Times grew tough over the past month, but Montoursville’s dedication never wavered. Neither Kayleigh Sheleman, nor Emily George would allow it.

The senior leaders helped keep the team focused and believing. So, it seemed fitting that both could bask in the glow of an exciting Senior Day victory against a long-time nemesis Saturday afternoon.

Sheleman scored 14 points and made four steals; George ran the offense well, adding seven points and Montoursville defeated visiting Williamsport, 40-30. The Warriors (7-13) kept their 4A playoff hopes alive and defeated their rival for the first time since Dec. 2, 2017.

For context, Montoursville assistant coach Lydia Albert was the leading Warrior scorer that day nine years ago, so ending that drought shined a light on what the seniors have done this season.

“It’s awesome. In the four years I’ve been here, we’ve never beaten Williamsport. We had a lot of energy, a lot of excitement for Senior Day and we got the job done,” Sheleman said. “That’s all you can ask for. I’ve been waiting for Senior Day my whole high school career, so it was good to come out and play well and get a win.”

Montoursville is much improved this season, winning three more games than a year ago. More than the record, the Warriors have been much more competitive, losing a series of hard-fought contests after a 5-3 start. Sheleman and George are excellent softball players, so it may have been easy to start looking ahead to that season.

Instead, they locked in on basketball even more. Attitude often reflects leadership and that mentality has permeated the roster. Now, the Warriors have won consecutive games in all made quality contributions against Williamsport.

“I am so proud of this team for not checking out,” Montoursville coach Travis Heap said. “We hit a tough spot where the girls could have quit but with our two seniors leading the charge, they kept it together. Everybody is working for the same thing. They’re not building for individual goals. but for the team.”

The team produced an excellent win against Williamsport which was coming off a 46-21 thumping of Danville. Montoursville led nearly the entire way and forced 25 turnovers. Freshman Trinity Belle scored 12 points and made six steals. Sophomore Marleigh Bainbridge produced five steals and sophomore Dahlia Campbell had six rebounds to go along with five points.

Those players are part of an exciting, young foundation Montoursville is constructing. But the biggest layer has been provided by two senior captains who have set a strong example. That is why their legacy likely will carry on beyond Senior Day and help the program continue growing in the coming years.

“It’s been instilled in me and Emily since we were freshmen to be good senior leaders,” Sheleman said. “We’re trying to build a foundation and hopefully that continues.”

Williamsport (6-14) shares many similarities. Jaelynn Helmrich is the lone senior and coach Lamar Ballard brings two freshmen off the bench in addition to starting two sophomores. There have been some exciting times, especially against Danville, but it’s a process.

At times, Williamsport looked strong, cutting a six-point deficit to 18-17 at halftime. But whenever momentum started shifting its way, Montoursville pulled it back, going up 13 in the third quarter and never letting Williamsport get closer than eight again.

“That’s been the story of our season. We just can’t get out of our own way sometimes. It’s inconsistency,” Williamsport coach Lamar Ballard said. “We’re trying to find that consistency. We have good games and bad games. We’re learning what it takes to win and be consistent.”

Laylah Martin drained three 3-pointers and scored a team-high 11 points. Jaelynn Helmrich and Zaelana Minor both grabbed 10 rebounds and freshman Brynlee Engel added five points with three assists.

And although Montoursville extended its lead during the second half, the Millionaires played better than they did during the first half. That was especially true in terms of how it competed, attacking the boards and going after loose balls.

But while the intensity increased, the shots would not fall. Montoursville allowed just two fourth quarter points and Sheleman’s free throw with 3 minutes, 14 seconds remaining was the game’s final point.

“I always tell the girls you can only control what you can control and one of the things you can control is your attitude,” Ballard said. “They’re learning as they go. We’re getting better as a team.”

So is Montoursville which has traded moral victories for real ones the last few days. Sheleman has been a big part of the success and scored seven third quarter points, including a corner 3-pointer as Montoursville went ahead, 34-21.

Sheleman added five rebounds and an assist and George attacked the basket, getting to the line and hitting four free throws as Montoursville opened the third quarter on a 16-4 run.

“We lost a lot of close games and had some heartbreakers, but we work hard at practice, and we come out and play hard,” Sheleman said. “I think we showed today that we can be pretty dangerous.”

That is especially true as the younger players continue hitting their stride. Belle has excelled since returning from an injury and reached a career-high in points while adding six rebounds. Bainbridge set an early tone with three first quarter steals and Campbell, Marissa Sweeley and Elsa Kehrer hit the boards hard.

It was a well-rounded effort and one which highlighted the team’s progress. Because after struggling in third quarters for much of the season, Montoursville made it its best quarter this time. Five players scored, the defense forced nine turnovers and all the pieces started falling into place.

“It was a big day with it being Senior Day, and it keeps our playoff hopes alive,” Heap said. “We’re learning how to finish games. That’s exactly what we did.

“It’s nice for these younger girls to see the improvement and the program changing. They’re seeing the benefits of their hard work.”

WILLIAMSPORT (30)

Jaelynn Helmrich 3 2-2 8, Laylah Martin 4 0-0 11, Zaelana Minor 0 0-0 0, Kinsley Cannode 0 2-2 2, Clara Fabian 2 0-0 4, Brynlee Engel 2 0-0 5, Payton Penncyoff 0 0-0 0. Totals 11 4-4 30.

MONTOURSVILLE (40)

Kayleigh Sheleman 5 3-6 14, Emily George 1 4-6 7, Marleigh Bainbridge 1 0-0 2, Trinity Belle 3 6-9 12, Elsa Kehrer 0 0-0 0, Marissa Sweeley 0 0-0 0, Dahlia Campbell 2 1-2 5. Totals 12 14-23 40.

Williamsport 8 9 11 2–30

Montoursville 12 6 18 4–40

3-pointers: Williamsport 4 (Martin 3, Engel); Montoursville 2 (Sheleman, George).

Records: Montoursville 7-13. Williamsport 6-14.