By GRACE ORR
Senior Keira Whitman has been an active member of the basketball and soccer teams for all four years of her high school career at Bellefonte High.
After high school, she is going to attend Penn State University for forensic science.
Keira has played basketball for eight years and is currently playing a post position in her senior year as number 40. Her favorite part of being on the team is playing alongside her teammates for one last year.
“I enjoy the people I play with and the feeling of trying to win, and close games when you play a rival team are the best,” Keira said.
The girls’ basketball team has had a rough start to the season, but Keira hasn’t given up. She continues to show her positive attitude and work ethic. Most recently in their game against Bald Eagle, Keira had 11 rebounds while finishing with 16 points against the rival team.
The Lady Raiders received their first win against Philipsburg last Monday with a score of 48-38. Keira contributed 15 points to the score to secure the victory.
Keira’s most impressive and high-scoring game this year was at Clearfield, where she scored 20 points against the Clearfield Bisons.
“We started off rough but we figured out how to work as a team well and started making a comeback,” she said.
Basketball Coach Marissa Ward started her first year as head coach this winter.
“Keira is aggressive and tough, she gives 100% effort, understands the game, and she always has a positive attitude,” Coach Ward said.
Someone who has been at Keira’s side her whole basketball career is senior Madison Ripka. The two have played together for eight years.
“I’ll miss playing with her because some of the conversations we have are wild, especially during away games. Keira is such a good team player, she always encourages people and pushes them to be the best,” Madison said.
The two of them have a tight friendship that has only grown stronger due to their time on the court together.
“My favorite part about playing with Keira over the years is how close we’ve gotten. I wouldn’t know Keira the way I do today if we hadn’t ever played together,” Madison said.
As the season is coming to an end, Keira is reflecting on the aspects she is going to miss.
“I am going to miss the people and the pre-game excitement,” she said.
Along with basketball, Keira had an impressive soccer career in her four years on varsity. Keira achieved a total of 519 saves in all four years. She was the team captain her senior year because she was a leader on and off the field.
