last year, they posted an overall 23-5 record (27-1 in the Schuylkill League for the past two seasons) and were a league runner up and a district semifinalist.

After accomplishing all that, what are the Olympians saying about the 2020-2021 season?

The answer: ‘It’s our time’.

Nadia Gauronsky takes over after a 12-year stint as the head coach of Pleasant Valley, and she’s excited about the opportunity to coach such a talented group.

“We’re obviously highly skilled with our starters,” she said. “I’ve watched them grow the past two years, and they are working very hard to improve even more.”

Despite a roster that lists not one single senior, Thorpe is loaded with veterans with big-game experience, beginning with their marquee player, Skyler Searfoss, the 2018 Times News Player of the Year and winner of eight individual awards in her first two seasons.

Searfoss moved to point guard last season, and Gauronsky plans to have her share that position with two other starters.

“Skyler has an outstanding ability to attack the basket, and she uses her body well to create space for the open shot,” said Gauronsky. “She’s tenacious all over the court, and she’s very unselfish. She’ll draw defenders and find the open girl with a perfect pass.”

Sharpshooting Junior Leila Hurley will share the point, and will be counted on to add to the Olympian scoring punch. An outstanding three-point shooter from the baselines with a quick release, Hurley has impressed Gauronsky with her improved ability to drive to the basket, which figures to add another feature to her offensive skill set.

Olivia Smelas begins her third season at the low post. At 6-1, she led the team in rebounding a year ago and is a scoring threat every time she gets the ball in the paint.

“Olivia is our vocal leader,” said Gauronsky, and she’s stepped up her physical game so she leads with more than just her words.”

Leah Snisky, the fourth member of the core four, could very be the most improved on the court this season. At 5-11, she’s a good defender and a force off the defensive glass. “Leah is full of confidence in her game, and she will take advantage of using her abilities to score when the opportunities come.”

The fifth starter is Mackenzie Yuhas, who Gauronsky sees as a perfect fit to play with the core four. The sophomore has “superb athleticism” and will create her own scoring chances.

“Mackenzie has accepted her role very well, and she will be a force on both sides of the ball,” said Gauronsky.

Complementing the starting five and expecting to see significant playing time are Haley Smelas and Gabby Cinicola at the forward positions, along with freshman guard Sarah Hartmann.

Taking over a proven powerhouse program does not phase the veteran coach.

“We’re not focusing on expectations from the outside,” Gauronsky said. What matters is what goals the girls set for themselves. They decided on the “Our Time” slogan. Of course, we would like to win another league title and a district championship and go far in the states.

“As for me, I just want them to enjoy playing the game they love. When all is said and done, that’s what will make lasting memories more than anything else.”