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Observer-Reporter Athlete of the Week

4 min read
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Name: McKenna Lampe

School: West Greene

Year: Freshman

Sport: Basketball

Lampe’s week: The Pioneers’ leading scorer led West Greene to two key Section 3-A wins and helped move her team closer to securing a spot in the WPIAL playoffs.

Lampe had a game-high 27 points in a 69-52 win over Avella last Monday and, three days later, added 19 points to help West Greene defeat Fort Cherry at home.

“She’s a scorer. She was our leading scorer in eighth grade and in varsity, that’s translated,” West Greene head coach Jordan Watson said. “She’s very well-rounded. Everyone sees the points, but she’s second on the team in rebounds and steals. She’s capable of scoring 20 or 30 points any given night.”

Press Greene: After three consecutive playoff appearances, Watson knew last season would be difficult in Rogersville. The Pioneers had just seven players and the results showed. They went 0-22, allowing 46.8 points per game while scoring just 19.3 per game.

There was plenty of frustration, but Watson knew help was on the way. He had an eighth-grade class that played 67 games against competition in varsity leagues and tournaments.

Lampe and her twin sister, Madison, were two of three who were ready to start from Day 1 and their athleticism would allow the Pioneers to play a tough press defense. Both play multiple sports and have the ability to leap in the air to catch an opponent’s high pass before capitalizing in transition.

“With athletes, you can speed up the game,” Watson said. “We weren’t capable of pressing last year, but this year we have a team that’s very athletic. Those two are a big part of that.”

There have been no growing pains. McKenna is averaging a team-high 20.3 points, six rebounds and almost seven steals per game for West Greene (7-2, 13-3), which is in third place and close to clinching a playoff berth. The Pioneers have scored the fourth most points in Class A and owe it to their new guard tandem.

“It’s really nice to have somebody on the other side,” McKenna said of playing with her sister. “I’m left handed and she’s right handed. We both feel confident passing to the other side and we know we’ll be able to get it. We know we’ll be successful and both of us can make the shot.”

Beyond their years: The Pioneers have quickly developed a reputation as a rugged defensive team and that translated to them landing a spot in PennLive.com’s PIAA Class A rankings.

When his freshman class prepared for their first varsity season, Watson stressed that they might have four years of high school remaining, but expectations should not be lowered.

“We always tell them that you are freshmen in school, but you aren’t freshmen in basketball,” Watson said. “A lot of times, freshmen will say, ‘Hey, when we’re seniors we’re going to be good.’ Well, these girls said they’re going to be good now, and the next year, and the next year, and the next year.'”

West Greene is enjoying every moment of its basketball program’s success. The boys team also is in the playoff hunt and the crowded gyms have both excited for what’s to come.

“It’s really awesome because everybody loves to support us,” Lampe said. “It’s really nice that everyone has that much hope for us.”

Compiled by Lance Lysowski

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