As one of the top female basketball players in Pioneer Athletic Conference, Erin States is likely to provide a focal point for most opposing defenses. Upper Perkiomen

Erin States, right, takes a shot in practice while Makayla  Marshall prepares for a rebound.

head coach Shelli Petsch says she welcomes that scenario.

            "If teams want to try and shut down Erin, we have other options," she said.

            With increased depth and improved talent, the coach expects the program to take another step forward. According to Petsch, the Indians have a chance to finish in the top half of the Frontier Division.

            "The potential is there," the second-year coach said.

            States, a four-year starter and a three-time All-Frontier Division selection, led the Indians to their first victory of the season last weekend at the Tulpehocken Tip Off Tournament. She scored a game-high 28 points in a 63-28 victory over the host Trojans in the consolation game.

            One night earlier, the team absorbed a 61-20 loss to Pequea Valley in the tourney's opening round game. Natalie Kearney scored a team-high six points while Abby Davidheiser added four.

            According to Petsch, States has made significant strides since last season. The coach said the 6-foot senior's game has benefitted from an off season playing with the Lehigh Valley Fever, an AAU team based in Bethlehem.

            Petsch said that States always has the green light to shoot.

            "I would like to see her take 20 to 30 shots per game," Petsch said. "Erin looks super strong and excited. I'm hoping she will have a really nice season."

            In the consolation victory, States posted 12 points in the second quarter, including two of her four 3-pointers, to help her team build a 38-19 halftime lead on Saturday, Dec. 2. Carly Heiser added six of her 11 points in the quarter.

            Kearney finished with nine points for the Tribe (1-1), which extended a 15-13 lead with a 23-point outburst in the decisive second quarter. Elena Fabian and Hannah Guffey both registered four points.

            The coach claims States' outside shot and ball handling, as well as her skills in the post, have improved. Petsch said the player is equally effective on the wing or in the low block.

            "Erin has more confidence in her shot," Petsch said of States, a first-team Frontier Division selection the past two seasons. "She's got a great outlook."

            Still, the Indians don't expect to run their offense directly through States. The coach said they will run a motion offense.

            According to Petsch, the Tribe will need significant offensive balance if it hopes to qualify for the PAC playoffs. She said the team's overall basketball IQ has improved.

            "We have to be patient," said Petsch, whose team resumes its schedule with a pair of non-league home games against Oley Valley and Kutztown on Friday and Saturday, respectively.

. "We're working on not just throwing up a shot. Last season, when we were being pressed, we got rushed and made a bad pass."

            Kearney, Guffey, Abigail Davidheiser and Makayla Marshall provide viable scoring alternatives.  Petsch said Fabian and Dana Cahill should provide relevant minutes off the bench. Rossangela Padilla will share time at point guard with Kearney and Marshall.