Both Jim Thorpe and Palmerton brought District 11 championships home to their respective school’s trophy cases this past girls’ basketball season.

So, it was no surprise that the Olympians and Bombers were well-represented on the Pennsylvania Sports Writers All-State Girls’ Basketball team.

Thorpe, which won both a Schuylkill League and District 11 Class 4A title, advanced to the PIAA semis before being defeated by perennial power Archbishop Wood, is represented by Skyler Searfoss (Second Team) and Olivia Smelas (Third Team).

Palmerton, represented by Brianna Moore (Third Team), defeated Executive Education for a District 11 3A title and then went on to defeat MAST Charter for a subregional championship. The Bombers were also able to come away with a win in the state tournament, advancing to the second round where their road ended with a loss to Riverside.

Searfoss has been selected to the All-State team in all four years of her career – twice a third team selection and twice a second team honoree. Searfoss was also named the Lehigh Valley Health Network/Times News Girls Basketball Player of the Year this season for the third time, and has been a part of the Times News Girls Basketball All Star Team for the past four seasons.

She finished her career at Jim Thorpe as the school’s second all-time leading scorer with 1,787 career points. She averaged 14.1 points per game this season.

Searfoss is headed to Division 2 Holy Family out of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) to continue her basketball career.

“What hasn’t been said about this young lady and her contributions to her team, and community,” said Jim Thorpe head coach Nadia Gauronsky. “This is yet another well-deserved accolade on what was an outstanding athletic career.

“This award is a culmination of the hard work and dedication she has put into her craft over the past four seasons. Her skill set, grit and poise on the court is unmatched in the area.”

Smelas picks up her first all-state honor after a stellar season that saw her average 11.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. The double-double has been a staple for Smelas during her career, as she’s the only player in Olympians history to score over 1,000 points and collect over 1,000 rebounds.

Smelas finished her career with 1,252 points, and will be headed to Division 2 Kutztown University next season to continue her basketball career.

“Olivia probably had her finest season yet, and has absolutely earned this All-State recognition,” said Gauronsky. “Her work ethic and overall dedication to her team has earned her this honor. Having not only 1,000 points, but 1,000 rebounds is an accomplishment few will reach. It shows that she not only got the job done offensively, but defensively as well.”

Moore, who is headed to Duquesne on a Division 1 soccer scholarship, was the best pure athlete in the Times News area this season. Her speed in the open court and ability to get downhill to the rim helped her lead the Bombers with 14.9 points per game. Moore also led the area with 5.3 steals per game, and had a very solid season on the boards, averaging 6.2 rebounds per game.

Moore finished her career with 1,262 points.

“This is another well-deserved acknowledgment for Brianna,” said Palmerton head coach Dan Beck. “She is such a gifted athlete that really puts the time in. She has a strong passion for competition, and she goes out there and loves making an impact on the game, which she did night-in and night-out for us. I would just like to say congratulations to her on a great season and career.”