2020-2021 High School

Team Highlights

The High School Nittany Valley Legends played a highly competitive spring schedule.  They played in two shootouts and three tournaments.  The team was made up of a ninth grader, four players who returned to the court after more than a year off, and five players who played basketball this winter.  They were joined on occasion by other former teammates throughout the season.   The team improved over the season as players got back to game speed and the team gelled.  The reached the championship game of one tournament, the final three of a second and the final four of a third. 

 #4 Guard

Ann-Marie McMurtie

Ann-Marie McMurtie has played five years for the Legends, and is a dynamic point guard excelling at all aspects of the game.  She plays the game with great energy passion, and at a very high speed. On the defensive end she applies strong pressure on the opponents’ best ball handlers, piling up steals.  On offense she is a stellar playmaker and scorer using her speed and quickness.  In her career she led her team in assists in five different leagues and was second twice.  She led in steals three times and was second twice.  In her career Ann-Marie has 348 points, 152 assists (3rd all-time) and 185 steals.  She won a second place team trophy, played an undefeated regular season and an undefeated 4-0 shootout, won a medal in the Red Bank Valley tournament and won a Championship.

2021

Ann-Marie played in the first shootout of the year for three games this season.  She led the team in assists with 7, and points with 17 in that shootout.

2018-19

Ann-Marie LaPean played for the Blue and White Legends teams in two Fall leagues and several Fall and Spring tournaments.  In the Fall, she led both teams in assists, led the White team in steals, was second in rebounding for the White Team, and was second in blocked shots for the Blue Team. In the Summit League (Blue Team) she had 14 points in the victory over the 7/8 grade Hot Shots and 14 points in the playoff clincher.  In the 8th grade victory over the Hot Shots she had a key steal to help draw the Legends within two points and hit two foul shots to tie the game late.  She led the team in assists (18) and steals (14) in the Redbank Valley Jr High Tournament where she scored 24 points.  She had a huge 3rd place clincher with 5 assists and 7 steals.  She finished the Fall season with a team high 50 assists, 80 rebounds (second), 46 steals (first), 120 points, and 12-21 (57%) foul shooting.  In the abbreviated Spring tournament season Ann-Marie led the team in assists in the Gettysburg Shootout, and was second in scoring in the Legendz End of the Summer Tournament.  

2017-18

Ann-Marie LaPean completed her third year with the Legends.  She is a quick defender and dynamic ball handler.  Ann-Marie led the team with 35 assists and was tied for 3rd with 20 steals, to go with 44 points.  Ann-Marie had 15 second-half points to total a career high 17 in a tough loss in the NEPA Flame Shootout in Scranton, PA.  She had 12 assists and 31 points in the 4 games in Scranton. 

2016

Ann-Marie had a great year playing point guard and the three guard.  She excelled handling the ball against the press, and playing defense at the top of the zone or on the opponent’s top guard.  Set a NV record with 11 steals in one game.  Tied a NV record with 7 assists in one game. Had a career high 8 points in one game.  Finished with 102 points, 3rd on the team in steals (72) and second in assists (38).  Led the team in steals in the NEPA shootout.

2015-16 Highlights

Ann-Marie completed her first year as a Legend.  She played all three guard positions and was third on the team in assists.  She led all guards and was third on the team in offensive rebounds.  She was a defensive stalwart and finished the season with 29 steals.  Led the team with 8 points in their first victory of the season.


 #13 Guard

Mo Powers

Mo Powers has played six years for the Legends.  3-Ball Mo, as she is known, is a dangerous long-range threat.  She is also a defensive specialist, drawing many offensive fouls.  Mo plays exceptional positional defense and has excellent anticipation and quickness. She has a knack for hitting huge shots in tight games to spur her team onto explosive runs.   In her career Mo has led her team in 3 pointers in five leagues, and was second twice.  She led her team in steals once and was second in assists twice.  In her career Mo has 112 assists, 356 points, 137 steals, and 37 3-pointers (3rd all time). Mo won a second place team trophy, played an undefeated regular season and two undefeated 4-0 shootouts, won a medal in the Red Bank Valley tournament and won a Championship.

