The season could not have started much better for the Greencastle-Antrim girls basketball team.

The Blue Devils opened the season with victories over Chambersburg and James Buchanan, winning the Franklin County Tip-off tournament.

They won both games by double digits, and the starters were out of the championship game against the Rockets by the fourth quarter.

G-A point guard Hannah Crist played a huge role in the team's success, earning MVP of the tournament. She scored 15 points in the Blue Devil's 64-54 win over the Trojans, and then seven against James Buchanan on Saturday. Add in her assists, decision making and composure on the floor, and it's no surprise that Crist has been selected as this week's Public Opinion Female Athlete of the Week.

 

"Hannah loves the game of basketball," Greencastle coach Mike Rhine said. "She gives 100 percent every time she's out on the floor and it really shows in the games."

Crist said, "We played hard the entire tournament. We knew the Chambersburg game was going to be tough, but I think our teamwork gave us the edge throughout the weekend."

Crist, a sophomore, started on the varsity team as a freshman last year and has improved her game in her second year.

"Last year, Hannah had a lot on her plate and was kind of learning on the fly. She really worked on her game throughout the offseason and has come back even better this year," Rhine said.

Crist spent the summer playing in summer leagues and tournaments, as well as getting extra training to improve every facet of her game, making her a tough matchup for any defense.

"I feel my leadership on the court has improved," she said, "and I've also improved my ability to get into the paint and score off the drive."

Crist's ability to run the offense, pass and score when necessary, gives the Blue Devils a whole different dimension that may not be possible with any other point guard.

"She is an amazing ball-handler. That mixed in with her speed and mix of different abilities makes us a very versatile team."

And Crist's desire to learn and improve her game will only make her stronger going forward.

 

Rhine said, "She is so receptive in practice, and you see her translate it on the floor in the games. With some more strength and experience, she can become a real force."

Even though it's only been two games, expectations are rising fast for the Blue Devils, and Crist expects Greencastle to make noise in the Mid Penn.

"We're hoping to make it into districts or even further," she said.

 

Hannah Crist, Greencastle-Antrim

Sport: Basketball

Position: Point Guard

Grade: Sophomore

Other interests: Soccer and hanging out with friends.

Favorite team: Penn State Lady Lions basketball team.

Pro athlete most admired: Maggy Lucas, Lady Lions basketball player.

Most influential person in athletic career: Her father.

 

Statistics: Crist totaled 22 points while leading the Blue Devil offense to a perfect 2-0 record, winning the Franklin County Tip-off over the weekend. She was named tournament MVP.