Madelyn Sieklicki competes as a senior for the Hempfield girls basketball team. This year she is working hard to be a starter at point guard or shooting guard.
The Black Knights are building a family cohesiveness among the team and plan to improve on last year’s record. Key teams on their schedule are Cedar Crest, Manheim Township and Penn Manor. Madelyn looks to Cedar Crest as the favorite to win Section 1.
This past off season, Madelyn’s Hempfield team has been training at open gyms, playing in the Hempfield summer league and gaining strength by weight training.
Aside from basketball, Madelyn is a Nation Honor Society member and actively involved with the Hempfield Varsity Club.
After graduation, Madelyn plans to study for a nursing career.
Chris Hanusa takes over as girls head coach this season.
Hanusa says, "We're focused on rebuilding the program and creating a positive team environment." He and several veteran players attended the LNP | LancasterOnline Winter Sports Media Day at Penn Medicine Park.
The Black Knights went 7-13 in Section 1 games last season. Hanusa most recently coached the junior high girls team.
A number of veterans return, looking to contend for a section title this year. Asheion Burgess says she's "looking to become more of an offensive threat this year. She averaged just over 8 points a game last season. The team is learning a new system. Jazelyn Santiago is "working on her ballhandling."
Sisters Hannah and Grace Kirchner say the team has been bonding. "We're establishing a connection doing team events together, including dinners." Kaylee McCabe says "We're getting used to a new system." She adds "We have a team room at the school as part of the team bonding."
Hanusa and the players are anxious to start a new chapter in Hempfield basketball history. Hempfield opens against Governor Mifflin Dec. 3.
