Though just a sophomore, Kaitlyn Mundy is prepared to be a leader on the Upper Perkiomen girls basketball team.

                As one of just two returning starters, and with only one senior on the roster, Mundy figures the role has fallen to her out of necessity.

                Mundy said she and junior Sierra Kelly, the other returning starter, will likely deliver most of the points for the Indians, who open their season at the Tulpehocken Tipoff Tournament Dec. 9-10.

                Last year, Upper Perkiomen struggled to score. The team managed less than 20 points in nearly one-third of their games, went winless in the Pioneer Athletic Conference and posted only  one victory overall.

                Head coach Greg Swavely learned patience and humility during his first season with the program.  "Sometimes it takes time to build the program you want," he said. "I couldn't change anything. We're looking to continue taking positive steps."

                However, Swavely expressed optimism that the Indians, who open their home season Dec. 15 against Brandywine Heights, can improve this year. 

                "We're looking to continue the growth progress," he said. "We've come a long way over the summer. The girls have worked very hard over the summer. They have done all kinds of things to improve."

                Competing in multiple summer leagues and tournaments, the players have worked on their individual skills and knack for the game, according to Swavely.  "We need to keep getting better as the season goes on," he said.

                During a recent pre-season tournament in Pottsgrove, Upper Perkiomen's players scored at least 20 points in three games, according to Mundy.

                "We were better at working together, even if the scores didn't show it," she said.

                The team will include several talented energetic ninth graders who will compete for playing time, according to the coach.

                He said Mundy, a 5-foot-7 guard, Kelly, a 6-foot junior center, and Erika Boyer, a 5-foot-4 junior guard can enhance their development. Jasmine Dupee, a senior guard/forward, will also be in the mix for significant minutes.

                Swavely described Mundy, who can handle the ball, hit the open shots and cover the opposition's top offensive player, as the team's most improved player.  "I'm overjoyed with her development," the coach said. "We're looking for big things from her the next three years."

                Mundy, who expects most her points to come on drives, said Kelly should have plenty of short shot opportunities as defenders slide to stop her as she slashes to the basket.

Kelly, described by the coach as a classic post player who can score around the basket and a good rebounder, is working to enhance her offensive moves.  

                "Sierra displays great leadership and understands what we're trying to accomplish," Swavely said. "With time, she can become a really good player."