Alivia Bear understood the overall effort she needed to develop into one of the premier cross county runners in the Colonial League.

Now, Bear is finding the same niche on the basketball court, as the Rough Riders senior has developed into an integral part of the Roughies’ run to the playoffs.

“Alivia has had some big games for us lately,” said Roughies head coach Mark Seremula. “She has been scoring in double digits for us, and she had 11 points recently against Pen Argyl.

“Alivia’s play is just what we need. She has stepped up and made some big shots for us. She is playing with a lot of confidence and making good decisions out there.”

Bear has acknowledged that she has found her shot.

“I’ve been putting in the work to get my shot where it needs to be, so that I can be a threat on offense,” offered Bear. “I’m developing more confidence with each game. I’m just glad to be contributing to the scoring and taking some of the pressure off my teammates.

“When I score, it creates more opportunities for my teammates to get open in the following possessions.”

Bear realizes she can enhance her contributions.

“There’s still a lot more that I could be doing for the team,” added Bear. “I’m working on getting to that point where I make things happen offensively. Everyone is working hard, so that we are as strong as we can be when it comes time for the playoffs.”

Speaking of the postseason, the Roughies began the week with a 44-31 victory over Southern Lehigh Monday that raised their overall record to 9-6. Sophia Becker had a team-high 19 points, and Hailey Jenkins added 12 in the victory. Catty will play Salisbury Friday and then travel to Kutztown Monday.

The Roughies will need two more wins to clinch a district Class 3A playoff spot, something that eluded them by one game last season. Seremula knows Jenkins, who has been the team’s leading scorer all season, will be a key.

“She is just really, really good,” reflected Seremula about Jenkins. “She doesn’t get the benefit of enough calls. She is just so strong and so good. Hailey can just go through people, but the refs have to be more aware of her play and how much she is fouled.

“But we are playing like a team, and that’s how we will be successful.”