2021

Mo played in 17 games this season.  She had 36 points, was third on the team with five three-pointers and had 11 assists and 10 steals.  Mo’s best tournament was the first Keystone Challenge in which she scored and had steals in all four games.  Mo also led the team in and-1’s on her shifty drives to the basket.

2018-19

Mo Powers played for the Blue and White Legends teams in the Fall leagues and several Fall and Spring tournaments.  In the Fall, on the Blue Team (Summit), Mo was second on her team with 11 assists.  On the White Team (JMC) she was third on her team in scoring, led the team in three pointers, and was third in assists.  Two of her strongest league games came in the playoff clinchers in both leagues in which she had 5 assists (Summit) and 10 points (JMC). She had a stellar Redbank Valley Jr. High Tournament where she was second on the team in scoring (42 points, 4 three pointers) in 5 games including 40% shooting from beyond the arc and a career high 17 point game.  She was double digits in scoring in three of the five games. Mo finished the Fall season 3rd on the team in assists (27), 102 points, and first in 3 pointers (10) on 29% shooting.  In the Spring tournaments Mo led the team in 3 pointers and was third in assists. 

2017-18

Mo Powers completed her 4th year as a Legend, playing all three guard positions.  She is a defensive stalwart and accurate long range shooter.   Mo’s strong defense keyed a tough three point win in the NEPA Flame Shootout in Scranton PA, where she also had 10 points.  Mo had 12 assists (3rd on the team) and led the team with 25 steals.  Her 7 three pointers were third on the team. 

2016

Mo was known for igniting the team by hitting a big basket or taking a charge, and many times changed the game with one play.  She completed her 3rd year as a Legend.  Her biggest 3-pointer may have been her first that came against the Hot Shots with her team down 5, which put them on a run that ended in victory. Mo led the team in 3 pointers in the Philipsburg league, and led the team in three point shooting percentage (33%).  She had a career high 10 points in one game.  She finished second on the team in assists with 34, and led the team in drawing offensive fouls.  She finished the year with 101 points. 

2015-16 Highlights

Mo completed her second year as a legend.  Mo played all three guard positions and developed into a long range shooting threat as well as a defensive specialist.  Mo was third on the team in assists, had 29 steals, and was second on the team in foul shooting percentage.  She had 14 points and 10 steals in the 4 game NEPA Shootout.



 #33 Guard/Post

Maggie "Lucas" Huggins

Maggie “Lucas” Huggins has played seven years on the Legends.  She was the team’s first point guard and became a strong playmaker.  She has phenonal court vision and makes dazzling passes.  She transitioned to post and became a dominant rebounder, shot blocker and inside scorer.  Her combined post and guard skills make Maggie a dangerous player.  Maggie led her team in rebounding in five leagues, blocked shots seven times, and assists nine times.  She was second in scoring five times.  In her career Maggie is the all-time shot block leader with  268,  and has 189 assists (2nd all-time), 213 steals, 515 points (3rd all-time) and 633 rebounds (5th all-time). Maggie won two second place team trophies, played an undefeated regular season and two undefeated 4-0 shootouts, won a medal in the Red Bank Valley tournament and won a Championship.

2021

Maggie played in 17 games this season.  She led the team in assists with 20, blocked shots with 26, was third in rebounds with 56 and was third in points with 62.  She was also second on the team with 10 three pointers.  Her game high was 11 points at the Spring Shootout in Scranton.  She passed the 500-point milestone for her career.

