One year ago Mitchell Klingerman was sitting on the bench during a Loyalsock basketball game wishing for a chance to play.

It wasn’t because of skills. It was simply because Loyalsock year in and year out has a lot of talent. Klingerman quietly went about his business, working hard after practice and through the off-season, all in the hopes he would get that chance to play.

In Loyalsock’s Tip-off Tournament Klingerman had his coming out party as he romped through the final quarter of the championship game to claim the MVP and help the Lancers repeat as the top team.

In three games with the Lancers varsity squad, Klingerman has post.ed a combined 36 points. He scored nine in the team’s opening game but came back for 17 against Wellsboro in the Tournament Final. Klingerman had posted just three points prior to the start of the fourth quarter but came back for 14 over the final eight minutes.

“It’s the same as always,” Klingerman said. “I’m just trying to help my team win.”
Klingerman certainly has done that for the Lancers. Klingerman has scored 18 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter of games.

“It’s been a strong start so far, we’re 3-0 I can’t complain,” Klingerman said. “It’s good to be ahead this quick, especially against a rival team like Hughesville. We’re going to have a pretty smooth ride from here on out.”

Another player that has started strong to the season is Warrior Run’s, Megan Zimmerman.

The Defenders started their season much later than most teams. They welcomed in Lewisburg for a Thursday night tilt and led the Defenders on an impressive run to capture a 35-30.

Zimmerman posted a game-high 15 points in the win. She also pulled down 13 rebounds and blocked two shots.

“It’s so great,” Zimmerman said of opening the season with a big game and win. “We’ve worked for three hard weeks and to come out on our home court and get the first win is so rewarding. It makes us feel great about what we did in those three weeks and how hard we worked.”

Zimmerman didn’t touch the ball until mid.way through the opening quarter. Once she did, it was clear the hard work was going to pay off. Zimmerman scored six points over the final stretch of the opening quarter. She then followed that up with four more and a block in the second quarter.

“It was a waiting game,” Zimmerman said of being one of the final District 4 teams to tip-off.

The third quarter was one of her lowest in terms of points, but she proved to be an all-around player. Zimmerman controlled the game from inside the paint. She finished the third with five rebounds, but also blocked two more shots.Webb Weekly Gem of the Week…