Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski / Altoona’s Lanie Wilt cuts between Hollidaysburg’s Alana Lightner and Bella Vent.
In a recent matchup, the Altoona Area girls basketball team faced their rivals, Hollidaysburg. Coach Chris Fleegle believed this could be a standout season, but the first goal is always to triumph over their rival. Thanks to impressive play in the final moments, they accomplished just that, winning 57-41.
Altoona’s defense was key, holding Hollidaysburg to just one field goal in the last 9:40 of the game. The Lady Lions took charge late in the third quarter, pulling ahead to secure their win.
Fleegle praised his team’s efforts, especially in rebounding. Players like Zae Nguyen-Moore and Bri Hudson initially dominated, but the guards stepped in as well. “We made their shots tough and controlled the boards,” he noted.
Hudson, a freshman, had an outstanding game with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Fleegle highlighted her skills, noting her ability to defend and score. “Her presence allows us to be more aggressive on defense,” he added.
With star seniors Melana Eyer and Lanie Wilt also contributing to the offense, Altoona is poised for a successful season. Nguyen-Moore’s growth on the court has fans excited about what lies ahead.
“We held our own against strong teams during summer tournaments, and I feel confident about our chances this year,” Fleegle said. “As long as we stay healthy, we can achieve something special.”
In the game, Eyer scored 13 points, Wilt added 12, and Nguyen-Moore contributed 11 points, including a crucial sequence that widened their lead. Despite moments of struggle, Nguyen-Moore’s performance turned heads when she hit important shots, demonstrating her capability to perform under pressure.
On the other hand, Hollidaysburg’s defense struggled, with Coach Deanna Jubeck observing that lack of control on boards hurt their chances. Makenna Weimert stood out for the Lady Tigers, securing 13 points and 12 rebounds before fouling out.
Ultimately, Altoona improved to a record of 19-2, looking ahead to potential titles in the Mid-Penn Conference, District 6, and beyond. “It feels great to win against our rivals,” said Nguyen-Moore. “We believe we have what it takes to go far in the playoffs.”
As the season progresses, the focus now shifts to maintaining momentum and preparing for upcoming challenges. The team is excited, united, and ready to make their mark.
**Final Scores: Altoona 57, Hollidaysburg 41**
