The 2022-23 basketball season was possibly the best season in the history of the program. After a 1-1 start, the team rattled off a record 24 straight wins and finished the season with a 26-win season, which was also a record.

The team came into the year with a target on its back after winning two straight Colonial League championships. Even with teams gunning for them, the Tigers were able to pick up their third straight title, downing Palmerton 31-30 in the league championship game.

The usual battles between Northwestern and Palmerton grew into a true rivalry this season. Each team went onto the other’s court and left with a win as the Lady Bombers were the only team to beat Northwestern during the regular season. Palmerton edged the Lady Tigers in power ranking points to earn a first-round bye in the playoffs, but it made no difference as Northwestern cut their way through each round.

To make the rivalry even sweeter, Palmerton has been the victim in each of the league championship games that Northwestern has won. Nobody will be coming after the Tigers more next season than the Palmerton Blue Bombers.

“It’s always a great matchup between our two teams,” said Northwestern head coach Chris Deutsch. “They always have a good team, and they are well coached, and the girls battle each other on the court.”

The team beat Saucon Valley in its first district game before falling to Schuylkill League champion North Schuylkill in the semis.

Northwestern won the third-place game against Blue Mountain to earn a place in the state tournament. The Tigers’ season ended three days later with a 29-26 loss to Lewisburg in the PIAA play-in game, finishing the season at 26-3. Their three losses were by a combined seven points.

“It was a great season. These girls came in with a target on them and they didn’t let it affect them,” said Deutsch. “I am so proud of them and the way they played all season and everything that they achieved. I really have to thank them because they have worked hard all season.”

The season saw Paige Sevrain break the program’s all-time scoring record, finishing with 1,258 points. Deutsch, who wrapped up his 20th season as the team’s coach, will say goodbye to Sevrain, Nina Miller, Maci Fisher and Gabby Gober, who all graduate this spring.

Opponents cannot rest easy however, because part of the strength of the Tigers this season came from their young players. This year sophomore class accounted for 25 points per game with Cara Thomas leading the way with a 10.2 per game average. Brook Balliet averaged 8.6 per game and Rylee McGinley came off the bench with the ability to hit three-pointers and averaged 3.6 per game, including 8.5 per game in the Colonial League playoffs.

“Our young players really took a step forward this year and got a lot of experience,” Deutsch noted. “They are all hard workers and I think they will get even better between now and next season.”