These freshmen have shined during the Mid-Penn girls basketball season

 

By Eric Epler on 1/31/24

 

 

Rookies always have it hard. And the high school versions of rookies are examples of this.

 

Below is a sampling of some of those first-year freshmen in the Mid-Penn Conference who have thrived this season in girls basketball, overcoming inexperience to become impact players in season one. Players are listed in alphabetical order.

 

Madyson Brownawell, 5-8 G, Boiling Springs

Buzz: Brownawell will be one to watch for the Bubblers down the road. An all-around talent, the guard has provided scoring when needed and strong work near the tin, as well. She’s collected nearly 70 rebounds through 17 games, with 50 assists and 51 steals.

 

Bella Dupes, 5-5 G, Trinity

Buzz: Dupes has enjoyed a terrific start to her Trinity career, providing coach Kristi Britten with another heady guard who fits right into the Shamrocks’ rotation. Providing around five points per game, Dupes also leads the Rocks in steals and assists

 

Abby Dyson, 6-2 C, Big Spring

Buzz: Dyson might not lead the Bulldogs in points, but Big Spring’s big has helped in myriad ways, mainly has a rebounder and shot blocker. She’s totaled 102 boards and turned back 22 shots to lead the defense.

 

Raylin Eyer, 5-6 G, Altoona

Buzz: No doubt the Mountain Lions are sending out a confident and certainly efficient set each night, Eyer included. The freshman already set a high career mark (27 points vs. Harrisburg last week) and has provided that kind of spark on multiple occasions.

 

Rees Hall, 5-7 G, Cedar Cliff

Buzz: The new-look Colts have won three straight and five of their last six. It’s brought a potential playoff berth back into focus. Hall has done her part as a Colts’ starter, ranking among the team leaders in assists and steals.

 

Ava London, 5-7 G, Susquehanna Township

Buzz: As stated before, the program at Hanna had big expectations for the deft point guard and London certainly has responded. Despite missing a couple of games, the rookie has been vital to Hanna’s run to 17-1 as a double-digit scorer with a team-best 58 assists and 63 steals.

 

Eva Martin, 5-2 G, Greencastle-Antrim

Buzz: Martin has shown up on a ton of headlines for the Blue Devils, who are angling for a solid run inside the District 3 tournament. Only senior guard Haley Noblit has averaged more minutes per night than Martin, who is posting 10.8 points per game. She’s also dished out 31 assists with 31 steals entering the week.

 

Asha Pratt, 5-9 G, Mechanicsburg

Buzz: Pratt certainly is a big part of Mechanicsburg’s engaging defense, but it’s the freshman’s range on the other side that’s been the key. Pratt (7.3 ppg.) entered the week tied with fellow Wildcat Bridget Edwards for team lead in 3-pointers, each with 33.

 

Aubrie Walker-Smith, 6-0 F, Milton Hershey

Buzz: While guard play is paramount to any successful program, Walker-Smith has provided a ton of key moments, mostly in the low blocks. Walker-Smith’s aggressive play will continue to serve the Spartans well for years to come.

 

Sienna Wilson, 5-7 G, State College

Buzz: Not many freshmen walk into a Class 6A program and lead the team in points. Wilson, however, has managed that feat and is among the team leaders in triples, rebounds and steals.