Lekaiah Solomon-Schuylkill Valley

Lekaiah Solomon admitted that she was very nervous at the free throw line with 16 seconds left in a tie game. The pressure didn’t bother the 5’8 senior at all as she calmly sank both attempts to give the Panthers a 28-26 lead over Brandywine Heights. Schuylkill Valley held on for a 30-26 victory in a matchup of division leaders. Olivia Moyer was fouled on a drive with eleven seconds remaining. The 5’7 sophomore went down hard and had to be helped off the court. Caroline Fenstermacher came off the Bullets’ bench to shoot the free throws for Moyer. Fenstermacher missed both and the Panthers got the loose ball. Sophomore Natane White knocked down two free throws with two seconds to go for the final margin. Schuylkill Valley improved to (13-1, 6-0) after its fourth consecutive win. Solomon finished with a season-high 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 steals. Her offensive rebound got her to the FT line with 16 seconds to play. Solomon said she loves to crash the boards. The Panthers don’t have anyone over 5’8 on their roster so rebounding is extremely important. They do have plenty of experience with four senior starters. Solomon is thrilled with the chemistry on the team. Schuylkill Valley held Brandywine Heights 18 points under its season average. The Panthers came into tonight allowing just 31 points per game, second to only the Bullets in Berks County. Solomon is well aware of how significant defense is to their success. Schuylkill Valley had a 13-6 advantage after the first quarter. The Panthers led 18-14 at halftime and 23-22 entering the final period. Jadyn Heck-Hoppes chipped in with seven points. Schuylkill Valley went 12-21 from the FT line, while Brandywine Heights was 3-10. 5’11 freshman Addison Benner had nine points for the (10-2, 6-1) Bullets. She’s averaging a team-high 14ppg. Benner’s turnaround shot in the lane gave Brandywine Heights its first lead with 2:55 left. Schuylkill Valley connected on five of its last six free throws to seal it. Solomon is hoping that the Panthers will qualify for the state playoffs this season. Schuylkill Valley is off to a great start and this win in Leesport will give them even more confidence.