2018-19

Maggie “Lucas” Huggins played for the Blue and White Legends teams in the Fall leagues and several Fall and Spring tournaments.  In the Fall, she led both teams in rebounds and blocked shots.  On the Blue Team she was tied for second in scoring and led the team in three pointers, and on the White Team she was tied for the team lead in assists.  On the Blue Team (Summit) she secured a tough rebound and threw a long pass for an assist on the game winning shot vs. the Hot Shots.  She had 11 points in the JMC playoff clincher against the Lady Shooters.  In the Redbank Valley Jr High Tournament, she again led her team in rebounds (51) and blocked shots, and was second in assists in the 5 games.  She had a huge game in the third place clincher with 18 rebounds.  She finished the Fall season second in scoring (124 points), first in rebounds (149) and blocked shots (55), and second in assists with 30.  In the Spring, Maggie led the team in assists, rebounds, and blocked shots, and was second in scoring.  She hit the game winning foul shot with 3 seconds left to defeat the Hot Shots for the team’s final victory.

2017-18

Maggie “Lucas” Huggins completed her 5th season as an original Legend.  Maggie, an experience point guard, also played post this season, dominating inside.  She led her team with 105 rebounds and 36 blocked shots.  Her 31 assists and 75 points were both second on the team.  She had 14 points, 10 rebounds and 7 blocks in a tight win at the NEPA Flames Shootout in Scranton, PA.  Maggie had 5 three pointers and was tied for first on the team with 25 steals. 

2016 

Maggie “Lucas” completed her 4th year as a Legend, and it was outstanding.  She played a strong PG all year, and expanded her game by adding time at the post and as a backline defender.  She was 3rd in scoring with 114 points, led the team in assists (58), and was second in blocked shots (52).  She set career highs for single games with 5 blocked shots, 5 assists and 10 rebounds.  She had thee 3-pointers in the NEPA shootout.

2015-16 Highlights

Maggie “Lucas” Huggins completed her third year as a Legend.  She was the starting PG and led the team with 30 assists.  She was 4th on the team in scoring with 49 points, was third in steals (40) and second in blocked shots (37).  She had 16 points and 10 assists in the 4 game NEPA Shootout.  Maggie often drew the opponent’s best offensive player as a defensive assignment.



 #X Guard

Ava Swanson

Ava "The Answer" Swanson played five years as a Legend.  Ava won two second place trophies and played in an undefeated shootout.  She has 189 steals, 351 rebounds, 11 three pointers and 231 points.  She led her team in steals 4 times and was second in rebounds twice.

2021

Ava played in 7 games this season.  After not playing for more than two years she improved each week.  She was a shut down defender who was tasked with stopping the opponent’s top scorer.  Ava finished the year with 10 rebounds.

2017-18

Ava was third on her team in scoring with 91 points, 4th is assists with 17, and first in steals with 54.  She was second on the team in three pointers with 7.  Ava shot 50% from the foul line.  Had a season high 10 points vs. Bishop Guilfoyle, and was second on the team in scoring in the Scranton Shootout with 23 points in 4 games.  Had a huge game winning 3 pointer with 4 seconds left of the last win of the season. 

2016-17

The Answer developed from a defensive specialist to a well rounded player that played all three guard positions.  She finished the year 4th in scoring, 4th in assists and 3rd in three pointers.  She led the team in steals.  She had a game high 11 points.  She led the team in scoring in the Lewistown tournament.  She had 19 points and 21 rebounds in the NEPA Flames shootout.

2015-16 Highlights

Ava “The Answer” Swanson completed her 3rd year as a Legend.  Emerged as a PG as the season progressed.  She was a defensive specialist and often drew the opponent’s best scorer as a defensive assignment. Was second on the team in steals (45) and had 65 rebounds from the guard position.

#34 Guard/Post

Mya McElhinney

Mya “Mighty Mac” McElhinney has played five years as a Legend. In her career Mya has 755 rebounds (2nd for her team) and 489 points.  She led her team in rebounding six times, and scoring once.  She was second in scoring 5 times. Mya won two second place trophies and played in an undefeated shootout.

