For Jenna Raysley, basketball has been a family affair.

Her mother, Janelle (Ganci), played basketball at Whitehall and also at DeSales University, and her father, Steve, also played.

Now, the youngest Raysley has continued the tradition, and she is possibly ready to close the family chapter as a senior at Northampton.

Still, Raysley can relish the memories.

“I started playing basketball in elementary school,” said Raysley. “It was because both of my parents played in high school. Both of my parents encouraged me to play so I started playing.

“I would say that both of my parents have had the biggest role throughout my career. My mom is always at my games cheering me and my team on. She also coached me when I was younger and she is always taking and picking me up from practice. My dad also coached me when I was playing rec ball. He also recently started coaching my AAU team for the past two years.”

From her youth, Raysley began to improve her game the last four years. This season, Raysley has watched her club blossom, possibly at the right time. She also has enjoyed playing a different role on the team.

“I stared feeling confident throughout my high school career because I started to gain a bigger role on the court,” recalled Raysley. “I think this season we accomplished more than anyone expected us to. We showed that we are a good team. We also improved so much from last year’s season. I think my role is important because I need to show the younger girls on the team what a leader looks like. I also enjoy being a leader.”

Head coach Jeff Jacksits has shared some similar thoughts with his senior. He is optimistic that his club (10-12) can put up a good effort in the upcoming district playoffs.

“I think we’ve made progress as the season has gone by but we are still looking for that game that we play a full four quarters,” stressed Jacksits. “We haven’t been able to stay mentally strong for a complete game and that lapse has cost us a few chances at winning games.

“We’re hoping we can put a complete game together before the season ends. [District 11 playoffs] was a goal we have at the beginning of each season.”

The girls finished the year at 10-12, but managed to earn the eighth and final playoff spot. They will open with a road game against top-seed Emmaus, which finished the season 21-1.