For Hailey Jenkins, it was a sudden halt that ignited a cavalcade of memories.

Jenkins saw her Catasauqua playing days come to a halt when the third-seeded Rough Riders fell, 36-31, to sixth-seeded Pine Grove in a District 11 Class 3A quarterfinal playoff game at Executive Education.

The senior was named the Colonial League Most Valuable Player, and she averaged roughly 20 points per game for the Roughies.

Jenkins certainly felt it hit home.

“It was definitely emotional,” emphasized Jenkins. “It was a hard game and a hard ending, especially knowing it was my last high school game. There were a lot of feelings that came with it, but I’m grateful for the experience and for everything this season taught me.

“It’s still a little hard to believe that my high school career is over.”

Catasauqua head coach Tara Belfield watched her team have plenty of chances for a victory. Sophomore Kaylin Stewart got in foul trouble and it affected her team’s play.

“We had lots of opportunities to win,” said Belfield. “We played solid man defense in the first half and went into halftime up by three points. Unfortunately, Kaylin got into some foul trouble which changed the game a bit. But they played hard. We missed way too many layups at the end.”

Belfield will look to Stewart along with sophomore Sarina Sankari and freshman Javaeha Lafond as a returning core. She also will look to an incoming middle-school class to provide depth.

“We lose Hailey and that’s going to be impossible to replace,” stressed Belfield. “But we have everyone else returning plus a strong group of 8th graders coming up. I am excited about the future of Catty girls’ basketball. We’ll definitely have to change the way we play without Hailey’s speed pushing the ball up court”

Jenkins can reflect upon the latest chapter of her career and her life.

“After playing for four years, it feels like such a big part of my life, so I’m definitely still processing it,” said Jenkins. “At the same time, I’m proud of what we accomplished and the relationships that were built along the way.”

Jenkins also is anxious for the next venue in college. She is still exploring her options.

“Next year, I’ll be playing in college, which I’m really excited about,” beamed Jenkins. “I’m looking forward to continuing to grow as a player and competing at the next level. I plan to train during the summer and stay active in the game. I’m excited to keep improving and preparing for the next chapter.”