2021

Mya played all five positions in 13 games this season.  She finished second on the team with 14 assists and led the team with 64 rebounds.  She showed a knack for getting to the basket and drawing fouls.  Her 15 foul shots made was second on the team.  She finished the season with 60 points.  Her best tournament was the second Keystone Challenge when she led the team in scoring and rebounds.

2017-18

Mya scored 100 points (2nd on the team), led the team in rebounds with 126, was third in assists with 18, and was second in steals with 28.  Had a season high 13 points vs. Bishop Guilfoyle. 

2016-17

Mighty Mac completed her 4th year as a Legend.  She was second on the team in scoring, and led the team in rebounding (117) and was third in steals.  Had a game high 16 points.  Best game came in the NEPA Shootout when she had 14 points and 13 rebounds in a Legends victory.  Had 50 rebounds in the 4 game shootout.  Mya combines power and slick moves to play a dynamic post position.

2015-16

Mya “Mighty Mac” McElhinney completed her third year with the Legends.  She led the team in offensive (122), defensive (145) and total rebounds (267) and scoring (187 points).  She also led the team in free throws attempted (172) and made.  She had 16 points in a victory in Scranton

#12 Guard

Rayna Fischer

Rayna Fischer has played six years for the Legends.  Rayna developed into a dangerous scorer who can put the ball in the basket from anywhere on the court. She has tremendous body control which allows her to make seemingly impossible shots while drawing fouls. She is a deadly shooter and her intensity on defense leads to big steals.  Rayna’s highest scoring games are often in the biggest games.  She led her team in scoring in six leagues, assists once, steals twice and three pointers five times.  In her career Rayna is the all-time leader in points (1,280), three pointers (67), and steals (294).  She also has 540 career rebounds.  Rayna won two second place team trophies, played an undefeated regular season and two undefeated 4-0 shootouts, won a medal in the Red Bank Valley tournament and won a Championship.

 

2021

Rayna played in 18 games this season.  She was second on the team in scoring with 66 points and led the team in 2-point shooting percentage at 42%.  She had 12 assists and 21 steals which was second on the team and led the team in three pointers with 11.  She had a stellar first Keystone Challenge when she had her game high 14 points to help the team into the championship game.

2018-19

Rayna Fischer played for the Blue and White Legends teams in the Fall leagues and several Fall and Spring tournaments.  In the Fall she led both teams in scoring and was second on the team in blocked shots on the White Team (JMC). She also led both teams in foul shots made.   She was double digits in scoring four times in the Summit league, including a team high 14 points in the team’s victory over the 8th grade Hot Shots.  Rayna was the first Legend to go over 1,000 points in the second game of the JMC season.  She led the team in scoring (56 points) and three pointers (5) in the Redbank Valley Jr High Tournament where she had 20 points in the tight first game win over Indiana and 18 points in the third place clincher.  Finished the Fall season with 168 points, team high, and was second in three pointers with 7.  She shot 47-76 (62%) for foul shots, leading the team for players with more than 10 attempts.  In the Spring, Rayna led the team in scoring, was tied for the lead in steals, and was second in rebounding.  She shot over 60% from the foul line.  Rayna had 9 points in 2 minutes in the come back victory over the Hot Shots, the team’s final victory.

2017-18

Rayna Fischer completed her 4th year as a Legend.  She led the team in scoring with 162 points, 11 three pointers, and 31 made foul shots, shooting over 50%.  Her 20 steals were tied for 3rd on the team.  She scored in double digits 5 times, with a season high of 16.  She scored 41 points on 40% shooting from 2 point range and 3-5 for three pointers in the NEPA Flames Shootout.

2016

Rayna had another great year playing the big guard.  Set career high for a single game for rebounds (11), blocks (5) and assists (5).  Was second on the team in scoring with 329 points and shot over 50% from the foul line.  Led team in 3 pointers (and shot 20% from beyond the arc).  Scored 18 points in OT victory over the Hot Shots.  Scored a career high 22 points against the Hot Shots in the Championship victory.  Was third on the team in rebounds (159), second in steals (81) and had 31 assists.

