The Township is still buzzing. The Loyalsock Lady Lancer hoops squad just made history. They became the first girls’ team from Lycoming County to ever win a state championship. Loyalsock defeated Shady Side Academy 55-43. They finished the year with a record of 30-2. It was an incredible season — one for the ages.
“It still hasn’t set in yet,” senior Julie Ellis explained. “I mean, I thought we would have practice Monday. Words can’t describe the emotions we are feeling. It was the best way to end our season. My career. We are just so happy.”
“It was unreal,” junior Jillian Kennedy mentioned. “Everyone did what they were supposed to do. We had a great game plan, and we executed. It was so cool to win in front of our families and fans.”
Four charter buses full of Loyalsock students made the trip to Hershey. Hundreds of others were there, too. It was quite the scene. Fans were everywhere, decked out in mostly white and maroon. The atmosphere was stupendous. The Lancers were on point and played their best games of the season that evening. Goosebumps.
“No. It hasn’t sunk in,” junior Addie Bastian said. “Our fans are the best. The support we received was truly amazing. Especially during the playoffs. The entire school was in the stands for our state championship. They helped us win. I also enjoyed the parades and send-offs. Being able to talk to the elementary kids before the games was really cool.”
“Seeing our families and friends in the crowd made a huge difference,” senior Lacey Kriebel relayed. “They had our backs all season. The student section was loud and super fun. They made an impact. It felt like a home game. We are still getting so much love. It was a memorable ride.”
Loyalsock is the state’s best AAA girls’ team. Not bad for a small public school in North Central Pennsylvania. Lacey Kriebel was sensational. The senior guard posted a double-double in the final. She led all scorers with 23 points and 11 rebounds on the biggest stage. Junior Alaina Dadzie was fantastic. The versatile post finished with 21 points and played some great defense. But it wasn’t just these two stars. Every player and coach contributed. It was a total team effort. Again. Unprecedented.
The Lancers were nipped in the Final Four last season. It was a heartbreaking loss that provided the motivation. Coach Curtis Jacobson and his staff are the best in the business. And these ladies found a way back for another big-time opportunity. But it wasn’t easy.
“It was our goal,” Kennedy continued. “We came so close last year. We remembered those emotions and wanted to go even further in 2025. We worked so hard. But we had to deal with the injuries, illnesses, and some tough opponents just to get here. We stayed focused.”
“Losing last year in the final four was just brutal,” Kriebel added. “The way we lost. Heartbreaking. It provided the extra motivation. It was in the back of our minds the entire season. Every early AM practice in the summer. To the extra work we did after hours. We wanted another shot.”
Curtis Jacobson just wrapped up his 9th season. What he has accomplished as a coach is truly amazing. Curtis is tough, and his teams continue to win. You don’t understand how hard it is to make it to Hershey, let alone win a state championship. The commitment. The drive. The time. And the luck. A once in a lifetime opportunity. Incredible really. His teams always play hard. They go full throttle. Tough and scrappy. They play terrific team defense. Having some gals like Kriebel and Dadzie always helps, but the entire squad embraces their roles and understands his concepts. It’s a culture. The girls are all in. He and his staff provide the framework. Major props to his wife Kerri, Jeff Everett, Jason Perry, Jake Sekel, and trainer Barb. Well done.
“We have an amazing staff,” Bastian tweeted. “They give us the tools and give us 100% confidence. No matter what your position or role is. They make everyone feel so important.”
“We have the best coaches,” Ellis concluded. “They are all so different. A lot of our successes come directly from our coaches. They work so hard in our preparations. Breaking down film to knowing the other team’s plays or tendencies. They gave us a plan, and it was our job to execute it. We worked so hard this year. And watching it all come together makes it so special.”
Special indeed. A once in a lifetime opportunity. Trust me. The Loyalsock Lady Lancers are your 2025 AAA State Champions. The very first girls’ hoops team from Lycoming County wear the gold tiara. These gals made their school and community so dang happy. Unbelievable.
Most of you know that I am a basketball junkie. And I have so many personal connections to this team. Coach Jacobson played for me 15 years ago. I know his staff so well. I am so proud of my friends for bringing home the gold. I am also somewhat close to the four gals I interviewed for this project. Great kids. Better families. Everyone is related. Go Sock! I told each to embrace these special memories. You will never forget what you just accomplished. They are rock stars. And now they will take photos with politicians. Congratulations. You just made history. #shoesaretied. Cheers.
