By HUNTER O. LYLE
lyleoleanstar@gmail.com
In a lot of ways, sports can be compared to life. Just as in everyday life, teams and programs have a cycle. There’s a rise and fall, a birth and a death. And then, like life, there’s a rebirth, commonly referred to in sports as a rebuild.
While all teams may go through this rebirth, the process doesn’t come with a manual or a countdown to completion. Sometimes, it’s a grueling, slogging procedure that may take years in the making. However, once it all comes full circle, the product usually is well worth the wait.
Such is the circumstance for the Bradford girls’ basketball team.
After a handful of years of trial and error, the Lady Owls are starting to see the tide turn. Through eight games, they have already surpassed years prior with a 5-3 record that includes a current four-game win streak – Bradford accumulated a total of six wins in the previous two seasons combined.
“In our practices, the girls just work so hard. We don’t have to get on them about things,” said Bradford first-year head coach Jason Blatchley. “They come prepared and honestly, they’re just thriving and it’s showing in the game.”
Two of the team’s most recent wins came during their run through the Kane Holiday Tournament, where Bradford steamed through North Clarion and Keystone, winning 46-38 and 42-36, respectively. On route to the Lady Owls’ tournament championship, they leaned on their newly found team identity: defense.
“We got two solid wins against two solid teams. Defensively we executed very well. I think we created over 20 turnovers in both games and averaged 14 steals,” said Blatchley. “The weekend was awesome. Just the way the team gelled together shows it’s all coming together.”
On offense, however, Bradford relied on their budding superstar: Hayley Keane.
In her sophomore year, Keane is averaging a double-double with 16.5 points and 11.6 rebounds – both team highs – while also contributing 2.25 assists a night – her 18 assists is second most for the Lady Owls. Keane’s efforts over the past weekend, which included a 17-point, 20-rebound performance in the win over Keystone, earned her the tournament Most Valuable Player honors.
“I just try to always work my hardest because hopefully everyone else will follow along,” said Keane. “For me, it’s all about improving from last year and how we’re playing together.”
Night in and night out, Keane can fill up a stat sheet and while her play on the court can lead to recognition, awards and accolades, it’s her leadership and character that will lead to wins.
“She’s a leader. She was at everything we did over the summer and the fall and she’s been a huge part of the success,” said Blatchley. “The girls look up to her. When she takes control, she’s a leader by success. Naturally, she comes in and every day gives it 110 percent.”
Coming into the new year, the Lady Owls open the door to league play. Starting with Friday when they host St. Marys, Bradford looks to take on the District 9 League. Next week, Bradford’s home stretch continues with games against Warren and Brookville on Wednesday and Friday before taking to the road the following week for league games against Cameron County and DuBois.
With the Lady Owls as hot as ever and with Keane leading the charge, Bradford may have their best chance yet of making a run into the playoffs.
“We really want to make it to the playoffs this year and keep playing how we’re playing,” said Keane. “We want to continue to build on what we started this year.”