2015-16

Rayna completed her second year as a Legend.  She led the team in scoring (132) points, three pointers, foul shots attempted and made, and foul shooting percentage (53%).  She also led the guards in rebounding with 79.  She had several big games including scoring 45 points in the 4 game NEPA Shootout, with a high of 15 in one game.

 #2 Guard

Sophia La Porta

Sophia La Porta has played seven years as a Legend.  Despite missing two seasons almost entirely, Sophia in her career Sophia has 101 career assists, 100 steals, and 39 blocked shots.  She was 1st or 2nd on her team in assists twice, and was second in blocked shots once.  Sophia won three 2nd place trophies and played in an undefeated shootout.

2021

Sophia played in 13 games this season.  She was a strong rebounder, grabbing 32 on the season to go with five assists.  She surpassed the 100-milestone in career assists and steals.  Her best tournament was the second Keystone Challenge when she was second on the team in rebounds and assists.

2017-18

A knee injury severely limited her minutes in the first 5 games of the season, before forcing her off the court.  She returned for limited play in the Scranton Shootout.  She was second on her team in assists at the time of her injury. 

2016-17

Sophia started the season with her usual aggressive play at the PG and off guard.  Her season ended after three games due to an injury.  She made a dramatic return in the NEPA shootout to throw an inbound pass to break the press.  She is working out hard to return next season.  She is an original team member, and completed her 5th season. Sophia was leading guards in rebounding when she was injured. Her best game came against Altoona when she had an assist and 3 rebounds.

2015-16

Sophia completed her 4th year as a Legend. She was third on the team in assists (29) and blocked shots (17).  Played mostly at the 3-guard and PG and served as a steady playmaker and defensive stalwart.  Had season high 5 assists in one game.  Hit huge shot in OT against St. Rose to seal a victory.

 #7  Post

Emalia Wagner

Emalia Wagner has played four years as a Legend.  In her career Emalia has 455 rebounds, 285 points and 64 blocked shots.   She led her team in rebounding once and blocked shots once.  Emalia won a second place trophy and played in an undefeated shootout.

2021

Emalia played 17 games this season.  She was 4th on the team with 44 rebounds and was second in blocked shots with 9.  She also had 13 steals.  Emalia scored 42 points on the season.  She heated up as the season went along scoring 28 points in the last two tournaments.  She had a great second Keystone Challenge finishing with 18 points on 40% shooting.

2017-18

 She finished second on the team in rebounds with 83, and had nine blocked shots.  Had a huge third game in Scranton, grabbing 10 rebounds and scoring 5 points as the Legend made an 11 point comeback to win.  Emalia also played for the White Team. 

2016-17

Emalia had another strong year in her second year as a Legend.  She was third on the team in scoring, 2nd in rebounds and 2nd in blocked shots.  She hit two free throws to win the team’s first game of the year.  She led the team in foul shooting percentage in the fall season.  She had 30 rebounds and 24 points in the NEPA Flames Shootout.  In the team’s final victory she had her best game: 10 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocked shots.

2015-16

Emalia was a 1st year player.  She finished second on the team in rebounds (200) and offensive rebounds (112).  Best game was in Scranton shootout with 13 points and 22 rebounds.  Developed into a force in the winter St. Rose league where she was 3rd on the team in scoring.

 #45 Hannah Kopac

Hannah completed her fifth year as a Legend.  She is a tenacious  defender and a long range shooter. Hannah has 198 career points and has grabbed 224 career steals.

2021

Hannah played up two years and played in 8 games this season.  The proved to be a strong defender and moved the ball well on offense.  She had an excellent second Keystone Challenge, hitting a big three pointer in the second game and a nice floater in the victory that sent the team to the Final Four.  She finished the season with 7 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 steals.

