Mark Seremula wished there was more time left in the summer season for the Roughies.

The new head coach has watched his players grow and develop toward the winter season. It is not just about winning, but it is about the overall process.

The Roughies recently competed in the A-town Throwdown tournament at Cedar Beach in Allentown against some of the better teams in the Lehigh Valley and benefitted despite a pair of defeats against Dieruff and Warren Hills.

“We played in a high-caliber tournament,” said Seremula. “We were beating Freedom (5-4) at one point, but we couldn’t score after that.

“This was good for the kids to spend some time together, as they were together for six or seven hours.”

Seremula also noted that his team was down, 14-9, to Warren Hills at the half. He stated his players were inspired at the tournament.

And, his players understand the obstacles ahead.

“They played together and they played hard,” said Seremula. “They knew it was going to be a tough tournament and took it as a challenge.

“We are just trying to play through everything, no matter what. We’re learning another offense, and we are also playing a 2-3 zone the way that I want them to play it. We’re getting better fundamentally and we have made progress.”

Seremula cited the efforts of seniors Allanah George, Julia Lacey, and Taylor Richards as setting the trend for the team.

“They all have been vocal,” said Seremula. “They have done a great job and have really bonded the team.”

He also credited the play of junior Maddie Hicks and sophomore Lexi Rushatz, who both will play prominent roles in the winter.

“Maddie (Emery) had a good summer,” said Seremula. “Lexi (Rushatz) also has a good summer and she can be a good point guard for us the next three years. She has become more of a leader and is trying to become a better overall player.”

Sophomore Olivia Emery was the biggest surprise of the Allentown tournament. Emery missed all of last season due to a hand injury.

“When we reviewed players in the tournament, we coaches all mentioned her name,” said Seremula. “She had a great tournament coming off the bench.”

Seremula will hold open gyms until the end of the month. He is anxious to begin the season.

“We want the girls to play their fall seasons and get away from basketball a bit,” said Seremula. “From what we have seen, we are feeling good about this year. There has been progress and we’re ready to get going.”