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By BUBBA KAPRAL
PINE GROVE -- The Valley Lumberjills are poised for a successful season.
The Pine Grove-based team qualified for the OVAC Class A Tournament last winter, dropping a tough 62-59 road semifinal verdict to eventual champion St. John Central. The Lumberjills return many key components from that squad.
Leading the way is one of the OVAC's premier point guards in Sophie Palmer. The lightning-quick junior is one of those players who makes their teammates better.
Palmer possesses a nice long-range shooting touch to go with an uncanny ability to get to the rim. She has a chance to reach the 1,000-point plateau this season.
"We are expecting big things from Sophie this season," Valley coach Jeff Derby said. "With two outstanding seasons behind her, she is ready for another breakout season."
Palmer will likely be joined in the backcourt by Cassidy West. The senior letterwinner is the Lumberjills' best defender. She can also spell Palmer at the point.
Valley lost a pair of tall and talented posts through graduation in Erin Brown and Madison Arnolds. Trying to fill that void will be a pair of senior lettermen -- Rachel Baker and Melanie Thomas. Junior Ressa Dungeon will also provide inside strength.
Caitlyn Underwood returns after a nice freshman campaign. She is vying for starting time at forward.
Two other juniors -- Maggie Ueltschy and Mckenzie Melot -- along with sophomore Emma Ueltschy will likely round out the varsity rotation.
Depth will be a strong suit for Derby's charges this winter.
Valley's roster boasts two other sophomores -- Jenna Dallison and Hailey Baker.
Derby has a nice collection of freshmen, providing a foundation for long-term success. The freshmen hoopsters are Brittney Kennedy, Kaleen Utt, Madison Greathouse, Sydney Bucher and Jamey West.
Logan Miller is Derby's assistant.