Girls basketball: Quakertown putting league on notice

This past summer was memorable on the courts for the Quakertown girls basketball team.
That’s when the Panthers pieced together an undefeated summer league season in Allentown, one that has shaken them with some aftershocks all the way through January.
With its 48-35 victory over William Tennent last week, Quakertown raised its overall record to 6-6 and 3-4 in the Suburban One League Liberty Division.
“I don’t know when it was that Quakertown was .500 this late into the season,” noted head coach Brittany Bamford, whose team finished 4-12 in an abbreviated campaign last year. “It doesn’t mean that much when you’re 1-1.
“But the girls gained a lot of confidence from the summer, and they realized they could compete. It wasn’t just about getting blown out and waiting for the next game.
“We’re not there with Plymouth Whitemarsh or Abington, but we can hold our own.”
The Panthers did lose five seniors to graduation, one received a basketball scholarship and two received track scholarships.
But they do return three-year starters Carolyn Sipprell and Katie Catalano, who have been leaned on to provide some scoring punch and leadership. Sipprell, who was their leading scorer last year, has paced the team averaging roughly 15 points per contest in the post.
“Even though we graduated a lot, there is still a considerable number of girls who have varsity experience,” said Bamford. “Carolyn and Katie have been solid three-year starters for us. They are the backbone for our team.”
Sipprell has noticed and appreciated the elevated level of play.
“This season definitely has been more competitive and more enjoyable than past seasons,” she said. “The team seems to be clicking more.

“The summer league gave us a taste of playing without our past seniors, which allowed for some early chemistry. Our plays and schemes have been more effective on the court.
“If we can keep our turnovers down and continue to keep pressure on defense, playoffs are definitely in sight. That would be very exciting for all of us.”
Along with Sipprell and Catalano, Bamford has looked to seniors Maureen Healy, Laney Mitchell, Katie Offner and Leah Mestayer, all of whom saw some or no varsity time last year.
“Maureen and Leah didn’t see any varsity time last year,” said Bamford. “But they are filling their roles this season. Laney saw some time, and Katie has done a nice job with our inbounds plays. Most teams start off pressing us, and Katie can handle the pressure well.”
As an act of service, the Panthers held a free basketball clinic for grade school students on the Martin Luther King holiday on Monday.
They are anxious to prove themselves to the rest of the league down the stretch.
“We know teams don’t take us lighty anymore,” stressed Bamford. “We’re confident we can finish strong, and we’re here to compete for the rest of the year.”

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