Catasauqua senior forward Katie Buczynski wouldn't mind coming back for another year of basketball next season.

Over her past three seasons, Buczynski has been an integral player on teams that generated three wins in as many seasons. It was learning and frustrating experience for Buczynski, who arguably accumulated more minutes than most other players in the program. She also recovered from a major knee injury and quickly regained her form.

Now in her senior season, Buczynski sees some light at the end of the tunnel with the return of long-time coach Dave Troxell to lead the program. The Roughies did win their first game of the season, but they are currently mired in an eight-game losing streak.

Still, Buczynski knows her team's best days are ahead.

"It's like night and day," said Buczynski about the team's apparent transformation this season. "We're more focused and we do everything for a purpose. There is always a reason behind everything we do and we're stressing fundamentals.

"We still need to play one quarter at a time. We used to try and go out there and take the game over. But we have a good attitude and work ethic to build on for the rest of the season."

Troxell was glad to have Buczynski back in the fold this winter. She has been the team's leading scorer and among the top rebounders.

"She (Buczynski) is a threat down low for us and she is a leader on and off the floor," said Troxell. "She wants to go out there to do the right things and want to win. She plays with a purpose and a will."

It has been a new, unbridled enthusiasm for the sport that has Buczynski wanting to come back.

"Its tough being it is my last year," she said. "I know this program is turning the corner and the younger players have something to look forward to. We're going to make the most of the last month of the season."

However, Buczynski will need to turn the page and she will attend DeSales University in the fall to pursue a degree in nursing. Expecting a heavy work load, Buczynski still wants to keep basketball in the forefront, a sport she began in second grade under the guidance of parents Dave and Jane Wetherhold.

"I love basketball and can't see giving it up," she said. "I don't know if I'll try and play yet. But (basketball) is something that has always been with me and I've always been challenged. When I was in second grade, I was playing with the third- and fourth-grade teams."

When she isn't playing the sport during the winter, Buczynski can be found following the play of the Duke University men's basketball program, as she is an avid fan.

She attended the ACC Tournament last year and has also seen the team play in New York and other cities. At Catasauqua, Buczynski is currently the president of Student Council, member of the Varsity C club, and also a member of the Student Forum.

Yet, Buczynski will continue to bring her work ethic to practice.

"We still can make some things happen," she said. "Every game, we're showing signs of improving and we'll keep working."