Over the past few years, Catasauqua’s Hailey Jenkins has been among the area’s leading scorers and has carried the torch for the program. She has been averaging over 21 points per game this season, making her once again one of the area’s leading scorers.

Heading into this week’s final game and the beginning of the postseason ahead, Jenkins is very positive about her game and her team’s chances.

The Rough Riders met Southern Lehigh in their final regular-season game, and they will meet and host Palmerton, the fifth-seed, as the fourth seed in the Colonial League playoffs that will begin Friday.

Jenkins has worked to improve her game, and she doesn’t feel any added pressure. She continues to be impressed with teammate Kaylin Stewart, and she likes her team’s chemistry.

“I feel very confident with my game going into the postseason,” beamed Jenkins. “I’ve really improved my free throw percentage from previous seasons and that’s definitely helped us with our close games.

“I don’t feel like I have to carry the team. Although we’re a very young team, the girls always go out and do what they are asked of them, especially Kaylin Stewart. Our dynamic on the court is something that I believe can’t be stopped. I do feel completely healthy at this point and hope to stay healthy.”

Head coach Tara Belfield has kept everything in perspective for her team. The Roughies, who began the week at 16-5, had won eight-straight games before a recent loss to Tamaqua in which Jenkins scored 27 points.

“We are looking forward to the playoffs but we were not trying to look past our game Tuesday against Southern Lehigh who is playing really good basketball right now,” said Belfield. “We’ve had close games against all the teams above us and we absolutely believe we can compete against them.”

Belfield believes Jenkins can further elevate her game in the postseason.

“Hailey is amazing every day,” beamed Belfield. “And, yes, somehow I do believe she still has yet another gear for the postseason.”