Gateway girls ready to turn corner after challenging seasons

By: Michael Love
Sunday, November 19, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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Senior Anayla Jordan had an optimistic tone when asked about the prospects for this year’s Gateway girls basketball team.

The lone starter back from a team that fought through challenges last year and finished with a 4-18 overall mark and an 0-12 record in Section 1-5A, Jordan said the players have worked hard in the offseason and have the pieces in place to improve both in and out of section play.

“I am prepared to lead this team,” Jordan said.

“I know we’ve had a tough last three seasons, but we have prepared the best we can, and I know we will continue to prepare. We have a lot of girls on this team who want to win and have worked hard to hopefully make that happen. I think we can be a pretty strong defensive team. You will see that.”

Gators coach Curtis Williams said a number of seniors will be counted on to help lead the team, along with several younger players vying for time in the lineup.

All-section performer Marina Grado, who averaged close to 12 points last year, was among a group that included Jayla Oliver, Mea Johnson and Amiya White who were lost to graduation from the starting lineup.

“From what I am seeing, there’s a mix who will be able to contribute,” Williams said.

“Realistically, it will be a young team in terms of experience because a number of the seniors, with the exception of Anayla, had smaller roles last year. But therein lies opportunity. They’ve been waiting for that chance, and now it is here. They get to step into those leadership roles and create the team they want to have.”

Jordan, along with Oliver, were second on the team last year in scoring at 6 points a game. Jordan added three rebounds and two steals a contest.

“Anayla wants that leadership role,” Williams said. “It is her time, and she has worked her tail off to be in a position to lead the team. She is focused and ready to have a good year. She is ready to work and change the culture to one of winning and an expectation of winning.”

Senior Danaeja James, Maia Jones and Aubrie Lovelace, Williams said, are expected to see bigger roles at both ends of the court.

“They have stepped up their leadership roles so it’s not all on Anayla,” Williams said. “They’ve been friends for life and playing together for a long time.”

Williams said at this point, senior Becca Ryan, who has been recovering since suffering an ACL injury in the latter half of last season, will not suit up for the Gators this season. But, Williams added, she is always welcome to be a part of the team in whatever role she wishes.

“She’s always been a hard worker and a tone setter with her energy and enthusiasm,” Williams said.

“Her presence alone would do wonders for us.”

Williams said a pair of juniors who were on the JV team last year, Rachel Szymanski and Casey Glaze, will be able to take that next step to varsity and have the chance to make an impact.

“We had really good numbers throughout the fall,” Williams said.

“The girls showed up with a willing attitude and eager to get started on what they can do. Our biggest thing right now and through the first week or two of preseason practices will be assimilating to the speed of the game.”

Gateway came out on the short end of several close section matchups last year against Plum, Kiski Area and Franklin Regional.

The Gators again will do battle in Section 1 play with the Mustangs, Cavaliers and Panthers, as well as Indiana and Woodland Hills.

Indiana is the defending section champion, and Plum, Kiski Area and Woodland Hills earned playoff berths from the section.

Williams said his players will be challenged right out of the gate Dec. 2 against York Suburban and Dec. 3 against Avonworth at the Play for Mae event at Woodland Hills.

Gateway then faces Allderdice, Oakland Catholic and Deer Lakes in nonsection play leading up to the section opener against Plum on Dec. 15.

“With those early games, we’re going to see if we can rise to the challenge and compete,” Williams said.

“Some of the girls have been in those smaller roles but are now getting that chance to shine. I am optimistic they will be ready.

“We have a group that really enjoys playing together. That manifests itself in communication on the court. They share the ball, they move the ball, and they work for each other. It is refreshing. They’re not worried about who scores the most points. For them, it’s about winning.”

Michael Love is a TribLive reporter covering sports in the Alle-Kiski Valley and the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh. A Clearfield native and a graduate of Westminster (Pa.), he joined the Trib in 2002 after spending five years at the Clearfield Progress. He can be reached at mlove@triblive.com.

Tags: Gateway