Basketball Recap: Conemaugh Valley Takes a Loss

Conemaugh Valley was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their fifth straight loss. They were beaten by the Cambria Heights Highlanders 74-35. While losing is never fun, the Blue Jays can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Pennsylvania basketball rankings (they are ranked 601st, while the Highlanders are ranked 210th).

Gwen Masser

Rebounds

01/23/25 @ Cambria Heights	10
01/17/25 @ Portage	10
01/15/25 vs Homer-Center	10

Conemaugh Valley's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Gwen Masser, who dropped a double-double on ten points and ten rebounds. Masser is on a roll when it comes to boards, as she's now pulled down ten or more in the last three games she's played. Penelope Reininger was another key player, putting up nine points in addition to five rebounds and five steals.

Even though they lost, Conemaugh Valley smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 13 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive boards in three consecutive games.

Sienna Kirsch was her usual excellent self, dropping a triple-double on 34 points, 14 boards, and ten steals for Cambria Heights. What's more, Kirsch also racked up six assists, the most she's had since back in January of 2024. Another player making a difference was Kinley Rogal, who posted eight points along with eight steals and six assists.

Conemaugh Valley's loss dropped their record down to 2-14. As for Cambria Heights, their win was their ninth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 11-5.

Coincidentally, both will both be playing United the next time they take the court. Cambria Heights will host United at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, while Conemaugh Valley will head out to face them at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.