The Emmaus High School girls basketball team had one of its best seasons in over 20 years last winter

The Hornets had the most wins since 2000-01 and finished 25-3 overall and 16-0 in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. They won their first conference championship in 18 years and advanced to the final four of the District 11 tournament.

Head coach Avon Mack Jr., is back for his second season at the helm and is looking to take the program to an even higher level during the 2025-26 season.

“Our expectations are simple: play hard every game,” said Mack Jr. “Last year is in the past, and we know we won’t sneak up on anyone this season. Because of that, we have to continue working our tails off on both ends of the floor and commit to playing as a cohesive unit.”

Emmaus saw Cassie Doemling, Sofie Laird, Sylvia Sokolofski and Emma Naccarato graduate and then Kayla Snyder transfer from last season’s squad.

Returning this season are some talented seniors, including Gabby DeVita, who was a league co-MVP and averaged a team-best 14.6 points per game last year, Olive Whitney, Sierra Stevens and Kaitlyn Grochowski.

A couple of newcomers looking to make impacts this season, include juniors Sophia Shutkufski, Makayla McGinnis, Shirley Leman and Julianna Montero, along with sophomores Gracie Ervin, Olivia Haberl, Eva Glover, Camryn Harp and Gabby East.

“We have talent, we may be young in some areas, but I believe this group has a lot of potential,” Mack said. “From day one, our goal has been to go 1-0, and that remains our approach every time we step on the court.”

Emmaus lost its season opener to Wilson West Lawn, 51-46 in overtime last Saturday at home.

In the game against the Bulldogs, Emmaus trailed 10-7 after the first quarter, but outscored Wilson 12-9 in the second to tie the game at halftime. The score was also tied after the third quarter (28-28) and at the end of regulation (42-42) before the Bulldogs outscored the Green Hornets 9-4 in the overtime period.

DeVita finished with a team-best 19 points and Ervin tallied eight points. Stevens and Whitney added six points and Haberl had four.