In Dan Reichenbach’s first season at the helm of the Salisbury girls basketball team, the Falcons suffered through an injury-riddled season and didn’t record a win.

Last season the Falcons stayed mostly healthy and bounced back with a 7-8 overall record in a season shortened by the COVID pandemic. The Falcons qualified for both the Colonial League and District 11 tournaments.

Competing for championships is the goal for the program and this season could bring Salisbury closer to that objective as the team has it’s top scorer and some other returning pieces back from last season.

“Coming off last year’s successful season where we made the league and district playoffs, we have three starters back,” said Reichenbach. “That includes Second Team All-Colonial League point guard, Quinn Wittman, who should be one of the top players in the league this year. Forwards Krista Bonge and Hanna Kamp also had successful seasons last year and gained valuable experience. I’m expecting both to be big contributors this season.”

There are also a couple of younger and lesser experienced players that will enter the lineup for Salisbury this season.

“Desiree Nales is new to the program, but she is a good ballhandler, can drive and shoot,” Reichenbach said. “She will take some pressure off of Quinn with ball handling. Ava Smarch played mostly JV last year, she is a three-point specialist. So, we have a nice combination of speed, ball-handling, size and some girls who can shoot. I’m expecting Angela Bitar and Marcie Silberman to play big roles off the bench.”

Reichenbach sees more strengths than weaknesses with this season’s edition of the Falcons.

“We have some experience and talent, which will certainly help us all season,” said Reichenbach. “Our weakness will be depth as we only have 15 total girls for both JV and Varsity. We have to stay healthy, play smart and stay out of foul trouble.”

Last year, it was great to get there, this year Salisbury wants more. Qualifying for the postseason tournaments has now become a yearly goal under Reichenbach.

“I expect us to be competitive in every game and make the league and district playoffs again this year,” Reichenbach said. “We had a very good scrimmage against Whitehall and Quakertown. I’m excited to see how this team develops and builds on last year’s success. I think we will surprise a lot of teams this year.”

Salisbury begins its season at Dieruff next Friday, December 10.