2018-19

Hannah completed her third year as a Legend this past Spring.  Hannah brought her defensive intensity to the floor as usual this past Spring. She primarily played shooting guard, but was also the second point guard for most of the season; a position she hasn’t played since her first year as a Legend.  Hannah works extremely hard on both ends of the court.  She has a nice left hand that she likes to use to get by defenders to get her shot off.  Hannah was second on the team in 3-pointers made.  She also was third in steals and fourth in assists.

Hannah Kopac played on the White team in the JMC Fall league.  Hannah became a strong contributor off the bench as the season progressed playing her best basketball down the stretch.  She scored on a beautiful left handed layup in a tough loss to Bishop Guilfoyle.  She got to the foul line 10 times, mostly drawing fouls after rebounds.  In her career Hannah has 82 steals to go with 11 assists and 64 points.

 #14  Post

Rosi Tsarnakova

Rosi Tsarnakova played two years as a Legend. In that short time she has scored 169 points and grabbed 134 rebounds.  She is a dynamic player inside and outside on offense.

2021

Rosi played in 17 games this season.  She led the team with 122 points and steals with 23 and was second in rebounds with 62.  She scored in double digits six times.  She had an exceptional Easter Shootout in Spooky Nook in which she scored 34 points and had 19 rebounds in three games.  Had a season high 13 points twice.

2017-18

She finished with 72 rebounds (3rd on the team) and 16 blocked shots (2nd on the team), to go with 46 points.  She excelled in the spring season, leading the team in scoring and grabbing the second most rebounds in the Lewistown tournament.  She also excelled in the Scranton shootout, finishing second on the team in rebounds and blocked shots.  Had a career high 13 points vs. Mifflin County.

 #32 Kaleigh McGarry

Kaleigh McGarry played two years as a Legend. In that time she has 19 assists and 74 points.  She keeps things under control at point guard and can hit a big shot.

2021

Kaleigh played in 17 games this season.  She finished with 11 assists, 42 points, 19 steals and 31 rebounds, and had five three pointers.  She saved her best tournament for last as her output improved in each set of games. She was second on the team in scoring with 15 points and shot 50% behind the arc in the last tournament of the season.

2017-18

Kaleigh McGarry completed her first year as a Legend and grew into a major contributor at guard.  Kaleigh had 50 rebounds and 14 steals to go with 32 points.  Her main contributions came in the spring season.  She had 11 points and was second on the team with 18 rebounds at the NEPA Flames Shootout.  She was second the team in scoring in the Juniata YMCA March Madness, including a career high 7 points in one game. 

 #6 Guard

Kayla "K-Hops" Hopkins

Kayla “K-Hops” Hopkins has played five years for the Legends.  Kayla has evolved from a guard into a hybrid guard-post and is an excellent defender, often drawing the opponents’ top scorer on defense.  Kayla led her team in scoring once, in assists once, and was third in rebounding.  She led her team in foul shooting percentage three times.   In her career Kayla has scored 392 points, has 338 rebounds, 72 blocked shots, and has 90 assists.   She won a second place team trophy, played an undefeated regular season, won a medal at the Red Bank Valley Tournament, and won a Championship.

2021

Kayla played in three games during the last tournament of the season.  She had a productive three games grabbing 6 rebounds and 5 steals while scoring 4 points.

2018-19

Kayla “K-Hops” Hopkins played on the 7/8 Grade Blue Team and several Fall and Spring tournaments.  She developed into a top defender covering both posts and scoring guards. In the Fall she had an outstanding Redbank Valley Jr High Tournament.  She had 6 points in a tough win over Clarion Limestone, and covered the top player and helped shut her out in the second half of the third place clincher.  In the Spring, she led the team in assists in one tournament, and finished third on the team in rebounding as she became a defensive presence on the post.  She was second on the team in foul shooting percentage at 63%.

2017-18

Kayla played on the 7/8 grade team and the 6th grade team in the fall season.  She finished second on her team in steals, first in blocked shots, and third in scoring on the 6th grade team.